Adelaide Independent Optometrists is a South Australian family owned and run optical business. We have two optical stores, Tony McLarty Optometrists, in Victoria Square established 1966 and Port Adelaide Eyewear, in St Vincent Street, Port Adelaide established 1989.
We are experts at running external clinics in aged care and residential facilities as well as large businesses enabling travel restricted or time poor people to be able to have eye examinations on a regular basis. We have full public liability insurance; all our staff have police clearances and are trained in OHS. As a part of our service we will supply a copy of the optometrist’s examination for your records.
Eye examinations… more than just eye tests
Comprehensive eye examinations are more than just “testing” your eyes. Regular eye tests ensure your eyes are healthy and that your glasses are most suited to your individual needs.
Checking your vision to see if you require glasses or contact lenses is only one aspect of an eye examination.
We can also detect ocular health problems such as glaucoma and cataracts, and even general health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Our practice takes great pride in providing the most comprehensive eye examination possible and uses the latest technology and equipment to assist us in the assessment of your vision and ocular health.
It is recommended to have an eye test every 2 years or sooner if you are experiencing problems.
Refractive Surgery Assessments
For those interested in surgical alternatives, like laser surgery, to glasses and contact lenses.
Diabetic Ocular Reviews
Diabetic ocular reviews are vital for the proper management of this condition and we provide regular reports to your GP about possible Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Oedema which are both eye complications from diabetes.
Drivers Vision Assessments
Includes assessment of vision, visual fields and colour vision for all licence applications and renewals.
Work and Vocational
Vision assessments and advice covers occupational eye protection, computer vision needs, specialised lenses for vocational applications and much more. If you have a hobby which is your passion we may be able to recommend specialist lenses or filters to enhance your enjoyment.
Contact Lenses
- Soft and RGP (hard) lens fitting for all prescriptions
- Daily, fortnightly and monthly disposable lenses
- Tailor made lenses for unusual prescriptions
- Extended wear lenses which can be slept in for up to one month
- Coloured and Crazy lenses
Contact lenses are a fantastic alternative to spectacles, particularly for activities such as sport. With recent advances in design technology, contact lenses are now more comfortable, easier to care for and are more affordable.
Most people can successfully wear contact lenses, and with the range of frequent replacement lenses now available they can be considered an affordable accessory for times when your glasses might not be practical. Contact lenses can be successfully alternated with glasses, and most wearers will work out a balance that suits their lifestyle without compromising day to day vision comfort.
If you decide you would like to try contact lenses your optometrist will be able to advise you on the best type for your individual needs.
Contact lenses vary in a number of ways:
- Some lenses are designed to be used once and then discarded (daily disposables), ideal for occasional sport or social use;
- Some lenses are designed to be used for longer periods- 2 weekly, monthly or in some instances even longer; and
- Some lenses are even suitable to sleep in for short periods. (Extended wear)
- Contact lenses can be tinted for a subtle or more dramatic cosmetic effect
- Multifocal lenses are also available for the more mature clients
As contact lenses sit directly on the eye tissue it is vital that they are fitted and assessed by your optometrist, ensuring minimal risks of discomfort and possible infection.
What’s involved?
- Contact lens fitting involves a number of visits. Medicare generally covers the initial examination. Subsequent consultations are generally not covered by Medicare unless your prescription falls within certain guidelines. (Ian and Jo can advise you about this at the time of the initial consultation.)
- At the second visit your optometrist will teach you insertion and removal, handling and care of your contact lenses. You will be given a pair of lenses at this appointment to trial for comfort and clarity of vision.
- It is most important after the initial trial of lenses that you return wearing the lenses for further assessment. In some cases the lens fit may need to be altered to give optimum comfort or vision, so several visits may be needed. Extended wear lenses require more visits in the initial fitting phase to ensure eye health and vision are not being affected.
- Once a successful fit has been established, we recommend an examination every twelve months if you are wearing the lenses more than a few days a week, and every six months for extended wear lenses.
What does it cost?
- Initial comprehensive visit is a scheduled fee and claimable from Medicare.
- Contact Lens fitting including teaching insertion and removal, trial lenses as needed and follow up visits to assess comfort, eye health, fit and vision. (Generally not claimable from Medicare)
- Contact lens costs vary according to the type of lens prescribed and quantity purchased. If the lenses are designed to be used for more than one day the cost of solutions to maintain them will also need to be considered.