Clinical Services - (Metropolitan)

Services for referring practitioners

 ::  Disability Services

The Melbourne Optometry Clinic established a new clinical service division in 1997 called Disability Services to provide optometric services to people with intellectual, physical, sensory and/or multiple disabilities.

There are two divisions in the Disability Services. The first is a Disability Clinic which was set up within the Carlton Clinic. The second division is a Visiting Disability Service which was established to provide optometric care off-site to individuals with disabilities. This eliminates difficulties with transport and often patients respond better when examined in familiar surroundings.

Patients can be referred to the Clinic by writing to:

Disability Services
Melbourne Optometry Clinic
Corner Cardigan and Keppel Streets
Carlton 3053

An appointment time will be posted directly to the patient.

Services
Specialist optometric assessment:

• possible even if the patient is nonverbal
• use charts, matching techniques, pictures, looking cards to measure vision
• even if the patient does not follow instructions, it is possible to assess whether the patient has a significant spectacle prescription, whether the eyes coordinate and move well together and whether the eyes are healthy.  

After establishing a patient's level of visual functioning, we try to relate it into practical terms. This information can be useful for training programs with people with disabilities and for trying to maximise their vision.

Patients are referred if they require further treatment to their eyes.

Optometrists Association Australia has a list of optometrists who perform domicilliary visits if less than 4 people require a home assessment at one site. These optometrists do not have access to the Victorian Eyecare Scheme but may still offer low prices for spectacles.

Additional Information
All requests for information should be directed to:

Ms Jennifer Caulfield
Manager of Disability Services
Telephone: 9349 7400

Appointments can also be made directly by telephoning the appointments line on 9349 7455.