FAQ

Why doesn't Eyes at Narangba bulk bill eye examinations?

At Eyes at Narangba, we've chosen to move away from bulk billing (also known as direct billing to Medicare) allowing us to continue delivering high‑quality, comprehensive eye care in a sustainable way.

This shift occurred close to a decade ago as Medicare rebates have not kept pace with the time and expertise required for thorough eye examinations. Our initial appointments typically take 45 to 60 minutes, allowing us to carefully assess your vision, eye health, and individual needs—rather than rushing through your care.

Payment for the consultation is made at the time of your visit, and we conveniently process your Medicare rebate electronically on the same day. There's no need for you to visit Medicare or Centrelink separately—we take care of it for you.

What is the cost of an eye examination at Eyes at Narangba?

Initial consultations (45-60 minute appointments) currently cost $180 with a Medicare rebate between $33-$96.

Secondary consultations (30 minute appointments) currently cost $90, with a Medicare rebate generally between $33-$66. Some patients who have reached their Medicare Safety Net Threshold may receive a higher rebate.

What makes independent Optometry practices different?

At Eyes at Narangba, we believe independent optometry offers patients more choice, more value, and more personalised care.

More Choice
Because we are not part of a chain, we can choose frame and lens suppliers based on quality, service, and value, we are not bound by Corporate structures or demands and as such constantly review our suppliers to ensure they reflect our high standards.

More Savings
Through ProVision, we are part of a strategic buying network of independent optometrists, giving us the purchasing power of more than 400 stores.  We have access to 24,000 frames in our online catalogue.

More Value
We aim to provide solutions for a wide range of budgets and needs, with long-term value for our patients.

More Service
If we do not have exactly what you need, we will do our best to find it. Our team is committed to practical, personalised solutions.  Our handy staff members are able to clean adjust, and if need be - repair your glasses.

More Personal
Eyes at Narangba was founded by Ross and Lisa Bakker in 2004 and remains a family-run local practice focused on providing the best possible care to the community.  If you've been with us for a while you will know some of our longstanding, excellent and very passionate team members - more on this in the ABOUT US page.

How often should I have an eye examination?

Recommended examination frequency generally depends on age, risk factors, and whether you wear contact lenses.

• Age 3 to 20: Once a year, unless otherwise advised by your optometrist
• Age 21 to 60: Every 18 months, or sooner if you notice changes or have concerns
• Age 40 and over with a family history of eye disease: Every year
• Age 65 and over: Every year
• Contact lens wearers: Every year
• People with diabetes: Every year for a dilated eye examination

What is the difference between a standard eye test and behavioural optometry?

Most eye tests focus on how clearly you can see letters on a chart. Behavioural optometry looks deeper—at how your eyes work together and how your brain processes visual information.

Clear eyesight is only one part of vision. Efficient vision also requires skills such as eye teaming, tracking, focusing, spatial awareness, and visual processing.

These abilities influence many areas of life, including:

• Reading and learning
• Balance and coordination
• Sport and reaction time
• Work performance
• Comfort when using screens
• Everyday tasks

Behavioural optometry examines how these visual skills affect real-world performance and comfort. By improving visual function, we can often improve how people learn, work, move, and interact with the world around them.

Can vision problems affect learning and reading?

Yes. Many children who struggle with reading or schoolwork actually have visual skill difficulties rather than eyesight problems.

A child may see clearly but still have trouble with:

• Eye tracking across a page
• Maintaining focus when reading
• Eye teaming (both eyes working together)
• Visual processing and comprehension

These challenges can make reading slow, tiring, or frustrating.

A behavioural vision assessment can identify whether visual skills are contributing to learning difficulties and determine whether vision therapy or other treatments may help.

What is vision therapy and who can benefit from it?

Vision therapy is a structured program designed to improve how the eyes and brain work together.

It can help people who experience:

• Eye strain or headaches
• Difficulty reading
• Poor eye coordination
• Double vision
• Reduced visual tracking
• Problems with visual concentration

Vision therapy is commonly used for children with learning-related vision problems, but it can also benefit teenagers and adults, particularly after concussion, eye coordination problems, or persistent visual discomfort.

What is Ortho-K and how does it control myopia?

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the surface of the eye while you sleep.

In the morning the lenses are removed, allowing clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses.

For children and teenagers, Ortho-K can also slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness), which may reduce the long-term risks associated with high myopia later in life.

It is a safe and well-established treatment when properly fitted and monitored by an experienced optometrist.