Vision Day Surgery


Vision Group has nine dedicated day surgeries.  These state-of-the-art facilities are fully accredited, specialised ophthalmic day surgeries.  Vision Day Surgeries offer patients the opportunity of day surgery for most ophthalmic surgical procedures, including cataract, vitreo-retinal, glaucoma and corneal surgery.

Vision Day Surgery believes in open communication between surgeons and patients to deliver the best outcomes for you.  Although fully equipped to perform general anaesthesia the majority of eye surgery is done under local anaesthetic. The presence of an anaesthetist  ensures that every patient is completely relaxed before and during surgery. Patients walk in and out of surgery and are able to return home immediately after.       

With most Vision Day Surgeries conveniently co-located with our Vision Eye Institute consulting rooms we are well positioned to look after all your eye care needs in one centre.
1

What is Day Surgery?

 

Ophthalmic day surgery is designed for people who are essentially fit and healthy or whose existing health problems are well controlled by a medical practitioner.  It means that you arrive at the Day Surgery on the same day as the operation and go home again on that day.


Day Surgery is popular because it reduces your time in hospital, eliminating the need for an overnight stay. This reduces your hospital costs and means less time away from work, home and family. The average stay is three to five hours. Day Surgery is only an option if you have a responsible adult who can accompany you home and continue to be with you on the first post-operative night.

Who Arranges the Day Surgery Visit?


Your Surgeon and the staff will arrange the date and time of your surgery.


What About Fees?


If you have private health insurance, your account will be forwarded on your behalf to the health fund.  You will be required to pay any balance not covered by your fund on the day of surgery eg. relevant excess amounts. Patients who do not have private health insurance will be asked to finalise their accounts on admission


Before the Surgery

 

Do I Need to Fast?

 

Yes. Adults should not eat for at least five hours before their time of arrival.

 

 

May I Smoke?

 

Smoking can be a hazard before an operation, so please do not smoke for at least 24 hours prior to your surgical procedure.



Should I Take my Medications?

 

If you are on any medications, we suggest that you discuss this with your surgeon prior to the day of surgery. Please bring any medications with you to the Day Surgery.


What Else do I Bring?


Have with you...

 

  • Your GP summary - if given one
  • Your Day Surgery Consent form - complete, if not already returned
  • Your patient admission form - complete (both sides), if not already returned
  • Health Fund Book or Card
  • Medicare Card
  • Pension Health Benefits Card
  • Pharmaceutical Benefits Card
  • X-rays - if required

You will be more comfortable if you wear loose fitting clothing.


Should I Drive?

 

NO. Due to the anaesthetic you will receive, driving home will be dangerous. A responsible adult or friend is required to accompany you home.

 

 

What will Happen when I arrive at Vision Day Surgery?

 

On arrival, you should go directly to the Day Surgery reception. You will be required to complete the admission form if you have not already done so. It is advisable to have these completed prior to arrival and sent back to the Centre.


On admission to Day Surgery, the nursing staff will interview you.  Your relative/friend may be included in this interview if you wish. The Day Surgery staff are always available should you require any assistance.



After Surgery

 

Due to the anaesthetic you will have received, it is essential that you arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for 24 hours following your procedure.

 

 

What will Happen after the Surgery?


After surgery, you will stay at the Recovery Unit where the staff will monitor your progress until you are well enough to leave.



What will Happen on Discharge?


Before you leave, you will be given written instructions on how to look after yourself at home. Please make arrangements for someone responsible to drive you home. You will NOT be able to drive yourself or travel on public transport. An escort is vital for your safety, and you must have someone in continual attendance with you following your discharge and during the night following surgery.

A member of the Day Surgery staff will contact you within the following 72 hours to check your progress if you have not been reviewed by your doctor in that time.


After I leave?


During the first 24 hours after your anaesthetic, you must not drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol, conduct business or sign contracts.

Should you have any unexpected changes to your condition or an emergency in relation to your surgery, telephone your surgeon immediately. The number will be listed on your post-operative instruction sheet.