Frequently Asked Questions

No referral is needed. Optometrists are primary healthcare providers, meaning you can book directly with us without seeing a GP first. Simply call us or book online. If we identify anything requiring specialist attention, we’ll refer you to the appropriate ophthalmologist or specialist.

You can book online through our website, call us on (02) 9918 0616, or visit us in person at 15 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. We recommend booking in advance, particularly for comprehensive eye exams, as appointment slots fill quickly.

A routine eye exam takes approximately 30–45 minutes. If you’re coming in for a specific concern – such as a dry eye assessment, myopia management consultation, or contact lens fitting – allow up to an hour. Children’s appointments are also generally a little longer. We’ll let you know when you book.

Please bring your Medicare card, any private health insurance card, your current glasses and/or contact lenses, a list of any medications you’re taking, and any previous prescription or eye exam records if you have them. If you’re a new patient, arriving 5–10 minutes early to complete your patient details is appreciated.

Absolutely – we see patients of all ages and are experienced in examining young children. We recommend children have their first eye exam before starting school. There’s no minimum age; if you have any concerns about your baby or toddler’s eyes, don’t hesitate to book.

Yes we bulk bill consultations for children full time students and pensioners (Medicare conditions apply). For those not eligible for bulk billing, just like many GP practices, we charge for professional services and you receive the Medicare rebate back into the bank account you have registered with Medicare. Additional tests or specialty services may attract a separate fee.

Medicare covers one standard optometry consultation per patient every three years for those under 65 years, and annually for those over 65 years. If you have a specific clinical need, a new sign or symptom, your optometrist can review at any time and a medicare rebate can be applied. They can also schedule follow-up appointments within any period that will attract a rebate.

Most extras health cover includes a rebate for prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses. The amount varies significantly between funds and levels of cover. We recommend checking your policy or calling your fund before your appointment. We can process health fund claims on the spot using HICAPS.

Yes. We process private health fund claims in-practice via HICAPS, so you only pay any gap on the day rather than claiming separately. Bring your health fund card to your appointment.

Advanced diagnostic imaging such as OCT (optical coherence tomography) or corneal topography may attract an additional fee, as these go beyond the standard Medicare consultation. If any additional testing is recommended, we’ll explain why and confirm the cost with you before proceeding.

Yes, you are entitled to a copy of your prescription and can have glasses made wherever you choose. That said, we stock a wide range of frames and lenses and our team can help you find eyewear suited to your prescription, lifestyle, and budget. We’re always happy to discuss your options.

Most standard prescription glasses are ready within 7–10 business days. More complex prescriptions, specialty lenses, or certain frame styles may take a little longer. We’ll give you an accurate timeframe when you order and call you as soon as they’re ready.

It’s normal for new glasses – particularly multifocals or a significantly changed prescription – to take a few days of adjustment. We check in with you after a week, and if things still don’t feel right, arrange for you to come back in to review. Getting it right for you is important to us.

Yes. Please see our warranty page for full details on what’s covered for frames and lenses. Ourvteam is happy to walk you through the warranty terms at the time of purchase.

We’re happy to make minor adjustments and can often help with small repairs. For significant damage or replacement parts, it depends on the frame brand and availability. Bring them in and we’ll take a look.

We’re at 15 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach NSW 2107, on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. We’re a locally owned independent practice that has been serving the Avalon Beach community since 1999.

We’re open Monday to Friday 8:30am–5:00pm and Saturday 8:30am–12:30pm. We’re closed Sundays and public holidays. Hours may vary over holiday periods – check our website or call ahead if you’re unsure.

Street parking is available on Old Barrenjoey Road and in the surrounding Avalon Beach village area. If you have any difficulty with access, please call us and we’ll do our best to assist.

Yes, we are proudly independent and locally owned. That means our recommendations are driven entirely by what’s right for your eyes and your needs – we’re not affiliated with any optical retail chain or tied to specific product quotas.

Of course. We welcome patients from across the Northern Beaches including Palm Beach, Bilgola, Whale Beach, Pittwater, and further afield. Many patients travel to see us specifically for our clinical expertise in areas like myopia management, migraine management, dry eye treatment, and complex prescribing for things like double vision.

We invest in advanced diagnostic technology to provide thorough, accurate eye care. This includes OCT (optical coherence tomography) for detailed retinal imaging, corneal topography for contact lens fitting and corneal assessment, a dry eye analyser, anterior eye photography and meibomography, LLLT and IPL for dry eye treatment, DNEye biometric eye measurements and digital retinal photography. These tools allow us to detect and monitor conditions like glaucoma dry eye and macular degeneration at an early stage.

OCT (optical coherence tomography) is a non-invasive imaging scan that captures detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve – similar in concept to an MRI, but for your eye. It’s particularly valuable for monitoring glaucoma, macular degeneration, for review of risk factors when taking GLP1 medications and for hypertensive and diabetic eye disease. Your optometrist will recommend it if it’s clinically appropriate for you.

Yes. When a condition requires surgical management or specialist intervention – such as cataract surgery, retinal treatment, or complex glaucoma management – we work closely with trusted ophthalmologists and specialists to ensure continuity of care. We’ll always keep you informed and involved in any referral decisions. In addition we work closely with GPs and Pharmacists and other Allied Health care professionals for the best interests of our patients.