Visitors are permitted at Austin Health sites with some restrictions. Find out more about our visitor restrictions.
Retinopathy screening is part of the overall care for people with diabetes.
We will take a high-resolution photograph of the back of your eye. This test allows us to see changes to your eye well before you notice changes to your vision.
Retinal photography can also be used to screen and monitor for benign choroidal lesions, macular degeneration and Glaucoma.
When you come to the Retinal Photography Clinic, we will:
We then give you special eye drops that dilate your pupil. Your pupils will open wide so that we can see the back of your eye.
We then take a digital photograph of the back of your eye.
After your pupils have been dilated, your vision will be blurry for several hours.
You should arrange for someone else to drive you home.
You will need to wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
When you come to hospital for your appointment, you need to bring:
You need a referral from your GP, specialist or health care provider to access this service.
Our referral form needs to be completed and faxed to Specialist Clinics on 03 9496 2097.
Head of Unit
Dr Joan Cosgrove
Phone: 03 9496 2444
1800 134 864 (toll free for regional patients)
131 450 (free telephone interpreter service).
Email: clinics@austin.org.au
Clinic E, Tobruk Building
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
300 Waterdale Road
Ivanhoe Victoria
Postal address
Ophthalmology
Austin Hospital
PO Box 5555
Heidelberg VIC 3084
Australia
Austin Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities.