Vision Camberwell Optometrists welcomes referrals from optometrists, ophthalmologists, GPs and other health professionals for keratoconus, irregular corneas, specialty contact lenses, myopia management, orthokeratology, difficult refits and complex prism prescriptions.
We aim to make referral straightforward, assess the problem you have identified and communicate the findings and management plan back to you. You can refer through Oculo or by email, and you are welcome to contact us before referring if you would like to discuss whether a case is suitable.
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How to refer a patient
Send the referral through Oculo
We prefer to send and receive clinical correspondence through Oculo. Please include the reason for referral, relevant history, current correction and any results that may help us plan the appointment. Attachments can include corneal topography or tomography, anterior segment OCT, axial length data, previous lens parameters, operative information or correspondence from other clinicians.
Refer by email
You can email a referral to vision@visioncamberwell.com.au. Please use an appropriate secure clinical process for patient information. If the matter is time-sensitive, call the practice after sending it so the team can triage it promptly.
Request a referral pad
If you prefer a paper referral pad for your rooms, contact our team and we can arrange one. The patient can then call us on (03) 9882 5666 to arrange the appropriate appointment.
Information that helps us prepare
A concise referral is enough. Please include the patient’s details, the clinical question, relevant ocular and medical history, present treatment and the best contact details for correspondence. You do not need to repeat information already contained in an attached report.
For contact lens referrals, previous lens type, parameters, wearing schedule, care products, comfort and vision are particularly useful. If the patient has the lenses, ask them to bring them, even if they are no longer wearable. Topography or tomography is helpful when available, but its absence should not delay an otherwise appropriate referral.
For myopia management, cycloplegic refraction where available, previous refractions, axial length measurements, family history and treatment history help us interpret change over time. The International Myopia Institute recommends that management decisions combine refractive, biometric and individual risk information rather than rely on one measurement alone. 4
Cases we commonly assess
Keratoconus and corneal ectasia
We assess patients with known or suspected keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration and other ectatic or irregular corneal conditions. The assessment can address visual rehabilitation, contact lens options, change over time and whether ophthalmology input is needed. Contact lenses can improve vision but do not stabilise progressive ectasia, so optical rehabilitation and progression assessment must remain distinct parts of care. 1
Irregular corneas after surgery or trauma
We see patients with irregular astigmatism after corneal grafting, refractive surgery, radial keratotomy, corneal injury and other procedures. Where ordinary spectacles or soft lenses do not provide useful vision, we can assess corneal RGP, hybrid or scleral lens options according to the ocular surface, corneal shape and the patient’s needs.
Scleral, RGP and hybrid contact lenses
Referrals may be for a first fitting, a difficult refit, poor comfort, unstable vision, lens decentration, midday fogging, handling problems or an opinion on whether another design is worthwhile. Scleral lenses are used for visual rehabilitation in irregular corneas and in selected ocular surface conditions, but they require individual fitting, review and ongoing care. 2
We also review patients whose lenses were fitted elsewhere. Please send previous parameters if available, but the patient can still be assessed without them. We will determine what is working, what is limiting the result and whether modification or a new fitting is justified.
Severe dry eye and ocular surface disease
A scleral lens assessment may be appropriate for selected patients with severe dry eye or ocular surface disease when symptoms or surface damage persist despite other care. The lens can provide surface protection and a fluid reservoir while worn, but it does not replace treatment of the underlying condition or ophthalmology care where required. 2
Myopia management and axial length monitoring
We accept referrals for childhood myopia risk assessment, axial length monitoring, orthokeratology, myopia-control spectacle or soft contact lenses and atropine-related co-management. Treatment selection should account for age, progression, ocular measurements, lifestyle, family preferences and the evidence for each option. 4
If you would like to retain the patient’s routine eye care, say so in the referral. We can focus on the requested myopia service and communicate the monitoring results and plan back to you.
Orthokeratology
We assess children and adults for orthokeratology, including patients with higher refractive errors, astigmatism, previous unsuccessful fittings or more complex corneal shapes. Suitability depends on corneal health, topography, prescription, expectations and the ability to manage overnight lens wear safely.
Complex prism and binocular vision
We assess selected patients with persistent binocular vision symptoms, double vision or prism prescriptions that need further investigation or non-standard lens manufacture. For suitable complex prescriptions, VCO can explore manufacturing options through laboratories in Sweden and the United States. Feasibility must be confirmed for the individual prescription.
What happens after we receive the referral?
We select the appropriate appointment
Our team reviews the referral information and arranges an appointment suited to the clinical question. Complex contact lens and myopia appointments may need more time or specific equipment than a routine eye examination.
Patients may use our online booking system, but online appointments are provisional until our team confirms the appointment type and timing. Sending the referral first helps us avoid booking the patient into an appointment that cannot address the reason for referral.
We assess the referred problem
The consultation is tailored to the reason for referral and may include refraction, binocular vision testing, corneal imaging, anterior eye assessment, axial length measurement, trial lens evaluation or other clinically relevant tests. Not every test is required for every patient.
We explain the plan and fees
We explain the findings, reasonable options, likely next steps and any important limitations. Where a fitting or treatment programme is proposed, the patient will be told the relevant fees and follow-up commitments before deciding whether to proceed.
Communication and co-management
We write back with the findings and management plan once the relevant assessment has been completed. Where care is shared, we will state what VCO is managing, what monitoring is planned and when further input from the referrer or another practitioner is needed.
Good co-management depends on clear clinical roles and timely information. For keratoconus, contact lens care does not replace medical assessment of progression. For myopia, treatment reviews need to sit alongside routine ocular health care and communication about refractive and biometric change. 1,4
If you have a specific preference about ongoing care, include it in the referral. We can discuss the plan directly when the case is complex or the division of care needs clarification.
Urgent and time-sensitive referrals
Oculo and email are appropriate for routine referrals. If you are concerned that the patient needs prompt assessment, call us on (03) 9882 5666 so the team can assess the urgency and advise whether VCO is the appropriate destination.
For an ocular emergency or a condition requiring immediate medical or surgical care, direct the patient to the appropriate emergency or ophthalmology service. Sending an electronic referral alone does not ensure that an urgent message will be seen immediately.
Which clinician should the patient see?
Shonit Jagmohan commonly manages complex corneal, scleral, RGP and difficult prism cases. Jue Wang commonly manages myopia and orthokeratology referrals and consults in English and Mandarin. Our team will direct the referral according to the clinical question, availability and any continuity needs.
Questions from referring practitioners
Does the patient need corneal imaging before referral?
No. Send any useful imaging you already have, but do not arrange unnecessary testing solely to make the referral. We can perform the measurements required for the assessment.
Can I discuss a case before referring?
Yes. Call or email the practice with your details and the clinical question. If the appropriate clinician is consulting, our team can arrange a suitable time for a discussion.
Can you review lenses fitted elsewhere?
Yes. Ask the patient to bring the lenses, cases and care products, plus any available parameters or fitting records. We can assess the current result and advise whether adjustment, replacement or a different approach is reasonable.
Will you write back after the appointment?
Yes. We send clinical correspondence after the relevant assessment and outline the findings, plan and proposed follow-up. Oculo is our preferred platform for sending and receiving correspondence.
Can the patient continue routine care with the referring practitioner?
Yes, where that arrangement is clinically appropriate. State your preference in the referral so the division of care can be made clear to the patient and recorded in our correspondence.
Can a patient book their own appointment after referral?
Yes. The patient can call (03) 9882 5666 or request an appointment online. Online bookings remain provisional until our team confirms that the appointment is suitable for the referral.
Refer to Vision Camberwell Optometrists
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is located at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124, in Melbourne’s inner east. We receive referrals from Camberwell, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, greater Melbourne and regional or interstate practitioners.
Send clinical correspondence through Oculo or email vision@visioncamberwell.com.au. For appointment coordination, referral pads or a case discussion, call (03) 9882 5666 or contact our team.
References
- Gomes JAP, Tan D, Rapuano CJ, Belin MW, Ambrósio R Jr, Guell JL, Malecaze F, Nishida K, Sangwan VS. Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases. Cornea. 2015;34(4):359-369. doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000000408.
- Ruiz-Lozano RE, Hernandez-Camarena JC, Loya-Garcia D, Merayo-Lloves J, Rodriguez-Garcia A. Update on Indications, Complications, and Outcomes of Scleral Contact Lenses. Medical Hypothesis, Discovery & Innovation in Ophthalmology. 2021;10(4):165-178. doi:10.51329/mehdiophthal1435.
- Wolffsohn JS, Dumbleton K, Huntjens B, et al. BCLA CLEAR: Evidence-based contact lens practice. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2021;44(2):368-397. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.008.
- Gifford KL, Richdale K, Kang P, et al. IMI: Clinical Management Guidelines Report. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2019;60(3):M184-M203. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25977.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Discuss a referral with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in complex corneal, contact lens and myopia management. We welcome referrals from Camberwell, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
