FAQs

Absolutely, most standard prescriptions can be handled within an hour thanks to our advanced equipment and dedicated team. More complex requirements may take longer, which our staff will communicate during your consultation.

Most people can! Advances in optometry offer solutions for various prescriptions and eye conditions. However, the suitability depends on individual eye health, which we assess during your consultation.

Some individuals might need a short adjustment period, but many enjoy the immediate benefits and convenience. We guide you through the transition to ensure comfort and confidence in using your lenses.

Regular check-ups are essential. We typically recommend a review appointment at least once a year or more frequently if you experience any discomfort or vision changes.

Avoid rubbing your eye and seek professional help immediately. Quick intervention is key to minimising potential damage.

We use local anaesthetic drops to numb the area, making the process virtually pain-free. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is typically not painful.

Most cases resolve quickly with no lasting issues, but we provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up checks to ensure proper healing.

Optometrists are equipped with specialised tools specifically designed for foreign body removal from the eye. They are trained in safely removing foreign objects without causing further harm. If you suspect you have a foreign body in your eye, it is advisable to go straight to an optometrist for immediate care. GPs may not have the necessary tools for safe and effective removal, and they often refer such cases to optometrists.

Absolutely. The process is non-invasive and painless, involving a camera flash similar to that of a regular camera. It doesn’t take long, and there’s no discomfort.

No referral is necessary. However, if you’re consulting with an ophthalmologist or other healthcare provider, please bring any relevant information or previous images with you.

Coverage can vary by policy. Please check with your insurance provider beforehand. At Hastings Optical, we strive for transparency in all our services and will clarify any costs during your visit.

The NIDEK RS-330 delivers detailed, three-dimensional images of your eye, facilitating early detection and management of eye conditions. It’s a leap forward in ensuring comprehensive eye health checks.

OCT scans may not always be covered by Medicare and coverage under private health insurance can vary. We recommend patients check with their insurance provider. Regardless, Hastings Optical is committed to transparency regarding any out-of-pocket costs.

An annual OCT scan is advisable for individuals over 40, or those with a significant family history of eye conditions. However, for patients with known eye health issues, more frequent scans may be necessary.

To maintain optimal condition and comfort, we recommend these services every 6 months, depending on the frame, some or sooner if you experience any discomfort or misalignment.

Our qualified optical mechanics will assess the condition of your frames and provide the best course of action, whether that’s a skilled repair or a replacement recommendation.

Our staff’s expertise covers a vast range of frame materials and styles, though some exclusive brands or unique materials may have service limitations.

We recommend prescription safety glasses for the best in safety and visual clarity, though wearing safety glasses over prescription glasses is possible. Our Hoya Safety and PSG offerings include options for all needs.

The ideal safety glasses should comfortably grip your head, rest gently on your nose, offer side protection, and not hinder your peripheral vision. We ensure a perfect fit by professionally adjusting your frames, prioritizing your comfort and safety.

Maintain optimal protection by regularly cleaning your glasses with recommended cleaners, inspecting for damage, and storing them safely. Damaged glasses should be replaced immediately to ensure consistent protection.

Diabetes primarily harms your eyes through high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels in the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye. This damage can result in diabetic retinopathy, where high glucose levels cause blood vessels to leak fluid or bleed, impairing vision. In advanced stages, it can lead to scar tissue formation, macular edema, and even potential detachment of the retina.

Furthermore, diabetes increases the risk of other serious eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can also lead to changes in your vision; high blood sugar can swell the lens inside your eye, affecting your ability to see.

For individuals with diabetes, Hastings Optical follows the guidelines recommended by medical and eye care standard bodies, suggesting an annual diabetic eye examination as a minimum. However, depending on the duration of your diabetes diagnosis, your current eye health, and your overall blood sugar control, more frequent exams may be necessary.

If you have a known eye condition related to diabetes or experience any changes in vision, immediate attention is necessary, and you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Regular monitoring is crucial to manage diabetic eye diseases effectively, as early detection of any changes can help prevent vision loss.

For children with type 1 diabetes, eye examinations should begin within five years after the diabetes diagnosis or at the age of 10, whichever is earlier. For adults with type 1 diabetes and all patients with type 2 diabetes, the recommendation is to have your eyes checked soon after your diabetes diagnosis and regularly thereafter, as advised by your eye specialist.

Your health and peace of mind are paramount to us at Hastings Optical. If you have more questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at [Contact Information]. We’re here to assist you in understanding and managing the impact of diabetes on your eye health.

We advocate regular eye examinations for everyone, particularly for individuals over 40, those with a familial history of glaucoma, individuals of African or Hispanic descent, and persons experiencing elevated eye pressure or living with diabetes, as they may face higher risks.

While there’s no cure for glaucoma and vision lost to the condition cannot be regained, early detection and consistent management can majorly decelerate further vision deterioration. Our dedicated team is with you every step, providing guidance, treatment, and support for optimal eye health maintenance.

Yes, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure ample time is dedicated to your VicRoads visual assessment and report. Simply click https://hastingsoptical.com or contact us at (03) 59794188.

Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses, if any, and a list of any medications you’re taking. Also, bring any relevant paperwork from VicRoads, including forms or letters, if applicable.

You can expect your appointment to take approximately 30-45 minutes, during which we conduct a comprehensive eye examination and discuss your results and the next steps.

Please bring identification, your current eyewear (glasses or contacts), and any relevant documentation from the police recruitment office. If you have a history of vision problems, bringing previous medical or optometric records can also be helpful.

The eye examination process is thorough yet efficient, typically taking about 30 minutes. We utilize this time to conduct a comprehensive assessment, ensuring we address all the criteria necessary for your police application while also providing you with immediate feedback and advice.

If there are areas where your vision falls short of the police standards, we’ll discuss possible corrective steps, which may include glasses, contact lenses, or further medical evaluations. Our goal is to assist you in meeting the necessary criteria for your application.

We recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at around six months of age, followed by another at age three, and then before they enter the first grade. From then on, they should receive regular exams every two years if no vision correction is required.

Common signs could include persistent eye rubbing, sensitivity to light, difficulty focusing, or issues with tracking objects. If you notice any of these behaviours or have concerns, it’s best to schedule an eye exam.

Our optometrists and staff are trained in making children feel comfortable and even excited about their eye tests. We use simple words, fun imagery, and a gentle demeanour, turning the exam into a child-friendly experience.

Anyone facing challenges in distinguishing colours, or individuals pursuing careers where colour differentiation is crucial (e.g., electricians, pilots, graphic designers), should consider screening. It’s also wise for parents to have their children screened to rule out colour vision deficiencies early in life.

Most colour vision deficiencies, particularly those inherited genetically, are lifelong. While there’s no cure, coping strategies can significantly help manage the condition. For acquired colour vision issues, resolving the underlying cause can sometimes improve colour perception.

The screening is relatively quick, typically requiring approximately 30 minutes. However, we ensure not to rush, providing adequate time for a thorough assessment and discussion.