The Ocular Pathology Clinic is primarily a referral clinic where patients at risk of certain eye conditions, as well as those with existing eye conditions, are examined. Only patients referred by other UNSW clinics or their ophthalmologists will be seen.
As part of the university teaching year, this clinic also allows final year Optometry students to observe ocular conditions under the guidance of highly experienced practitioners, including both ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Why have I been referred to this clinic?
Certain findings at your initial examination at the UNSW Optometry Clinic warranted a second opinion or further investigation.
Frequently asked questions
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Some of the tests conducted at your initial appointment may need to be repeated. Several additional tests may also be required. Tests may include scans of the front and/or back of your eyes with state-of-the-art eye imaging technologies. Using these tests, eye disease can be detected much earlier and eye structures can be recorded with great precision. Your eyes may also be photographed.
The instruments used for these tests are located at the UNSW Optometry Clinic or at the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH). The CFEH is located within a short walking distance from the UNSW Optometry Clinic.
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Yes, unless advised otherwise. Further testing in this clinic usually requires instillation of two types of eye drops:
- A local anaesthetic to numb the front part of your eye, used for tests such as eye pressure.
- A dilating drop (mydriatic) to enlarge the pupils of the eyes for an enhanced view of the back of the eyes.
The dilating drops cause blurry vision and affect your ability to read and drive for at least 3-4 hours after the examination, and in some instances up to 12 hours. Pease do not drive after the examination and bring sunglasses to help reduce glare.
Please also advise us if you've had a previous reaction to either of these types of eye drops, are pregnant or have heart problems.
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If you're seen during the teaching term, a final year Optometry student will usually conduct the preliminary tests and instil the eye drops (if needed), under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
After the eye drops have taken effect (approximately 30-45 minutes after completion of the preliminary testing), you'll be examined. The examination will be conducted in the presence of a group of final year Optometry & Vision Science studentsbe .
Outside of the university teaching year, the examination will be conducted by a staff optometrist.
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During teaching periods, this consultation is free of charge. You do NOT need a Medicare Card.
During session breaks, there may be a charge for the consultation. Patients with a concession card may be eligible for bulk billing under Medicare.
Reports are available on request for a fee. This is from $30 depending on the complexity of the report. There’s no charge for referrals or reports back to referring practitioners.
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There are only two ocular pathology clinics per week and the demand for these services is high.
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An appointment will usually be arranged for you at the completion of your first consultation. Otherwise, our reception staff will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Please ensure you bring your current spectacles with you and a list of the medications you’re currently taking. If you wear contact lenses, please don’t wear these on the day of your appointment.
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During the teaching semester, these clinics run on the following days:
Every second Tuesday at 1.30pm.
Every Friday at 9.00am.
Contact us
To book an appointment:
Please direct all Ocular Pathology Clinic enquiries to:
Email: optomclinic@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: (02) 9385 4624
Looking to give back?
You can volunteer in our studies at UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science.