Our Services

We offer high quality services to our patients. Our team of eye specialists and surgeons subspecialise in a range of eye conditions which ensures patients are given comprehensive care.

Cataract

The eye's lens, typically transparent, can develop a cloudy area known as a cataract, impairing vision by scattering and reducing light passage. This condition exclusively affects the lens and can deteriorate, necessitating surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a permanent artificial one. Cataract removal, a prevalent procedure in Australia and New Zealand, boasts a high success rate, with 95 out of 100 surgeries resulting in significantly improved vision. Contemporary methods prioritise preserving the lens capsule, a transparent membrane enveloping the lens. This innovation, in contrast to older techniques, brings several advantages: the capsule aids in positioning the artificial lens, reduces surgical risks, and typically enhances postoperative vision. Despite the well-established benefits of modern cataract surgery, potential risks still exist.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) centers around the macula, a critical region in the retina responsible for detailed and colorful central vision, crucial for tasks like driving, reading, and recognizing faces. Predominantly affecting individuals aged 50 and above, early signs manifest in about 15 out of 100 people in this age cohort. These early indicators include disturbances in retinal pigments and the formation of drusen, yellow deposits under the retina, potentially serving as AMD risk factors. As AMD progresses, it often impacts both eyes, and if left unchecked, it can advance to its late stages, resulting in severe visual impairment. The condition is broadly categorized into two types: "dry" AMD, which evolves slowly over several years as cells in the macula die in patches, leading to faded and unfocused images; and "wet" AMD, characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels from the choroid layer into the macula. These vessels tend to leak and bleed, causing distorted vision, eventual damage to the macula and retina, and the formation of scar tissue. The consequence is a significant compromise in central vision. In summary, AMD, particularly age-related macular degeneration, underscores the importance of the macula for central vision, its prevalence in the aging population, the progression from early signs to late-stage complications, and the distinct characteristics of "dry" and "wet" AMD manifestations.

Diabetic Renopathy

The retina is a layer of special light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends nerve impulses up the optic nerve to the brain. This process is responsible for vision. If the retina becomes damaged by disease, Then the quality of vision is affected or even lost. In people with diabetes, tiny blood vessels in the retina may become diseased and damaged due to the effects of diabetes. Diabetes can cause the blood vessels to swell and leak blood or fluid around the retina. As they heal, scar tissue forms on the retina. These problems can damage the retina so badly that the retina functions less effectively and vision is impaired. This disease process is called diabetic retinopathy. It usually affects the retina slowly, over months or years. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk of diabetic retinopathy occurring. The area of the retina that provides the sharpest vision is called the macula. Leaking blood or fluid can cause the macula to swell, which is called macular oedema. This causes blurred vision and is a common result of diabetic retinopathy. Blood vessels can grow and eventually bleed. This can cause a less common but more damaging form of retinopathy that can lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults in Australia, New Zealand and most Western countries. All people with diabetes are at risk of developing retinopathy to some degree.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma, encompassing a group of eye diseases associated with elevated pressure within the eyeballs, poses a significant risk for vision impairment or blindness, particularly in individuals aged 40 and older, although it can affect individuals of any age. Early detection plays a pivotal role in the effective management of glaucoma, preventing or reducing the potential loss of vision in most patients. The eye maintains a delicate balance of the clear, watery fluid called aqueous humor, produced by the ciliary body to nourish the lens and cornea. This fluid is drained out through the trabecular meshwork, a sieve-like structure. Glaucoma arises when the production of aqueous fluid exceeds its drainage, resulting in elevated intraocular pressure, which, if left untreated, leads to irreversible damage to the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain. Two primary types of glaucoma are identified: open-angle glaucoma, the more prevalent form, often progresses without noticeable symptoms, causing gradual damage to the eye over time. In this condition, the aqueous fluid fails to flow through the trabecular meshwork properly, raising intraocular pressure and eventually damaging the optic nerve. In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma manifests with sudden and severe symptoms, including intense eye pain, disturbed vision such as colored rings around lights, nausea, and vomiting. Damage to the optic nerve can occur rapidly, within hours, necessitating emergency treatment involving medication and laser procedures to prevent partial or complete vision loss. It is essential to note that the information and images provided are courtesy of RANZCO and Mi-tec Medical Publishing, with the complete RANZCO patient education pamphlet available from ophthalmologists. This underscores the collaborative efforts in raising awareness and educating individuals about the nuances of glaucoma and its prompt management.

Vitreoretinal Surgery

Vitreoretinal surgery is a specialised form of eye surgery for several uncommon ocular conditions such as retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal memebrane (also known as macular pucker), vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding inside the vitreous cavity typically from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, or retinal detachment), and severe ocular trauma, including retrieval and scleral fixation of dislocated intraocular lenses.

Cosmetic & Eyelid Reconstruction

There are many problems which can affect the eyelids, including eyelids that are turned out (ectropion), eyelids that are turned in (entropion), and lax skin of the upper lids (dermatochalasis). Most of these conditions can be treated with lid surgery under a local anesthetic. Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed cosmetic or functional eyelid operation for excess skin in the eyelids knows as dermatochalasis.

