Do you need a referral for laser eye surgery?

Are you tired of glasses or contact lenses that always get in your way? Laser eye surgery might be the solution you need to enjoy clear vision without needing any visual aids. But before you book your appointment, you might wonder, “Do you need a referral for laser eye surgery?”. Find out below..

What is a referral?

First of all, let’s clarify what a referral means. A referral is a document that authorises you to see a specialist or receive a specific treatment, and it usually comes from a GP or a medical specialist. Referrals are common for complex or chronic conditions that require ongoing care or surgery, and they help ensure that you get appropriate and coordinated healthcare. However, not all treatments require a referral, and laser eye surgery is one of them.

Yes, you heard that right. You don’t need a referral to see a laser eye surgeon. In fact, most laser eye clinics accept self-referrals, which means that you can contact them directly and make an appointment without a GP’s or optometrist’s involvement. This might sound surprising or even risky, but there are good reasons why laser eye surgery is exempted from the referral system.

Reasons why you don’t need a referral for laser eye surgery

One reason is that laser eye surgery is a straightforward and safe procedure¹https://visioneyeinstitute.com.au/eyematters/laser-eye-surgery-safe/ that doesn’t require extensive pre-operative assessments or post-operative care. Unlike other surgeries that involve complex diagnoses, treatments, and recovery plans, we perform laser eye surgery within minutes and it has a high success rate²https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161642008013377. Moreover, laser eye surgery is a non-invasive and outpatient procedure that doesn’t involve any incisions or sutures, reducing the risk of infection, bleeding, or scarring. With these advantages, laser eye surgery is accessible and affordable for many people, regardless of their health status or insurance coverage.

Another reason why laser eye surgery doesn’t need a referral is that it is a well-established and regulated practice. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) oversee the accreditation and registration of medical practitioners, including ophthalmologists who perform laser eye surgery. They also set professional standards and guidelines that ensure the safety and quality of laser eye surgery, such as the use of advanced technology, proper training, and informed consent. Therefore, you can trust that a licensed laser eye surgeon in Australia is qualified, experienced, and ethical and that they will comply with the standards of care.

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, you don’t need a referral from your GP or optometrist to access a laser eye surgeon. With laser eye surgery, you can enjoy clear and hassle-free vision that will enhance your daily activities and quality of life. Book a free assessment with us to find out more about laser eye surgery.