Preparing for your visit
How long will my appointment take?
Please allow up to 2 hours for your initial appointment. During your initial appointment you will have preliminary assessments and tests conducted by Dr Sharwood’s clinical team then pupil dilation (if required) followed by further examination and discussion with Dr Sharwood.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?:
Your Medicare or DVA card
Your private health insurance card/details
Any spectacles or contact lenses you currently use
A list of your current medications
Any pension or health care cards (if applicable)
A referral from your GP, optometrist or other specialist (if it has not been electronically transmitted by your referrer)
Parking and Transport
Queenland Ophthalmic Specialists
Located in Suite 205 on Level 2 of the Westside Private Hospital Building
2 hours free parking is available on site within the Westside Private Hospital Building Carpark.
Entry is via Harry’s Road
The hospital building is located adjacent to Taringa train station and buses stop (stop number 001753) on Moggill Rd at the front of the building
Eye care Queensland - Annerley and Mt Gravatt
Ample free off street parking is available at both locations. Buses stop a short walk from the practices (Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt & Ipswich Rd, Annerley)
Will I need my pupils dilated and what does this involve?
Most new patients will need their pupils dilated including:
Cataract assessments
Patients with reduced vision
Patients with suspected problems with their retina/macula or flashes/floaters in their vision
Adults with eye turns may not necessarily need pupil dilation at the time of their initial visit.
Drops will be instilled in your eyes. The drops do sting slightly on instillation and they will dilate the pupil in 15-45 minutes as well as relax the focusing muscle inside the eye which may blur your vision.
It is important that you do not drive for until your vision has returned to normal after dilating eye drop instillation.
It is recommended that you bring sunglasses and/or hat to wear home to reduce glare after pupil dilation.
Fees/Costs of Consultation:
Dr Sharwood is a private billing specialist and full payment of fees for the consultation and any additional in rooms diagnostic testing is payable at the completion of your consultation. The estimated cost of your consultation and likely associated medicare rebate will be discussed when booking your initial consultation. Please note that should you require additional diagnostic testing performed on the day eg macula/optic nerve imaging, ocular measurements for cataract surgery, visual field testing, these will occur an additional fee.
Self-funding (Uninsured) Patients
Dr Sharwood regularly treats self -funding patients. Should surgery be required, patients will be provided with detailed costings prior to the procedure
Regional Patients
Dr Sharwood treats a number of regional patients. Convenient accommodation is located at Essence Suites which is located in the the same building as the clinic and day surgery.
Cancellation Policy:
48 hours notice is required for change/cancellation of consultation appointments (excluding for acute illness). Cancellation fees and requirement to prepayment for future consultations may apply.
Correspondence
Dr Sharwood will correspond in writing with your referrer and members of your health team. Patients are also emailed a copy of this correspondence for their records.
Want to find out the best treatment for you?
Book a consultation with Dr Phillipa Sharwood to discuss the best treatment options to care for your eyes and vision