No Gap Intravitreal Injections, Retinal Laser & Treatments

Advanced Care for Macular & Retinal Conditions

Dr John Chang and our retinal team offer comprehensive medical and laser treatments for sight-threatening retinal conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion.

Using advanced intravitreal medications such as Eylea, Vabysmo, Lucentis, and Ozurdex, we focus on reducing macular oedema (retinal swelling) to protect and restore your vision.

Dr Chang standing with the specialised imaging equipment used to assess patient eyes at Eastwood Eye Specialists
Dr John Chang prepares a patient for retinal laser treatment

Frequently Asked Questions about Retinal Laser Treatment

What is the latest treatment for retinal disease?

There are new treatments for geographic atrophy (GA) or dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), such as Syfovre intravitreal injections. Our retinal specialists are involved in clinical trials and offer the latest treatment for our patients at Eastwood Eye Specialists.

What types of retinal laser treatments are available?

Retinal laser can seal retinal tears and holes, preventing retinal detachment. Macular laser and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser can treat sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. All of these are available at Eastwood Eye Specialists.

What is the difference between a retinal specialist and general ophthalmologist?

Retinal specialists undertake further years of subspeciality training in addition to the many years of comprehensive eye specialist training to become a general ophthalmologist. Our doctors, including Dr John Chang and Dr Ju-Lee Ooi, are retinal specialists with additional years of training and experience, focusing on diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Intravitreal Injections

What treatments are available for wet macular degeneration (AMD)?

Some of the newest treatments include newer generation of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy. These are prescription medications that will be prescribed and administered by your retinal specialist.

What is a “No Gap” intravitreal eye injection?

Intravitreal eye injection is a safe, proven medical procedure provided by retinal specialists to treat chronic retinal conditions. When provided in an outpatient clinic, injections are not covered by private health funds and are only partially covered by Medicare. To reduce out-of-pocket costs, Dr John Chang offers dedicated "No Gap" injection sessions at an accredited private day surgery hospital (Epping Surgery Centre). Eligible insured patients are fully covered by their private health fund for the hospital procedure, resulting in zero out-of-pocket hospital costs. Please note this applies to eligible patients with hospital insurance and is not "bulk billed" treatment.

Dr John Chang prepares a patient for an intravitreal injection

What are the eligibility criteria for "No Gap" eye injection treatments?

Eligibility requires appropriate Private Health Insurance "Hospital Cover" that includes intravitreal eye injections. Patients can check with their health fund for Medicare (MBS) item codes 43030 or 43032 performed at an accredited private hospital. "Extras Cover" (such as optical or dental) is not required.

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

Procedures are personally performed by Dr John Chang at Epping Surgery Centre, located near Eastwood Eye Specialists, featuring a patient drop-off area, free parking, and mobility access. Following a short day-procedure admission, specialist eye nurses prepare the eye with numbing drops and antiseptic washes in a dedicated aseptic hospital environment before Dr Chang administers the injection.

What is the recovery process after an eye injection?

Most patients resume normal daily activities immediately. The eye is usually comfortable, though some patients experience mild grittiness or watery eyes on the first day and prefer to avoid prolonged visual tasks. Complete after-care guidance is provided, with direct access to Dr Chang's team and ongoing clinical reviews at Eastwood Eye Specialists.

What if I do not have private health insurance for eye injections?

Uninsured patients can receive the same high-quality injection treatment in our dedicated procedure room at Eastwood Eye Specialists. Applicable Medicare rebates are available to assist with in-clinic procedure costs.