What does it mean to be a private patient on the public waiting list at the Eye & Ear Hospital?
If you decide to have surgery as a private patient at the Eye & Ear Hospital, you will be placed on the waiting list alongside public patients. This means that your surgeon will not be able to give you a date for surgery at the time of your consultation.
You will then be allocated to your surgeon’s operating list. All patients will be allocated a surgery date based on waiting times and the urgency of your condition, not by whether you are a private or public patient.
How much will it cost to have surgery as a private patient?
An estimated cost for your surgery will be provided by your surgeon. The anaesthetist will contact you to confirm their charges after you have been notified of your surgery date. A representative from the Eye and Ear Hospital will contact you regarding any other hospital related costs associated with your surgery.
What are the alternatives?
Your surgeon would have discussed with you the decision to have surgery as a private patient at the Eye & Ear Hospital. If you have any further questions about this decision, please discuss other possible options with your surgeon.
How long will I have to wait for surgery?
- Your surgeon will be able to provide you with an estimate of the waiting time. This estimate should be used as a guide only.
- When a date for surgery has been allocated to you, the hospital will contact you (2-4 weeks prior to the surgery date). However, last minute cancellations may mean that you are offered a date at short notice.
- If your surgery date is cancelled for any reason, either by you, your surgeon, or by the hospital, you will be placed on the next available operating list with your surgeon.
Please note you will only be allowed to cancel a maximum of 3 times (except for medical reasons), after which you will be removed from the waiting list.
What if there are changes in my condition/health?
While you are on the waiting list, if you are concerned about any changes in your condition or your general health, please contact your surgeon.
Further information
If you have any general questions regarding your decision to have surgery at the Eye & Ear Hospital, please contact your surgeon.
If you have questions regarding your surgery date, contact the Surgical Bookings Unit at the Eye & Ear Hospital on 9929 8553.
Please note that the hospital will not be able to provide you with information regarding your position on the waiting list.
