Early detection and monitoring to protect your long-term vision

Diabetes eye check

A diabetes eye check is a specialised examination designed to monitor the health of your eyes if you have diabetes, helping detect early signs of diabetic eye disease before symptoms appear.

Protect your vision by identifying diabetes-related changes early

Why have a Diabetes Eye Check?

For a person with diabetes, a diabetes eye check is recommended every 1–2 years, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist. Regular checks allow us to monitor the health of your eyes and detect early signs of diabetic eye disease. During the diabetes eye test, we assess the retina using advanced imaging to check for changes such as diabetic retinopathy, swelling, or damage to blood vessels that can affect your vision. These checks are essential because diabetes can impact your eyes without noticeable symptoms, and early detection allows for timely treatment to prevent progression. Without regular diabetes eye checks, serious complications can develop unnoticed, potentially leading to permanent vision loss – making routine monitoring a vital part of protecting your long-term eye health. Diabetes eye tests are available at our Ringwood, Croydon, Healesville and Yarram locations. It is recommended you make an appointment for your diabetes eye exam to avoid long wait times however we can also accommodate walk-ins at our Ringwood and Croydon locations

What Does a Diabetes Eye check Involve?

A diabetes eye check involves a series of detailed assessments to examine the health of your retina and detect early signs of diabetic eye disease. During the appointment, your optometrist will take a thorough history of your diabetes and vision, then use advanced imaging such as retinal imaging or OCT scans to closely assess the blood vessels at the back of your eye. In some cases eye drops may be used to dilate your pupils.

Does a diabetes eye check hurt or feel uncomfortable?

A diabetes eye check is non-invasive and completely painless. If eye drops are used to dilate your pupils, you may experience temporary light sensitivity and blurred vision which will subside in 1 to 4 hours.

Do I need to prepare for a diabetes eye check?

It’s helpful to bring along your glasses (if you wear them) and any information about your diabetes, such as recent blood sugar levels or medications. Eye drops may be used to dilate your pupils for a more detailed examination, which can cause temporary light sensitivity and blurred vision, so you should make arrangements not to drive immediately after your appointment.

What does a Diabetes eye check cost?

For eligible patients, a diabetes eye test is often bulk billed through Medicare, meaning the consultation itself is free. However, if additional or specialised testing is required, there may be a small fee involved.

Visit our pricing page to view our current prices and rebates. 

 

What happens after the test?

After the test, your optometrist will explain the results and let you know whether there are any signs of diabetic eye disease or other changes to your eye health. If everything is stable, you’ll simply be advised on when to return for your next check. If any issues are detected, we’ll discuss the appropriate next steps, which may include monitoring, treatment, or referral to a specialist for further care. In many cases, you’ll receive your results immediately, along with clear guidance on how to best protect your vision moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need a referral from a doctor for a diabetes eye check. Simply book online or call your preferred Harris Blake and Parsons practice to make an appointment.
You should allow 30-45 minutes for your appointment
During your diabetes eye check, dilation drops will be used to allow your optometrist to examine the health of your eyes in more detail. These drops will temporarily blur your vision and increase sensitivity to light for approximately 1 to 4 hours. For this reason, you will not be able to drive immediately after your appointment. Please arrange alternative transport home after your diabetes eye check.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking an appointment in advance. Walk-ins may be available at our Ringwood and Croydon locations, depending on appointment availability on the day.
Harris Blake & Parsons offers diabetes eye checks at our Ringwood, Croydon, Healesville and Yarram practices. Visit our locations page to view open hours and make an appointment.

The process

Your eye check journey

1. Book Appointment

Book online or call us to book your eye check. 

2. New Patient Form

If you have not visited us before, fill out our New Patient Form before your appointment. Alternatively complete this in-person prior to your appointment. 

3. Attend Appointment

Attend your eye check appointment. 
Your appointment will begin with a brief consultation, followed by a series of thorough, painless eye tests tailored to you.

4. Results & Treatment

In most cases you will receive your results immediately.
In your appointment your optometrist will assess your results and provide the findings and recommended next actions if required. 

Locations

4 convenient locations in Melbourne’s east

With four convenient locations across Melbourne’s East, accessing quality eye care is easy. All 4 of our Harris Blake & Parsons locations offer an extensive range of eye checks and eye treatments.
In addition, our Ringwood and Croydon clinics offer a large range of eyewear available to browse and purchase in-store.

To book an eye check at our Ringwood or Croydon stores, use the button below. For appointments at our Healesville and Yarram locations, please call us.

Ringwood
03 9870 5478

Croydon, Healesville & Yarram
03 9723 3218

About

Harris Blake & Parsons

Providing premium optometry in Melbourne for over 65 years

A local and independent optometry practice, we are known for providing the highest quality eye checks, personalised treatments and an unmatched range of eyewear products to our community for over 65 years.
We offer a broad range of eye exams and eye treatments as well as eyewear and contact lens retail.
With locations in Ringwood, Croydon, Healesville & Yarram, we’re the perfect choice for eyecare in Melbourne’s East.

Reviews

Hear from our satisfied customers

Which location would you like to attend?

Online bookings are available at Ringwood and Croydon. To make a booking at Healesville or Yarram, please call us. 

Ringwood

Bookings preferred, walk-ins welcome

Open Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 9am – 5:30pm
Fri: 9am – 6:30pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: Closed

Croydon

Bookings preferred, walk-ins welcome

Open Hours:

Mon-Tues: 9am – 5:30pm
Weds: 9:30am – 2:30pm
Thurs-Fri: 9am – 5:30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

Healesville

By appointment only

Open Hours:

Tues: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Closed all other days

Call (03) 9723 3218 to book

Yarram

By appointment only

Open Hours:

Visiting two days every six weeks, by appointment only.

Call (03) 9723 3218 to book

If you are a new patient please complete our NEW PATIENT FORM prior to your appointment. If you are unable to complete this online, please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment to complete a paper copy.