Question 1

Is there a fee for the eye exam?

Accepted Answer

We utilize retinal imaging and OCT scans on every client, which are very helpful in order to detect early eye disease and provide a full picture of eye health. This incurs a charge of $60.

However, we bulk bill children under 18 years of age. We also bulk bill holders of the following cards: student card, Commonwealth senior's card, concession health card and pensioner concession card.

Question 2

What does my health fund cover?

Accepted Answer

Your health fund can be used towards glasses or contacts lenses. The amount you can claim depends on what level of cover you have and if you’ve got extras. Most health funds pay between $100 and $300 towards glasses and/or contacts lenses.

Question 3

Can I use my prescription from elsewhere to get glasses or contacts at your store?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We have personally hand picked every frame in Angelo Street Optical and are happy to find the right home for your prescription.

Question 4

How often should I have my eyes examined?

Accepted Answer

We will be able to advise how regularly you should be seen.  For most people this will be every one or two years.  However, if you have a family history of eye disease such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, or have a changing prescription, we may want to monitor you more closely.

Question 5

When should I bring my child in for their first eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Anytime! Even from 6 months onwards, we’re more than happy to have a look and rule out any concerns.

Question 6

I see just fine, why do I need my eyes tested?

Accepted Answer

Everybody needs regular eye checks!  Clear vision doesn’t always mean healthy eyes.  Every consultation, we’re looking for any health concerns within the eyes that might not have any impact on your vision yet.

Question 7

I have a red eye, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Come see us! We’re happy to have a look, and our equipment can help us figure out what’s wrong. We are also able to prescribe therapeutic eye drops if needed.

Question 8

My child is sitting close to the TV or holding the iPad too close, should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Often this can just be a habit, but it could also mean that your child is short sighted. A visit with us will help rule out any potential problems.

Question 9

My child blinks a lot and rubs their eyes, should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. At times this can simply be a habit. However, it could also indicate allergies. There are also times where rubbing the eyes can change their shape which makes the vision worse. So, it’s always a good idea to bring them in so we can have a look.

Question 10

Am I a candidate for contact lenses? What if someone told me I’m not already?

Accepted Answer

Most people are good candidates for contact lenses. New lenses are coming out all the time in a wide range of prescriptions and materials. Most lenses now are also very soft and comfortable.  In some circumstances, a “hard” contact lens may be the best option. There’s usually a contact lens option for most people, and we’re happy to find the right fit for you!

Question 11

How do I know if I have cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Cataracts cause blurred vision. However, blurry vision can be caused by several things, and sometimes a simple change of the prescription in your glasses will get you seeing sharp again! If you’ve noticed a new blur, it’s a good idea for us to have a look.

Question 12

I’m short-sighted (myopic), is my child at risk of being short sighted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your child has a greater chance of being short-sighted as well, and even more so if both parents are short-sighted.

Question 13

My eyes are watery, what’s wrong?

Accepted Answer

It could be a few different things including infection, allergies and dry eye. We’re always happy to have a look and figure out what’s wrong.

Question 14

What lenses do you use in your glasses?

Accepted Answer

We are proud to offer Rodenstock lenses, a German company making impeccable lenses since 1877.   Sam and Carla love wearing their Rodenstock lenses and know you will too.  Nothing beats that German engineering!

Question 15

My child’s eye is turning, should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

To some degree, yes. There are often two reasons for the eye to turn: glasses are needed because there is a significant prescription present (the eyes are trying hard to compensate and the eye turns as a result), or there is an imbalance of the muscles that control the movement of the eyes, and surgery may be needed in this case. There are also rare circumstances where something more serious can be causing the eye to turn. If you’ve noticed a new eye turn, it’s always best to bring them in right away.

Question 16

I’m noticing new flashes of light or floaters in my vision, should I be worried?

Accepted Answer

Yep! This can be a warning sign that the retina (the sensitive tissue that lines the eye) has been damaged. In a worse-case scenario, this could lead to a retinal detachment which can cause permanent vision loss. So, it’s best to come in right away so we can have a look!

Frequently Asked Optical Questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions