Your general practitioner or optometrist will be able to recommend and refer you to an ophthalmologist who can perform the surgery.
You may be happy to accept the advice of your doctor or optometrist, or you may like to investigate your choices.
You can locate an ophthalmologist specialising in cataract surgery through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.
Questions for your doctor may help you understand the treatment, and, if necessary, decide on an ophthalmologist. Practical issues you may also like to consider are which hospital(s) a particular doctor operates in, and their fees.
To find out which ophthalmologists participate in our Medicover No Gap or Known Gap* arrangement:
- Call us on 13 13 34
- Visit an HCF branch
- Search for a participating provider online
Not all HCF hospital policies cover cataracts. Please check your level of cover before booking your procedure.
Can you use your referral on any specialist?
Your referral can be transferred to any specialist you choose, as long as they’re in the same medical field. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to write an ‘open referral’ where they don’t specify a particular specialist. A valid referral needs to include:
- relevant clinical information about your condition for investigation, opinion, treatment and/or management
- date of the referral
- signature of your referring doctor.
*Participation in HCF’s medical gap initiative is at the doctor’s discretion. We can’t guarantee these doctors will participate in our gap arrangements for all members or services. Where you will incur any out-of-pocket costs the doctor(s) should advise you of these costs and obtain your Informed Financial Consent so you can make an informed decision before going ahead with the surgery. Members are encouraged to confirm with their doctor(s) whether they will use HCF’s medical gap initiatives for their treatment.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.