HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
South Canterbury Eye Clinic
If you have an eye problem, you should see your Optometrist or general practice team first. If you need emergency treatment, you should go to the Emergency Department or an after-hours medical centre.
If your eye problem is serious, your optometrist or doctor may refer you to the South Canterbury Eye Clinic. Your optometrist or doctor will contact the Eye Clinic to discuss your condition, and book a time for you to go there.
Eye clinic appointments
If you need an appointment urgently, you should get one the same day, otherwise you'll be given priority for the next day. This is done under an acute arrangement, which may be in Timaru or Christchurch. The Eye Clinic will phone you with your appointment time.
Otherwise, your appointment is likely to be within four months, and the Eye Clinic will send you a letter with your appointment time. After assessing your condition, it's possible that the Eye Clinic may refer you back to your optometrist for treatment.
You can only go to the Eye Clinic if an optometrist or doctor has referred you and you have an appointment. You will not be able to see medical staff at the Eye Clinic if you turn up without an appointment.
The time you're given to go to the Eye Clinic is an arrival time, not necessarily the time the medical staff will see you. The Eye Clinic staff understand that your eye problems are important and waiting might be stressful. They try to see all patients as quickly as possible, but some patients have to wait for a long time before they're seen.
The South Canterbury Eye Clinic is at 82 High St, Kensington, Timaru (corner High St and South St). Check your appointment letter for the exact details of where to go. To check or change an appointment, call (03) 684-8515.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIEYE-38573