Corneal Surgery

There has been a rapid evolution of corneal surgery in recent years such that penetrating keratoplasty, also known as corneal grafting, has become supplemented with a variety of new corneal surgical techniques tailored to the specific corneal layers that are affected by disease. Keratoconus, herpetic keratitis, penetrating ocular trauma are the most common diseases which can be treated by corneal surgery.

Laser Refractive Surgery

Laser refractive surgery, also known as laser vision correction, is a specialized ophthalmic procedure designed to address refractive errors in the eyes, encompassing conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This surgical intervention reshapes the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, or in some cases, replaces the natural lens, ultimately offering a viable alternative to traditional glasses or contact lenses. The fundamental technique involves reshaping the cornea, directing light through it to focus on the retina at the back of the eye. This correction enhances visual clarity and sharpness. Several types of refractive eye surgeries are available, each tailored to specific vision needs: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis): This laser surgery corrects near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by creating a flap in the cornea, allowing access to reshape the underlying tissue. SMILE (SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction): A newer variant of LASIK, SMILE involves sculpting a small piece of corneal tissue with a precise laser, without creating a corneal flap. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Addressing mild to moderate refractive errors, PRK employs a pulsing UV light beam on the corneal surface to reshape it. RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange): Also known as clear lens extraction, this surgery corrects extreme farsightedness or near-sightedness by replacing the natural lens with an artificial one. AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy): This surgical procedure corrects astigmatism by reshaping the cornea through incisions at the steepest points. Furthermore, Central Coast Eye Specialists, in affiliation with the Laser Vision Clinic Central Coast, conducts these laser vision correction procedures. This collaborative effort ensures that patients receive state-of-the-art care and comprehensive solutions for their vision needs. To explore more about this advanced facility, interested individuals can visit www.lvccc.com.au for additional information.

Comprehensive Eye Examination

Central Coast Eye Specialists provide comprehensive eye examinations, leveraging the subspecialty expertise of their doctors. Supported by highly trained orthoptic staff proficient in vision assessment and advanced testing, the clinic ensures a thorough examination using sophisticated instruments. During the examination, patients are asked about any existing vision problems and relevant family medical history, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. It is recommended to bring eyeglasses or contact lenses if in use. The examination encompasses various tests to evaluate the health, function, and appearance of different eye components. These include a visual acuity test, eye muscle function assessment, refraction test for corrective lenses, visual field test, color vision test, slit lamp examination for anterior eye problems, retinal examination for diseases, and a glaucoma test to measure internal eye pressure. For certain examinations, such as retinal examination, pupil dilation may be done using eye drops, causing temporary effects like blurred vision and light sensitivity. Despite these effects, the thorough examination ensures a comprehensive understanding of eye health and potential issues.

Pterygium

A pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth of thickened tissue that covers the white part of the eye. A pterygium (pronounced ter-ig'-ee-um) typically starts growing near the inside corner of the eye. It often extends onto the cornea, toward the pupil. Both eyes can be affected. Composed of conjunctival tissue, a pterygium may grow large enough to interfere with sight and can cause other annoying symptoms. In these cases, it may have to be surgically removed. If a pterygium does not interfere with sight or cause annoying symptoms, it can safely be left alone. A pterygium is not a cancer and will not develop into a cancer. Usually, they grow very slowly. PINGUECULA: A pinguecula (pin-gwek'- u-lah) is similar to a pterygium. It is usually a soft yellow mass confined to the white part of the eye. It can be surgically removed in the same way as a pterygium, but this is rarely necessary. Causes of a Pterygium Although the exact cause of a pterygium is not known, it is more likely to develop in people who live in tropical climates, work outdoors and spend a lot of time in the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is thought to play a major part in pterygium formation. Pterygia occur three times more frequently in men than in women. They rarely develop in children.

FAQ

How do I make an Appointment?

Simply telephone us on (02) 43252482 during the hours of 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday or you can request an appointment online using this form

Do I need a referral?

For certain services such as consultations provided by our specialists, the Medicare rebate is dependent on evidence that our service was performed following a referral from another practitioner.

What to bring for your initial consultation?

Here is check list for your initial consultation

• Current referral from your referring practitioner

• Details of any third-party practitioner who will receive copies of our correspondence

• Current distance and reading glasses

• Any relevant correspondence, test results or scan/xrays

• Medicare card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs card (which is applicable)

• Full Pension or Health Care Card

• Private health insurance card with membership number and details.

• Any medication you may need to take during your visit with us. If you are diabetic, you may wish to bring food.

• Sunglasses to help with glare following dilation of pupils

We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you are seeing the doctor.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

Who can Refer?

For our practice, general practitioners and registered optometrists are regarded as our primary source of referrals with a 12 month referral validity, however, another registered specialist can also refer but will only carry a 3 month validity. Recognised nurse practitioners can also refer and carry a 12 month referral validity.