Emergency Appointments
If you are experiencing an eye emergency, acting quickly can make all the difference. Below is a guide to help you understand what steps to take.
Recognising an eye emergency
Have your GP or optometrist contact us immediately if you experience:
- Blunt force trauma.
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Severe eye pain that doesn’t go away.
- Flashes of light, floaters, or shadows in your vision (potential signs of retinal detachment).
For less urgent issues such as mild redness, irritation, or gradual vision changes, please call us and we will book an appointment for the next available time slot (sometimes this is immediately or the next day).
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EyeHub is located in the Nucleus Medical Suites
Visiting our practice for emergencies
If you are visiting our practice for an appointment related to an eye emergency, bring any relevant documents, such as a list of current medications, details of past eye treatments or surgeries and a referral letter, if possible and applicable.
When you arrive, our team will:
- Triage immediately: we will assess your condition to determine the level of urgency.
- Provide initial treatment, medications to relieve symptoms, or emergency procedures to stabilise your condition.
- If necessary, we will refer you to the hospital. For severe cases beyond the scope of our clinic, we will provide a detailed referral and coordinate with the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department to ensure you receive prompt care.
Emergency eye appointments on the Sunshine Coast
If you are unsure whether your eye issue is an emergency, it is always better to err on the side of caution and give us a call on 07 5220 8990.
Your eye health is our top priority, do not hesitate to reach out for help.
For any emergencies outside clinic hours, proceed directly to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department.
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Our Expertise
Comprehensive eye and refractive services for the Sunshine Coast
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
More information about Eye Hub emergency appointments
How do I manage my symptoms before visiting EyeHub or hospital?
Here is how you can prepare and manage your symptoms while waiting for care:
For eye pain or trauma:
- Avoid rubbing or touching the eye.
- Keep the eye gently closed and protected. For significant trauma, place a clean shield (not a patch) over the eye.
For chemical exposure:
- Rinse your eye immediately with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes. Continue rinsing until you can get medical care.
For sudden vision loss or flashes :
- Limit movement and keep your head upright to reduce strain on the affected eye. Avoid lying flat.
If your vision is impaired, have someone drive you to the clinic or hospital.
What should I bring to my emergency appointment?
Bring any relevant documents, such as:
- A list of current medications.
- Details of past eye treatments or surgeries.
- A referral letter, if possible and applicable.
If your vision is impaired, have someone drive you to the clinic or hospital.
What do I do if EyeHub advises me to go to Sunshine Coast University Hospital?
If advised to go directly to the Emergency Department, inform the triage nurse that you have been referred by our practice.
- Bring any referral letter or documentation we have provided.
- Clearly explain your symptoms to the hospital staff.
- Our team may also contact the hospital directly to share details about your condition and if possible, expedite your care.
What follow-up care steps should I take after my emergency has been managed?
After your emergency has been managed, follow these steps:
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with us to monitor your recovery and provide ongoing care.
- If your condition worsens after treatment, contact us immediately or return to the hospital as needed.
