Sydney Eye Hospital: Address, Appointment & Contact Info

by
Sydney CBD eye hospital planner

Macquarie Street eye emergency, outpatient referral, map and contact guide

Sydney Eye Hospital is part of Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital in Sydney CBD. This guide is for patients, carers, workers, visitors and tourists who need the address, phone number, Emergency Department access, outpatient referral process, map, parking route, radiology, pathology, hand clinic and visitor details before travelling.

The page is written as a practical hospital directory guide. It does not replace emergency care, appointment letters, referral advice or clinical instructions from your doctor, optometrist, ophthalmologist or hospital team.

For a life-threatening emergency in Australia, call 000. For eye trauma, sudden vision loss or urgent eye symptoms, use emergency care immediately rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Check urgency Emergency eye issue or routine referral?
Use right entry ED, outpatient clinic, radiology or ward
Bring papers Referral, Medicare, medicines and glasses
Plan transport Macquarie Street, Hospital Road or nearby stations

Quick answer: Sydney Eye Hospital address, phone and emergency contact

Main hospital

Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital

8 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

(02) 9382 7111

Emergency Department

Open 24 hours, 7 days

Adults aged 16 and over

Specialises in hand and eye emergencies

Outpatient referral

Non-emergency eye appointment

Referral must be submitted by a health professional through HealthLink.

Patients cannot submit their own HealthLink referral.

Official hospital name Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital
Common search name Sydney Eye Hospital
Street address 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Postal address GPO Box 1614, Sydney NSW 2001
Main phone (02) 9382 7111
Main fax (02) 9382 7320
General email SESLHD-SSEHExecutiveServices@health.nsw.gov.au
Emergency entrance The official contact page says the Emergency Department entrance is on Macquarie Street.
Hospital role Quaternary eye disease referral unit, 24-hour Emergency Department, outpatient eye/general/hand services, dedicated Hand Unit, and clinical wards including Eyes, Hands, ENT and General Medicine.

Sydney Eye Hospital map, entrance and location

Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital is located at 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000, near The Domain, Martin Place, St James, Circular Quay and the Sydney CBD. Paid underground parking is available via Hospital Road, but public transport is often easier for CBD visits.

Map tip: Use the address on your appointment letter if it names a specific block, clinic, ward or service. The hospital campus has multiple buildings and internal wayfinding points.

Eye Emergency Department: when to go and what to expect

Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent eye trauma, sudden loss of vision, suspected retinal detachment, corneal ulcer or serious eye pain, use emergency care rather than waiting for a routine outpatient appointment.
Emergency detail What patients should know
Opening hours Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department is open 24 hours per day, including public holidays.
Patient age The official ED page says it provides a 24-hour emergency service for adults aged 16 and over.
Special focus The ED specialises in hand and eye emergencies.
Eye doctor availability note Healthdirect notes eye doctors are available approximately 8:00am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week, while the Emergency Department itself remains open 24 hours.
Referral for emergency care You do not need an outpatient referral for emergency care.
Waiting order Emergency care is based on urgency, not arrival time. Less serious conditions may wait until a doctor is free.
After discharge Tell your doctor you attended ED and give any letters from the Emergency Department to your doctor.
Teaching hospital note Student doctors or nurses may be involved in care under supervision. You have the right to say no; this does not affect treatment.

Eye symptoms that should not wait for a routine appointment

Use emergency care quickly for

  • Eye trauma or chemical injury
  • Sudden vision loss or sudden major vision change
  • Severe eye pain
  • Flashes, floaters or curtain-like shadow with possible retinal detachment
  • Corneal ulcer symptoms or serious infection concern
  • Foreign body in the eye that cannot be safely removed

Call or confirm first for

  • Routine outpatient appointment questions
  • Long-term eye disease follow-up
  • Referral status after HealthLink submission
  • Radiology booking questions
  • Pathology collection hours
  • Ward or visitor access questions

Outpatient appointments, HealthLink referrals and waitlist rules

For non-emergency Sydney Eye Hospital appointments, patients generally need a referral from an optometrist, general practitioner, ophthalmologist or other health professional. The official outpatient FAQ says referrals must be submitted through the HealthLink Portal by a health professional; patients cannot submit their own referral.

