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Eye Health Blog
Articles and patient guides from the specialist ophthalmologists at Northern Eye Consultants.
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in Melbourne?
The cost of cataract surgery in Melbourne depends on several factors — whether you have private health insurance, your choice of lens implant, and the fees of each clinician involved. This guide explains what Medicare covers, what private health insurance helps with, and what out-of-pocket costs to expect.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery has helped millions of people achieve clear vision without glasses or contact lenses — but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Understanding the key suitability criteria, and knowing what your alternatives are if laser is not right for you, helps you approach an assessment with realistic expectations.
What is the Difference Between LASIK and SMILE?
LASIK and SMILE are both highly effective laser eye surgery procedures, but they work in fundamentally different ways. Understanding how each procedure is performed — and what that means for recovery, dry eye risk, and suitability — helps you have a more informed conversation with your surgeon.
How Long Does Cataract Surgery Recovery Take?
Most patients are surprised by how quickly they recover from cataract surgery. Vision often improves within the first 24-48 hours, and most people return to normal activities within a few days. This guide explains what to expect at each stage — from the day of surgery through to your final follow-up.
Do I Need a Referral to See an Ophthalmologist?
In Australia, a referral from a GP or optometrist is required to see a specialist ophthalmologist and access the Medicare rebate. This guide explains who can refer you, how long referrals last, what happens without one, and when to seek urgent care.
What Causes Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 50. It affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and treatment options is an important first step in protecting your sight.
Introducing the TECNIS PureSee IOL — A New Generation of Cataract Lens
The TECNIS PureSee is a breakthrough refractive EDOF lens that received FDA approval in March 2026. It offers excellent distance and intermediate vision with contrast sensitivity preserved to monofocal-equivalent levels — making it an exciting new option for suitable cataract surgery patients.
What to Expect from Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures in medicine. This guide explains everything you need to know — from the pre-operative assessment to recovery and lens implant options.
Am I Suitable for LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the world, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Learn about the key criteria — and the alternatives if LASIK is not right for you.
LASIK vs PRK — Which Laser Eye Surgery is Right for Me?
LASIK and PRK are both highly effective laser vision correction procedures, but they suit different patients. Here's what you need to know to understand which is right for you.
Who is the Best Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange?
Refractive Lens Exchange can eliminate dependence on glasses and contact lenses — particularly for patients over 45 with presbyopia or high prescriptions unsuitable for laser surgery.
Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 50. Early detection and treatment are critical — particularly for the wet form, which can cause rapid vision loss.
Signs You May Have Glaucoma — The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma causes no pain and no obvious symptoms in its early stages — yet it is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Regular eye checks are essential for those at risk.
Choosing the Right Lens Implant for Cataract Surgery
One of the most important decisions before cataract surgery is choosing the right intraocular lens implant. This guide explains the key options — monofocal, toric, multifocal, and EDOF — and how to decide which is right for you.
When Should You Have Cataract Surgery?
There is no single 'right time' for cataract surgery — the decision depends on how much the cataract is affecting your daily life, not on how advanced it looks on an examination. This guide explains the factors that guide the timing decision.
Public vs Private Cataract Surgery in Melbourne
Cataract surgery is available through both the public and private hospital systems in Melbourne. The two pathways differ significantly in wait times, cost, surgeon choice, and lens options. This guide explains the key differences to help you choose.
Cataract Surgery with Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Patients with diabetes develop cataracts earlier and may face additional considerations around surgery. With careful pre-operative planning and blood sugar management, most diabetic patients have excellent outcomes from cataract surgery.
Multifocal vs Monofocal IOLs: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a monofocal and multifocal lens for cataract surgery is one of the most important decisions you will make before the procedure. This guide explains the real-world differences to help you choose with confidence.
How to Choose a Cataract Surgeon in Melbourne
Choosing a cataract surgeon in Melbourne is about more than convenience. Credentials, subspecialty training, the range of lens options available, and continuity of care all matter. Here is what to look for.
Cataract Surgery After 80: Is Age a Risk Factor?
Age alone is not a contraindication to cataract surgery. Patients in their 80s and 90s regularly undergo safe, successful cataract surgery. The key considerations are medical fitness, other eye conditions, and the surgical risk-benefit balance.
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