Your Initial Appointment

How long will I be at the clinic? +

Dr Yun highly values your time and minimising patient wait time is important to him. That said, it does take time to perform a thorough assessment. You will have your vision and eye pressure checked, and may require tests or procedures to provide us with necessary information about your eye health. Expect to be in the clinic for 1-2 hours. You may require dilating drops, which will blur your eyes for a few hours. We recommend you do not drive home if you have had dilating drops.

Will I get a report from my appointment? +

Dr Yun routinely sends a detailed report to your referrer, your optometrist and your general practitioner after the appointment. Please ask Dr Yun if you would also like a copy.

I am uninsured, can I still see Dr Yun? +

Dr Yun is happy to see all patients. If you are uninsured, please contact Illawarra Ophthalmology on (02) 4226 1553 or South Coast Ophthalmology on (02) 4421 0155 for an estimate of your consultation fees. If you require any procedures, Illawarra Ophthalmology or South Coast Ophthalmology will provide you with a comprehensive and transparent estimate of fees for your peace of mind. Dr Yun offers fixed price cataract surgery for approximately $2500 per eye for uninsured patients. This price is inclusive of a monofocal non-toric lens, anaesthetist, hospital facility and Dr Yun’s fee.

What is the best way to get to Illawarra Ophthalmology? +

Please see our transport and parking information here.

Where will I have my operation? +

Dr Yun operates at Wollongong Day Surgery, Wollongong Private Hospital, Shellharbour Private Hospital and Nowra Private Hospital.

Can I be asleep for my eye surgery operation? +

Dr Yun and his anaesthetic team will give you a range of options for surgery. Most patients choose to have a local anaesthetic to the eye. Some patients prefer additional twilight sedation or a general anaesthetic and we can make this possible.

Is eye surgery painful? +

The vast majority of Dr Yun's patients find eye surgery to be a seamless experience. During the operation, you should not experience any pain. If you feel anxious, medication can be given by our anaesthetist to help you feel calm. The eye may feel a little scratchy after the operation, but this usually subsides within a day or so.

Will I need to stay in hospital after the surgery? +

All of Dr Yun’s surgeries are performed as day surgery operations. This means that once you have recovered from the anaesthetic, you will be able to go home on the same day. You will require someone to take you home from the hospital.

How much time will I need off work? +

Most people can return to work approximately 3 days after cataract surgery. If your occupation involves very dusty environments or heavy lifting, you will need to take a week off. For glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage tube), you should be able to return to work after two weeks.

Will I need eye drops? +

Most eye operations require you to use eye drops following surgery to ensure a good outcome. These drops will be dispensed to you in a pack after surgery. Typically you will require two sets of drops, an anti-inflammatory drop and an antibiotic drop. If multiple different drops are due at the same time, you should leave 5 minutes between administering them. The order you put the drops in does not matter. The drops may sting a little when they go in; this is normal. If you take other drops, such as glaucoma drops, these should be put in as normal. The only exception is after a trabeculectomy; you will be able to stop your glaucoma drops after this surgery.

What information will I receive? +

On the day of surgery, you will be given your eye drops and a detailed post-operative information pack. This will have details about the expected course after surgery and emergency contact information in case you have any concerns.

Do I need to wear an eyepatch or eyeshield? +

You will be wearing an eyepatch and eyeshield at the completion of surgery. These should both be kept on until the following day. It is a good idea to wear your eyeshield at night for 3 days after cataract surgery and 1 week after glaucoma surgery. This guards your eye from any potential injury as it heals.

When should I see my optometrist to update my glasses? +

We recommend waiting until your vision has stabilised, at around 6 weeks after surgery, before obtaining new glasses from your optometrist.

What can I do after eye surgery? +

• You can gently exercise and return to normal activity after 3 days, as long as your eye stays clean.
• Most patients can return to driving a few days after cataract surgery. As a general rule, you can return to driving as soon as you can read a number plate 20 metres away with both eyes open.
• You can shower and wash your hair, but keep your eye closed when you put your head under the shower for 4 weeks. Try to avoid soap or shampoo into your eyes.
• You can go outside without sunglasses, though they are helpful to prevent light sensitivity in the first week.
• You can resume taking all your medications immediately after surgery unless Dr Yun specifically instructs you otherwise. This includes “blood thinning” medication.

What can’t I do after eye surgery? +

• Do not rub your eye for the first 4 weeks. Wearing a shield overnight may assist you from doing this.
• Avoid swimming for 4 weeks after surgery due to the risk of infection.
• Avoid heavy lifting or contact sports for 4 weeks.
• Avoid eye makeup for 1 week.
• Do not plan any long holidays for the first 2 months after glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy or glaucoma tube implant). You will be required to attend regular follow up (usually every 1-2 weeks) with Dr Yun.