Ophthalmology
(eye department)
The Department of Ophthalmology provides both secondary and tertiary services for patients within the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital district and all areas north of Brisbane. The Department consists of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of numerous visiting ophthalmologists across all subspecialties. The team is supported by 5 registrars, 3 PHOs, 2 resident medical officers as well as experienced ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists, allied health and dedicated Admin staff. Clinical Nurse Care coordinator and Clinical Nurses coordinates outpatient care and elective surgeries.
In addition to the clinical workload, members of the Department are involved in the education of the medical staff, medical students, nurses and allied health professionals. Consultants in the department are actively involved in research through the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, the University of Queensland, as well as other institutions interstate and overseas.
As a large tertiary referral centre, the Department collaborates closely with other specialties, particularly endocrinology (diabetes, thyroid eye disease), plastic surgery, burns and maxillofacial surgery (trauma, oncology), neurosurgery and neurology (neuro-ophthalmology), trauma, cranio-orbital tumours as well as oncology.
Our services
Our dedicated team of eye specialists treat a variety of conditions including:
- General Ophthalmology
- Retina (Medical and Surgical)
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Oculoplastic (Orbit, Lacrimal and Eyelid disorders)
- Cornea / Anterior Segment
- Uveitis (Ocular inflammation)
- Ocular Oncology
- Minor Procedure
- Eye Casualty (Mon to Fri 08:00 to 15:00)
- Pre-Admission Clinic
How to access this service
You need a referral letter from your GP and optometrist to access this service. Your doctor/optometrist will need to send your referral letter to the hospital. You can access our eye clinic if you:
- are aged 16 years and over
- live within the Metro North area
- live between Brisbane and Cairns without an ophthalmic or sub-speciality eye service.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Ophthalmology referral guideline
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
- Something to read or do during your stay
- A smart phone, tablet or laptop, connecting earphones and chargers so you can connect to the free MetroNorth-PatientWiFi and access entertainment. Televisions may not be available for use.
- Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
What to expect
During your hospital appointment
Your visit may take up to 2 hours (or longer at times if multiple eye tests are needed and/or if other patients present for urgent care). As our clinic patient numbers are large, we ask for your patience as the Doctor works through each patient’s concerns in the order of clinical priority to ensure safe and responsible care. We ask you to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and check in at the reception desk. Patients are seen in the order of appointment. However, patients who require urgent treatment may be seen before you.
After your hospital appointment
At the end of the consultation, the Doctor will inform you if you need to return for another visit and will give you a blue slip to present to the receptionist so that your next appointment can be booked.
Clinics
Frequently asked questions
We ask all patients who are attending our clinic not to drive because there is a chance you may have your eyes dilated, which can cause blurriness to the eyes. Driving safely may not be possible after such a procedure; we, therefore, encourage you to make other transport arrangements.
You may wait up to 2 hours (or longer if multiple eye tests are needed and/or if other patients present for urgent care) before seeing the doctor.
We do not provide glasses at this hospital. Please see an optometrist.
We do not offer laser refractive procedures at the RBWH.
Contact us
Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic
Location: Level 8, Ned Hanlon Building
Phone: (07) 3497 3588 (to change or cancel an appointment)
Email: RBWH-Ophthalmology-Outpatients
Open: 8am-3:30pm, Monday – Friday
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the Ophthalmology referral guideline.
GP and Specialist Referral Hotline:
1300 364 938