Services
Eye Tests
As part of our comprehensive vision checks, we also use retinal imaging technology to photograph the back of the eye. This is an important tool to accurately monitor eye health and is standard for eye tests at our practice. This test incurs a fee of $39 (or $35 for pensioners). If further tests are required such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, an additional fee may apply.
At Christensen Harbison Optometrists we’re known for providing award-winning customer service. In fact, we dedicate up to 50% more appointment time than other practices so we can best meet your visual needs. Here’s what you might expect at your appointment:
Step 1
Your Optometrist will get to know you and learn about your visual and medical history. They will discuss how you use your vision and what’s important to you.
Step 2
Using our retinal imaging technology, your eyes will be checked for signs of disease or degeneration.
Step 3
Your Optometrist will conduct visual acuity tests and refraction to determine your spectacle prescription. If spectacles are needed, your Optometrist will assist with your choice of frames and lenses.
Our comprehensive assessments may include the use of Optical Coherence Tomography instruments for early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration and other conditions. Our Optomap wide-field retinal imaging technology captures up to 80% of the total retina including the macula. It’s a revolutionary device and an important tool for accurate monitoring of eye health. That’s why we generally take Optomap images at all routine appointments. Please note that this service incurs a fee of $39 ($35 for pensioners).
We perform all of these procedures in-house so you can ask any questions you may have at any stage. If glasses are necessary, we’ll also take you through the process of selecting the best frame fit for your prescription and personal style.
Common questions asked by our customers
How much does it cost for an eye test?
Most eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare (subject to eligibility). On top of this we offer the latest technology in ocular imaging, with some services attracting an additional charge.
What should I bring to my eye test?
Please bring all current glasses or previous contact lens prescriptions and any relevant medical reports about your eyes (if available).
How long should I allow for my eye test?
Grab a 1-hour car park, not because we’re tardy, but because we like to allow the time to ensure we get it right.
How often should I visit?
Children should have their first eye test before starting prep, or earlier if you have any concerns. Until age 60, a visit every two years is fine in general. Over age 60, annual visits are recommended to help identify diseases that are more common to aging eyes. More frequent visits may be necessary throughout your life if there is a family history of eye disease (or conditions that affect vision).
I have private health insurance – what does that cover?
Contact Lens Consultations
- Contact lenses for astigmatism
- Contact lenses for myopia control
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP)/hard contact lenses for keratoconus
- Custom coloured contact lenses to adjust eye colour
After care is crucial to responsible contact lens use so we will take the time to educate you on the process required to insert, remove and maintain your lenses hygienically and check in with you to ensure you remain on track.
Children’s Testing
Children with vision impairment may not be aware of their problem because they’ve never experienced better vision but you may notice certain signs like:
- Leaning very close to books and having problems reading
- Sitting very close to televisions and other devices
- Squinting and/or rubbing eyes frequently
- Complaints of sore eyes, light sensitivity or headaches
Catching any of these issues early on allows for targeted intervention that can minimise any damage that might result. Whether these symptoms are present or not, have our friendly team guide your child through the eye examination process before they start school and continue to build the habit of consistent eye care.
Retinal Imaging
Digital Retinal Imaging gives us a painless, non-invasive way to look closely at the back of your eye. The level of detail available in the photographs that result allows us to detect eye disease much earlier and often before symptoms can be felt. By taking retinal images at different times over the course of your life, a collection of images from previous visits will exist that can be referred to if changes occur.
Accurate diagnosis at an early stage is crucial to maintaining vision or slowing decline depending on the condition that presents itself. As we age, and we become more susceptible to vision related issues, retinal imaging becomes an even more essential aspect of our eye health care process.
Myopia
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is where people don’t see distance objects clearly. Myopia typically worsens from childhood through to late teens or early twenties. If your child is diagnosed with myopia or identified as being at high risk of developing myopia, we will book them into our dedicated myopia clinic. This will include review for progression at least every six months, discussion of risk factors and lifestyle advice, and a treatment plan put in place. There is no cure for myopia, but with treatment, its progression can be slowed. Christensen Harbison Optometrists are endorsed to prescribe low-dose atropine eye drops. They have also completed the required accreditations to prescribe Hoya Miyosmart and Zeiss MyoCare myopia control spectacle lenses as well as Coopervision MiSight myopia control contact lenses.
Myopia control is an evolving field and Christensen Harbison Optometrists strives to stay at the forefront of best practice. For further information about Myopia visit www.mykidsvision.org or speak with your Optometrist.
