Faqs
Frequently asked
Everything you'd want to ask us before your first visit.
From booking and Medicare to dry eye therapy, children’s vision and premium eyewear a transparent guide to how we care for your eyes at Pacific Fair.
Appointments & Visits
Booking, what to bring, and how long to plan for.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online through our website 24/7, call our Pacific Fair clinic during opening hours, or drop in and our concierge team will find the next available slot. New patients are welcome and no referral is required.
How long does a full eye examination take?
Allow 45–60 minutes for a comprehensive assessment. Behavioural, paediatric, dry eye and myopia control consultations run longer — typically 60–90 minutes — because we perform additional diagnostic imaging and functional testing.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring your current glasses and any spare pairs, your contact lens prescription or boxes if you wear them, a list of medications, your Medicare card and private health fund card. If you’ve had recent scans or reports from another optometrist or ophthalmologist, bring those too.
Do you see walk-ins?
Yes, we hold same-day slots for urgent concerns such as a red eye, sudden vision change, foreign body, or a broken pair of glasses. Booking ahead guarantees a time, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Where are you located and is there parking?
We’re the flagship store on the ground level of Pacific Fair, Broadbeach. Pacific Fair has free undercover parking with direct lift access to our practice.
Pricing, Medicare & Health Funds
Rebates, gap fees, and what’s covered on the spot.
Is my eye exam bulk-billed under Medicare?
Standard comprehensive eye examinations are bulk-billed to Medicare for eligible patients, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the consultation itself. Extended services such as retinal imaging, dry eye assessments and behavioural work-ups may attract a private fee, which is fully quoted before we proceed.
Do you accept private health funds?
Yes. We are HICAPS-enabled and process on-the-spot claims for all major Australian health funds including Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB, AHM and Australian Unity. You only pay the gap, if any, after your rebate is processed.
How much do glasses cost?
Frames start from around $199 and premium designer collections range up to $1,200. Lenses are quoted after your consultation based on your prescription, coatings and lifestyle. We always present a transparent, itemised quote before ordering.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer interest-free payment options through Afterpay and Zip for eyewear and contact lens supplies, so you can spread the cost without any added fees.
Children's & Behavioural Vision
Little eyes, learning, and developmental care.
At what age should my child have their first eye test?
We recommend a first comprehensive assessment before school starts, around age 3 to 4. Because so much of learning is visual, early detection of focusing, tracking or alignment issues can make a huge difference to reading, confidence and behaviour in the classroom.
What is behavioural optometry?
Behavioural optometry looks beyond 20/20 sight to how the whole visual system supports learning, coordination and attention. We assess eye teaming, tracking, focus flexibility and visual processing, and prescribe lenses, prisms or vision therapy to build stronger visual skills.
Do you do vision therapy?
Yes. Our therapists run in-clinic vision therapy programs combined with home exercises for children and adults with convergence issues, tracking difficulties, post-concussion visual symptoms and learning-related visual problems.
Contact Lenses
Fittings, trials, and ordering refills.
Can I try contact lenses even if I've never worn them?
Absolutely. Our contact lens fittings include a full corneal assessment, a lifestyle discussion, trial lenses, and a one-on-one insertion and removal lesson. You’ll leave the practice confident and comfortable.
Do you fit specialty lenses like ortho-k or scleral?
Yes. We fit orthokeratology (overnight lenses that reshape the cornea and slow myopia progression in children), rigid gas-permeable lenses, sclerals for keratoconus and irregular corneas, and multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia.
How do I reorder my contact lenses?
Once your prescription is current, you can reorder online, by phone, or in-store and we’ll deliver Australia-wide. Loyalty pricing and annual supply bundles are available.
Dry Eye & Ocular Health
Diagnostics, in-clinic therapy, and long-term care.
What causes dry eye?
Most dry eye is driven by meibomian gland dysfunction, the tiny oil glands in your lids stop producing healthy oils, so tears evaporate too quickly. Screen use, contact lenses, hormonal change, medications and Queensland’s climate all contribute.
What in-clinic dry eye treatments do you offer?
We offer IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, LipiFlow-style thermal expression, BlephEx lid margin cleaning, punctal plugs and prescription drop therapy, all guided by advanced meibography and tear film imaging.
How many sessions of IPL will I need?
Most patients complete a course of 3–4 IPL sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6–12 months. Your optometrist will personalise the plan after your dry eye work-up.
Eyewear & Lenses
Frames, prescriptions and warranty.
What brands do you stock?
We curate independent and luxury eyewear from houses including Lindberg, Cartier, Tom Ford, Oliver Peoples, Barton Perreira, Chrome Hearts, Cutler and Gross, Face à Face, and select Japanese ateliers.
How long do glasses take to make?
Single-vision lenses are usually ready in 5–7 working days. Progressive, high-index and specialty lenses take 7–14 days. Urgent turnarounds are available, just ask.
What warranty comes with my glasses?
All frames carry a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty against defects. Lenses include a 24-month scratch and coating warranty. We also offer complimentary adjustments and cleaning for the life of the frame.
Medical & Referrals
Red eyes, injuries, and specialist care.
Can you treat red eyes, infections or foreign bodies?
Yes, our optometrists are therapeutically endorsed and can diagnose and treat most common eye conditions on the spot, including bacterial conjunctivitis, styes, corneal abrasions and foreign body removal. Prescription medications can be issued directly.
Do you screen for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration?
Every comprehensive exam includes intraocular pressure testing, wide-field retinal imaging and OCT scanning where indicated, the gold standard for detecting glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic changes early.
Will you refer me to an ophthalmologist if needed?
When surgical or medical management is required, we co-manage your care with a trusted network of Gold Coast and Brisbane ophthalmologists, and provide you with a full referral, imaging and clinical letter.
Still curious?
Talk to an optometrist, not a call centre.
Our Pacific Fair clinicians are happy to answer specific questions about your eyes,
prescriptions or a family member’s care, before you commit to a visit.