Frequently Asked Questions
What type of conditions are cared for at Optic Nerve Canberra?
Optic Nerve Canberra cares for patients with problems such as
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH)
- Severe IIH requiring stenting
- Optic neuritis (MS, NMO and MOG)
- Stroke of the optic nerve (AION)
- Inflammation of the optic nerve
- Tumours of or near the optic nerve
- Thyroid eye disease
Where can I find information about my condition?
Please see Common conditions
Who can refer me to see Dr Reid?
You will need a referral to Dr Reid from your GP, specialist or optometrist in order to claim from Medicare.
Please note that a referral from another specialist only lasts for 3 months under Medicare rules, whereas your GP or optometrist can refer you for 12 months.
What can I expect when I attend for my appointment?
When you attend for your appointment, you will first have a series of vision tests with an eye professional called an orthopist. You will then have your consultation with Dr Reid .
How long will my appointment take?
Please allow 2 hours for a new appointment and 90 minutes for a follow-up appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
- Your referral
- Your most recent glasses (or contact lenses plus contact lens case)
- List of your medications and any allergies
- Name of any other doctor(s) you see
- Where available, medical letters / discharge summaries / results of blood tests and imaging
- Your Medicare Card
- If applicable, Veterans Affairs Card
Will I need dilating eye drops?
You will have dilating eye drops at your first visit, and should not drive for two hours afterwards.
Generally you will not need drops for follow-up visits.
What fee will I be charged?
Dr Reid is a private specialist, so you will have out-of-pocket costs for your appointment (unless you hold a Veterans Affairs Gold Card).
- The cost of your visit will be advised when you book your appointment. This fee covers the vision tests and consultation with Dr Reid that you will need.
- Unfortunately Medicare has not kept up with the cost of providing medical services, and some of the key vision tests you will need (eg OCT) are not covered by Medicare at all.
- This means there will be an out-of-pocket gap that is not covered by Medicare.
- Private health insurance is legally not permitted to provide any payment for a consultation in private rooms.
- Payment in full on the day of consultation is respectfully requested. The following are accepted: cash, EFTPOS or credit card (excluding Diners/Amex).
- Your claim will be sent to Medicare on the day you attend, and your refund will be sent by Medicare to your nominated account within a few days.
- Should you need tests such as brain imaging or blood tests, you will be referred to an external provider, who will charge their own fees.
What COVID precautions does Optic Nerve Canberra take?
Strict precautions are in place to protect patients and staff during the COVID pandemic.
- Please reschedule your appointment if you are unwell with symptoms of a cold or COVID, or if you are a contact of someone with COVID.
- We respectfully ask that you wear a mask for the duration of your appointment, correctly fitted over your nose and mouth. Ideally this should be a P2/N95 mask, or at least a high-quality, well-fitted surgical mask. A cloth mask is ineffective in preventing the spread of Omicron.
- Staff will ensure hand hygiene and wipe-down of equipment for your visit.
What should I do if I have COVID symptoms on the day of my appointment?
Please reschedule your appointment if you are unwell with symptoms of a cold or COVID, or if you are a contact of someone with COVID.
How do I make an appointment to see Dr Reid?
Please see Appointments
Where is Optic Nerve Canberra?
Please see Contact
