FAQ | Canberra Retina Clinic

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What can I expect at my first appointment?
● Your first appointment will involve a full eye examination with scans - please allow a minimum of 2 hours● Arrange transport home - you will not be safe to drive home after the eye drops. We can call a taxi after your appointment if requested● Please ensure you have a valid referral from your referring specialist, GP or optometrist
The eye test requires you to wear glasses for distance (do not wear contact lenses for 48 hours before an appointment with Dr Smiles). Sunglasses can be worn after the visit for your comfort● If diabetic ensure you eat before and bring a snack● Bring a list of your current medications and medical history● We require your current Medicare card details and any pension cards and safety net numbers if applicable ● We accept cash, cheque, EFTPOS, MasterCard and Visa● Parking is limited so allow plenty of time before your appointment ● Private health insurance does not cover seeing specialists in private rooms. Click here for more information
What's normal after an eye injection?
● Blurred vision - dilation drops last for 4-24 hours● You may see “squiggles”, black spots (air bubbles) and occasional floaters● Irritation due to the antiseptic solution causing grittiness and redness● A localised spot of blood - can last for a week
What's NOT normal after an eye injection?
● Severe or increasing eye pain● New shadow or cloud in vision● Loss of vision
CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS - WE ARE HERE TO HELP
What should I AVOID after an eye injection?
● Rubbing your numb eye for at least an hour until the anaesthetic wears off● Driving and operating complex machinery for 24 hours● Swimming, dirty water entering eye or dusty/dirty environment for 3 days
What CAN I do after an eye injection?
● Eat and drink as normal● Take paracetamol as instructed for mild discomfort● Use artificial tears to soothe any irritation, grittiness, or weeping● Preservative-free single-use vials are to be used Systane, Optive and Bion tears are all available from a pharmacy without a prescription Discard opened vial after 24 hours Use as many drops as required Use vials for 3 days and swap back to a bottle of artificial tears if you use them regularly ● Inform staff at next visit if the artificial tears are not enough for discomfort and an eye pad can be applied Eye pads must keep eye closed If eye opens remove pad immediately Leave pad on for 2-4 hours
What can I expect after an angiogram?
● Drink more water to flush the dye through● Urine will be a brighter yellow for 24-36 hours● Whites of eyes and skin may be yellow for 6-12 hours● Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as your skin will be more sensitive to sunburn● Do not drive for 4 hours