Frequently Asked Questions
About iSight and Our Services
What services does iSight offer?
iSight provides specialist eye care services including general adult ophthalmology, paediatric ophthalmology, strabismus (squint) management, cataract care, medical retina (including diabetic eye checks), glaucoma care, eyelid surgery, botulinum injections for hemifacial spasm/blepharospasm, intravitreal injections, orthoptics, and advanced diagnostic treatments delivered by experienced eye specialists. Dr. Deepa Taranath is CASA-certified and provides specialised eye assessments and care for aviation and defence personnel, meeting the strict visual standards required for safety-critical roles.
Who are iSight specialists?
Our team is made up of highly qualified and experienced eye care professionals including ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and clinical optometrists dedicated to personalised, patient-focused eye care.
Who should visit an Ophthalmologist?
Anyone experiencing vision problems, eye pain, squinting, eye infections, or developmental vision issues in children should consult an Ophthalmologist for expert diagnosis and treatment.
What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye diseases, performs eye surgery, and prescribes medications. An optometrist is a primary eye-care professional who examines vision, prescribes glasses or contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions but does not perform surgery. You do not need a referral to see an optometrist.
Who is an Orthoptist?
Orthoptists are university-trained allied health professionals who specialise in paediatric eye assessments, binocular vision and ocular movement disorders. An orthoptist will commonly assess children with vision or eye-related issues, as well as adults with double vision.
Who is a Functional Vision Specialist?
A functional vision specialist is an eye-care professional who assesses how the eyes and brain work together. They evaluate visual skills such as eye coordination, tracking, and focusing, and provide targeted vision therapy or optical solutions to improve visual performance in daily activities.
Is iSight Specialists suitable for children’s eye care?
Yes. iSight specialises in paediatric eye care, including vision assessments, squint (strabismus) treatment, and eye condition management for infants and children.
Where is iSight Specialists located?
iSight Specialists is located at 213 Glen Osmond Road, Frewville, SA, with services delivered across multiple locations throughout South Australia. Please check our Locations page for full details.
Appointments, Referrals, Fees & Insurance
How can I book an appointment?
You can book by calling the clinic or using the contact form on our website. Our friendly staff will help you with the scheduling process.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
Yes — in most cases a referral from a GP or optometrist is recommended for Medicare rebates and to help with accurate triaging. However, you can contact iSight directly to confirm referral requirements for your consultation.
Why is a referral important?
A valid referral ensures you are eligible for Medicare rebates and allows us to triage your consultation so you are seen in the right timeframe for your condition. Referrals are generally valid 12 months from a GP/optometrist or 3 months from a Specialist.
What are the fees and will Medicare or private health cover them?
Our fees vary depending on age, the complexity of your condition, diagnostic tests required, and consult duration. Medicare rebates may apply with a valid referral. Private insurance may assist with surgery costs — contact us for a detailed estimate.
Do you accept private and public patients?
Yes. iSight Specialists accepts both private and public patients — reach out to our team to discuss billing details and potential rebates. (You may also need a referral for public system billing.)
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept various methods of payment, including cash, card and bank transfer.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
What should I bring to my eye appointment?
Bring your referral (if applicable), Medicare card, private health insurance details, medications list, any previous eye reports, and your current glasses or contact lenses.
How long does a consultation take?
Typically between 30–60 minutes depending on the condition and tests required. Some initial consultations with comprehensive assessments may take longer.
What happens during my first visit?
Adult patients may see an orthoptist or Ophthalmic Assistant first for vision checks and diagnostic tests. Children are usually seen by an Orthoptist before the Ophthalmologist examines and plans treatment.
Will my eyes be dilated? Why?
Yes, in many cases pupils are dilated to allow a thorough examination of the retina and internal structures — especially important for accurate diagnosis. This can cause temporary blurring/light sensitivity.
Can I drive after dilation?
Because dilation affects vision for several hours, we recommend arranging alternative transport and bringing sunglasses for light sensitivity.
Clinical Conditions & Treatment
What eye conditions does iSight treat?
We treat a wide range of eye conditions including strabismus (squint), amblyopia (lazy eye), glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye changes, neurological eye disorders, double vision, ptosis, and more — tailored for adults and children.
What is Strabismus (squint)?
Strabismus is when the eyes do not align properly. Early assessment is key, especially in children, to prevent long-term vision problems.
How are eye problems treated without surgery?
Many conditions can be managed non-surgically with glasses, orthoptic exercises, medications, or specialised treatments. Surgery is recommended only when clinically necessary after full evaluation.
What are common signs of eye problems in children?
Look for frequent eye rubbing, squinting, poor eye contact, head tilting, reading difficulty, or headaches. Early specialist assessment is encouraged.
Clinical Conditions & Treatment
What eye conditions does iSight treat?
We treat a wide range of eye conditions including strabismus (squint), amblyopia (lazy eye), glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye changes, neurological eye disorders, double vision, ptosis, and more — tailored for adults and children.
What is Strabismus (squint)?
Strabismus is when the eyes do not align properly. Early assessment is key, especially in children, to prevent long-term vision problems.
How are eye problems treated without surgery?
Many conditions can be managed non-surgically with glasses, orthoptic exercises, medications, or specialised treatments. Surgery is recommended only when clinically necessary after full evaluation.
What are common signs of eye problems in children?
Look for frequent eye rubbing, squinting, poor eye contact, head tilting, reading difficulty, or headaches. Early specialist assessment is encouraged.
Follow Up, Communication & Care
Will details of my consultation be sent to my GP/optometrist?
Yes — we send a correspondence letter to your referrer. You can also request we share it with others involved in your Health Care.
Does iSight offer follow-up care?
Yes — ongoing follow-up and monitoring plans are provided to ensure your treatment is effective and your eye health is supported long-term.
Is my personal and medical information secure?
Absolutely. We adhere to strict patient confidentiality and data protection standards.
What if I have an urgent or sudden issue?
If you experience sudden vision changes, eye pain, or trauma, please seek urgent care — contact the clinic or attend your nearest hospital emergency department.
Voice Search & Common-Intent Questions
What is the best age for a child’s first eye check?
Children should ideally have a comprehensive eye check by age 3, or earlier if there are noticeable vision concerns.
When should I see an eye specialist?
See a specialist if you experience blurred/double vision, eye pain, frequent headaches, or any sudden changes in eyesight.
My child gets anxious about doctor visits. What does iSight Specialists offer to help them feel more comfortable in the waiting room?
- Our dedicated children’s waiting area is designed to turn wait time into play time. Kids can:
- Draw on our chalkboard wall, a full-length blackboard where they can sketch, doodle, or leave a message (we’ve spotted everything from rainbows to “I like Dr Deepa!”)
- Build with DUPLO and LEGO blocks. Some young patients have stacked towers taller than themselves!
- Watch kid-friendly cartoons like Miffy and Peppa Pig on wall-mounted screens
- Browse picture books about glasses, eye patches, and vision, including titles like Max’s Magnificent Glasses, Samantha Wears a Contact Lens and Patch, and Arthur’s Eyes
- Play on the road-map rug with toy cars and figurines
- Sit at child-sized tables and chairs designed just for them
Parents and grandparents are welcome to join in. We regularly see families playing tic-tac-toe on the chalkboard together. The goal is simple: help children arrive at their appointment relaxed, curious, and ready to cooperate.