Northern Health Ophthalmology provides a limited service though it is envisaged the service will grow over time. It is a new service and initially we are focusing on the most common conditions such as cataract. We cannot cater for all eye conditions and you will continue to need to send some patients to the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital or other health network.

We have a multidisciplinary team at Northern Health (medical retina specialist, Cornea specialist, Glaucoma specialist, General ophthalmologist, Ophthalmology fellow, registrar, and Orthoptic staff) who work together to provide vision care and improve patient visual outcomes.  Please see below for further details of services provided by Northern Health Ophthalmology clinics based at Broadmeadows Hospital.

Ophthalmology Referral Guidelines (incorporating Statewide Referral Criteria) – click here

Referrals are assessed on an individual basis and patients may be referred to the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital or The Royal Children’s Hospital for treatment options such as injections, certain laser or surgical procedures or other treatment which may not be provided at Northern Health.

Ophthalmology Services NOT offered at Northern Health

Adults:

• Sudden loss of vision and trauma should be directed to Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• Patients at risk of irreversible or permanent vision loss such as glaucoma and retinal conditions should be referred to Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• Acute presentation of Optic Neuritis should be directed to Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• Ocular oncology should be directed to Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• Patients requiring injections or retinal laser treatment should be directed to Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
• Low vision and rehabilitation services
• Refractive/corrective Laser
• Eye conditions which can be managed by local Optometrists or primary eye health care provider  – such as refractive errors, dry eyes or disease screening such as diabetic retinopathy etc.

How to Refer:

Urgent referrals can be discussed with the Ophthalmology Fellow/Registrar by calling 8345 5378.

Outside of these hours please direct to Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Please note this is not always possible as leave / sickness is not prospectively covered. Northern Health does not have an Ophthalmology emergency service available.

GP referrals: Use HealthLink to send referrals, results and reports. For more information click here

Other health services (hospitals, allied health, specialists etc.): Fax your referral to 8405 8616

For further guidance on how to manage specific conditions in general practice, or what specific investigations and information are required for specialist referral, please visit your local HealthPathways website or equivalent online care pathways website.

Click here for HealthPathways Melbourne

Please contact your local PHN if you require login access