Preparing your child for their visit
How long will my child’s appointment take?
Please allow up to 3 hours for your initial appointment to allow time for preliminary assessment and tests with our paediatric orthoptist, followed by pupil dilation and then your child’s examination and discussion with Dr Sharwood.
The practice at Taringa contains a dedicated children’s play area with lots of toys to keep them entertained while waiting for their appointment and pupil dilation.
What do I need to bring to my child’s appointment?:
Your Medicare card
Your private health insurance card/details
Any spectacles or contact lenses the currently use
A list of their current medications
A referral from your GP, paediatrician or optometrist (if it has not been electronically transmitted by your referrer)
A snack to perk them up while waiting for their pupils to dilate
Why does my child need dilating drops and what does this involve?
Pupil dilation will be required for the majority of children on their initial consultation.
After the initial assessment by the paediatric orthoptist then eye drops will be instilled in each eye
The drops do sting slightly on instillation and they will dilate the pupil in 30 - 45minutes as well as relax the focusing muscle inside the eye which may blur your vision.
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 myopia or visual field testing, these will occur an additional fee.
Cancellation Policy:
48 hours notice of change/cancellation for consultation appointments is required (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.
Does your child need a specialist eye examination?
Book at consultation with Dr Phillipa Sharwood for assessment and care of your child’s eyes and vision at any age.