Ophthalmology - Royal North Shore Hospital

We provide treatment for:

•    Eye Emergency & Eye trauma
•    Cataract
•    Corneal and ocular surface disorders
•    Diabetic eye disease
•    Eyelid, tear duct and eye sockets disorders
•    Glaucoma
•    Macular degeneration
•    Paediatrics
•    Retinal and vitreous disorders
•    Strabismus and ocular motility disorders
•    Uveitis
•    Neuro-ophthalmology disorders

• Relevant images/scans/blood test results (including CT or MRI scan of affected area) 
• Relevant test results (including hearing tests, allergy tests, microbiology) 
• List of current medications and drug allergies 
• Your referral letter from your GP/Specialists
• Current GP health summary

Please ensure you bring your most up to date glasses for your appointment.

Your GP or non-GP specialist is always your first step in seeking treatment for any condition. You will be referred to our service if your treating doctor feels that your treatment requires the input of an Ophthalmologist. Once we receive the referral it will be reviewed by a doctor and you will be notified of the outcome and next steps. Please allow at least 4 weeks for this process to be undertaken. Telehealth is NOT available at our clinic.

Please note that phone calls from the hospital will appear as a blocked number. 

If you have a scheduled appointment you will receive a reminder text message. Please answer our call if you can and/or turn on voicemail to allow us to leave you a message.  

Please allow a full morning or afternoon for your appointment. Some patients require a longer review and delays can occur. 

Our Ophthalmology Clinic utilises Statewide referral criteria. 

Click here to view statewide referral criteria for adults.

Click here to view statewide referral criteria for children and adolescents.

Providing more information will aid the triage process and make it more likely that your patient will be seen in the most timely manner possible 

Please submit referrals using the eReferral system through HealthLink, which can be accessed through most clinical software systems 

 
Alternatively, address letters to Dr James Smith or other specialist listed below 
Email: [email protected] 

Referrals will be triaged and your patient will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. This process may take between 1-4 weeks. You will be contacted if more information is needed. 

We also accept e-referrals. Telehealth is NOT available at this clinic.

Our Team

Dr James Smith (Head of department)

Dr Michael Branley  

Dr Caroline Catt 

Dr Jenny Danks 

Dr Noni Lewis 

Dr Brett O’Donnell 

A/ Prof Keith Ong 

A/ Prof Geoffery Painter 

Dr Daniel Polya 

A/ Prof Timohty Roberts 

A/ Prof Samantha Fraser-Bell 

Dr Kimberely Tan 

Dr Christine Younan 

Dr Nader Beshay 

Sydney Eye Clinics & Eye Surgeons: Vision Eye Institute

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/outpatients/referrals/Pages/default.aspx

https://ranzco.edu/home/patients/