Referral-based cataract surgery in Moonee Ponds for Melbourne and regional Victoria, with careful assessment, lens planning and tailored specialist eye care.
Patient information
For Patients
Find practical information before your ophthalmology appointment, including referrals, what to bring, appointment length, dilation, payment and aftercare support at our Moonee Ponds practice.
Before your visit
Prepare for your eye specialist appointment
We know that visiting an ophthalmologist can feel unfamiliar, especially if you have been referred for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease or another eye condition. Our aim is to make your appointment clear, organised and as comfortable as possible.
A current referral from your GP or optometrist is required. This helps us understand the reason for your visit and supports your ability to claim the maximum Medicare rebate where eligible. If you are unsure what your referral needs to include, please contact our clinic before your appointment.
Please bring your current Medicare card, pension card if applicable, Health Care card if applicable, private insurance card if applicable and a list of current medications. You may also wish to review our ophthalmology services or learn more about our surgeons before attending.
Referrals and Medicare
Bring a current referral with you
Our practice provides referral-based specialist eye care. Your GP or optometrist can refer you for assessment, monitoring or treatment when specialist ophthalmic care is needed. Most referrals are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Your referral also helps with Medicare rebate eligibility. If you have been referred for a specific concern such as cataract assessment, glaucoma care or diabetic eye disease management, please ensure the referral is current and bring it with you on the day.
If you are travelling from regional Victoria or are unsure whether your referral is still valid, call us on (03) 9372 7022 before your visit so our team can guide you.
On the day
Ask a Question
Allow enough time for your appointment
Please allow up to 2 hours for your ophthalmology appointment. Some visits require extra testing, imaging, procedures or dilating eye drops. Appointment length can also vary if urgent clinical matters arise during the day.
Dilating drops are commonly used so your ophthalmologist can examine the inside of your eyes. They may cause blurred vision and light sensitivity, so we recommend that you do not drive yourself. If you do drive, allow 1 to 2 hours before driving and bring sunglasses.
Depending on your condition, your visit may involve tests used in glaucoma monitoring, retinal assessment for macular degeneration or discussion of procedures such as intraocular injections. Your doctor will explain what is clinically appropriate for you.
Eye care services
Specialist care for common eye conditions
We assess, monitor and manage a broad range of eye diseases, with care plans shaped by your diagnosis, test results and individual needs.
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Specialist glaucoma care in Moonee Ponds, with eye pressure assessment, monitoring and tailored treatment planning to help preserve remaining vision. Referral required.
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Macular degeneration care in Moonee Ponds, with retinal assessment, monitoring, in-clinic injections and laser treatment where appropriate. Referral required.
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Specialist diabetic eye disease assessment, monitoring and treatment in Moonee Ponds, helping patients with diabetes protect vision through coordinated referral-based care.
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Retinal surgery and specialist vitreo-retinal assessment in Moonee Ponds by Dr Mei Hong Tan, with personalised care across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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Specialist corneal condition assessment in Moonee Ponds, helping patients understand blurred vision, eye discomfort and suitable next steps with a GP or optometrist referral.
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Specialist oculoplastic and eyelid assessment in Moonee Ponds for functional lid concerns, irritation and lashes rubbing the eye, with care tailored to your needs.
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Specialist refractive assessment and in-clinic eye injections in Moonee Ponds for selected retinal and macular conditions, with personalised ophthalmic care by referral.
OUR SURGEONS
Specialist ophthalmologists focused on clear communication
Your care is provided by specialist ophthalmologists with advanced training across cataract, retinal, glaucoma and comprehensive eye disease care. We take time to explain findings, treatment options and the next steps in plain language.
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Dr Hakki Semerli
Specialist Ophthalmologist & Medical Director
Dr. Hakki Semerli is a Melbourne-trained comprehensive eye surgeon with expertise in cataract surgery using the latest minimally invasive techniques and intraocular lens solutions. He is also highly experienced with microscopic sutureless pterygium surgery and eyelid procedures amongst other surgical procedures.View full profile -
Dr Mei Hong Tan
Retinal specialist and vitreo-retinal surgeon
Dr Mei Hong Tan (MB ChB – PhD – FRCOphth – FRANZCO) is an Associate Ophthalmologist at Specialist Eye Surgeons and a Consultant Ophthalmologist in medical and surgical retina at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.View full profile -
Dr Chengde Pham
Specialist Ophthalmologist & Cataract Surgeon
Dr Pham is highly specialised in cataract surgery, laser treatment for glaucoma, and intravitreal injections for retinal and macular disease. He has also gained further specialised skills in managing children’s eye conditions and performing paediatric eye surgery.View full profile
Patient FAQs
Common appointment questions
These answers cover the questions patients most often ask before attending our Moonee Ponds clinic. If you need help with your own appointment, please contact us.
Yes. A current referral from your GP or optometrist is required. This helps us understand your eye concern and is important for claiming the maximum Medicare rebate where eligible. Most referrals are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Please bring your Medicare card, pension card if applicable, Health Care card if applicable, private insurance card if applicable, current referral and a list of your medications. If you have completed a patient registration form in advance, please bring that as well.
Dilating eye drops are commonly used and may blur your vision or make your eyes sensitive to light. We recommend that you do not drive yourself. If you do drive, allow 1 to 2 hours before driving and bring sunglasses.
Fees and aftercare
Ask Our Team
Practical care information
Fees, testing and aftercare can vary depending on your appointment and treatment plan. We will explain relevant information before testing or procedures.
Accounts are issued on the day of your visit and payment is expected on the day of consultation, excluding surgery accounts. If you have questions about your account, please speak with our reception team.
Some tests may have out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Medicare. Some private health providers may cover costs depending on extras. Any out-of-pocket costs are communicated before testing.
Your surgeon will provide a verbal explanation after surgery, and written aftercare information is included in your surgery pack. If you need clarification after your procedure, contact the clinic on (03) 9372 7022.
Next steps
Ready to arrange your appointment?
Call (03) 9372 7022 with your current referral details, or contact us if you need help preparing for your visit.
Moonee Ponds clinic
Moonee Ponds Surgery
Opening hours
Appointments are available on certain days and may change, so please confirm before attending.
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Contact our patient team
Send us your enquiry and our team will help with appointment preparation, referral questions or general patient information.