Useful information for Medical Referrers

Clients with existing prostheses

An artificial eye may be cleaned with mild soap or “hard contact” lens cleaning solution. This will remove most of the surface accumulations and reduce irritation to the eyelids.

Make certain you rinse it thoroughly before reinserting. Regular tap water is perfectly acceptable for this procedure.

NEVER clean or soak the artificial eye in alcohol, autoclave or boil it because it will crack the plastic and destroy the ocular prosthesis.

It is recommended that patients should have your artificial eye polished every six to twelve months by an Ocularist, or more often if a special problem exists, such as excessive discharge, poor eyelid action, or if the patient does not remove the eye themselves.

The cleaning and polishing by an Ocularist not only adds to the lifetime of the prosthesis but will remove the protein deposits helping to reduce the risk of giant papillary conjunctivitis and other irritants. It also improves comfort and restores the lustre for a more natural lifelike appearance.

Note: A cracked or chipped prosthesis should never be worn.

Post Surgical Patients

Generally, patients who have had an enucleation or evisceration should be referred to the Ocularist for the fitting of an artificial eye 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Scleral/Haptic Shells

Scleral/Haptic Shells can be fitted over a blind eye to improve the cosmetics of the eye.

A free consultation booked with Artificial Eyes will determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for the fitting of a Scleral/Haptic Shell.

“Annette and Jennifer make the entire process from start to end an excellent experience. I was not sure about getting an artificial eye to start with, however from the very first session and every one since, Annette and Jennifer have taken the time to explain all aspects of creating and maintaining the artificial eye.

You can expect a team which shows patience and empathy, working hard to get a solution that works for you. There is no rush and I was well supported as we worked through 3 different options until we found the right solution.

My ocular prosthesis is now a constant in my life and part of my daily routine. I have found new confidence through wearing it.

Thank you Annette and Jennifer – I did not realise how much of a difference your work would make to my life!”

BLAKE, Brisbane (Scleral Shell)

Children

It is essential that children born with Anophthalmia or Microphthalmia are referred to an Ocularist as early as possible.

At Artificial Eyes, we use a series of conformers and prostheses, continually increasing in size, which are used to encourage and stimulate natural development of the soft tissue and bony orbit growth.

We are a NSW Health Supplier

Artificial Eyes is a NSW Health Supplier of Prosthetic Eyes. We can often be a cheaper option for northern NSW patients to travel to Brisbane. We can also prioritise out-of-town clients to enable them to receive their new prosthetic eye as quickly as possible, by endeavouring to provide a three day turn around.

“The staff at Artificial Eyes made the initial appointment more relaxing by being light hearted and friendly – but always professional.”

KEITH, Tarong