Appointment step What the official outpatient FAQ says Practical action for patients
Emergency eye care The ED offers 24-hour, 7-day eye emergency care and a referral is not required for emergency care. Use the Emergency Department if the eye problem is urgent or serious.
Non-emergency appointment Your optometrist, GP or ophthalmologist must submit a referral through HealthLink. Ask your referrer to submit the referral and give you a copy or confirmation.
Referral received You should receive confirmation that the referral has been received. Keep the confirmation and wait for accepted/rejected referral notification.
If accepted The medical team determines the timeframe based on your eye condition and symptoms. Watch for a text message and letter sent to your home address.
If less urgent You may be placed on a waitlist for assessment. You should receive confirmation by letter if placed on a waitlist.
If no update after referral The official FAQ says to call 02 9382 7046 if you have not heard back after six weeks. Call with your name, date of birth, referral details and referrer information ready.
If last seen 2+ years ago You are considered a new patient if you have not been seen in Outpatients for two or more years. Obtain a new referral from your optometrist or GP.
Referral for first appointment Your appointment letter names the clinic and consultant ophthalmologist. You need a referral with that doctor’s name printed on it for Medicare purposes. Bring the correct referral to your first appointment.
Multiple eye clinics You need a current referral for every Sydney Eye Hospital clinic you attend. If you attend retina and cornea clinics, you may need separate referrals with each doctor’s name.

What to expect on appointment day

Arrival and waiting time

  • Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment time.
  • Allow up to 2 hours from your appointment arrival time to leaving after the doctor has finished seeing you.
  • Some patients may need extra time for tests, poor vision, age-related needs or interpreter support.
  • If your wait feels unnecessary, speak with the nursing staff in the clinics.

Before leaving clinic

  • Have your next appointment made by reception clerical staff if needed.
  • Understand medication instructions if medicine is prescribed.
  • Ask for a signed medical certificate from the doctor if required.
  • Confirm whether you need a new referral before your next visit.

Eye, hand, outpatient and hospital services available

Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital provides emergency, outpatient, surgical and inpatient services. It is especially known for eye disease services and hand trauma/care in the Sydney CBD.

Service area What is available Contact or practical note
Ophthalmology Specialist eye services including cataract, ocular plastic, glaucoma, vitreo-retinal, medical retina, neuro-ophthalmology, squint, cornea and uveitis services. Main hospital phone: (02) 9382 7111. Non-emergency patients need a health professional referral.
Emergency eye care Emergency Department provides emergency services for eye trauma and urgent eye conditions. Open 24 hours. Eye doctors are listed by Healthdirect as available approximately 8:00am-11:00pm.
Hand Unit Dedicated Hand Unit and tertiary referral centre for hand trauma, abnormalities and diseases. Hand Clinic: 02 9382 7201. Hand Ward: 02 9382 7198.
Outpatient Department Group of clinics for patients requiring Ophthalmology, Neurology, Tuberculosis or Allergy treatment. Outpatient referral route depends on clinic and HealthLink referral acceptance.
Medical Imaging / Radiology General radiography, ultrasound and CT scanning. Radiology accepts all radiology referrals. Phone for appointments/cancellations: (02) 9382 7080.
Pathology Collection Centre Pathology collection centre at Worrall Building, Macquarie Street. Phone: 02 9382 7362. Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:30pm and closed 12:30pm-1:00pm, weekends and public holidays.
Day Procedure Unit Admissions for same-day surgery and patients staying overnight before transfer to an inpatient ward after surgery. Open Monday-Friday 6:30am-7:30pm.
General Medicine – 2 East 24-hour inpatient medical ward for patients transferred from ED or Prince of Wales Hospital. Ward phone: 02 9382 7267; alternate listed: 02 9382 7268.
Orthoptics Department Listed as a hospital service. Phone: 02 9382 7060.
Pharmacy Department Listed as a hospital service. Phone: 02 9382 7379.
Physiotherapy Listed as a hospital service. Phone: 02 9382 7481.
Social Work Social Work Department support is available through the hospital. Call 02 9382 7111 and ask to be put through to Social Work.

Campus wayfinding: blocks, clinics and where to go

The hospital’s official wayfinding page lists several campus blocks and departments. Always follow your appointment letter first because clinics and hospital services may be located in different buildings or levels.

Area / building Official wayfinding details listed
Nightingale Building Ground level: Computer Services and Engineering Department. Level 1: Lucy Osbourn – Nightingale Foundation. Levels 2 and 3: Sydney Sexual Health Centre.
North Block Ground Floor: Bicentennial Eye Clinic. Level 2: Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital Executive Offices and Wet Laboratory.
Admin Block Ground level: Medical Records and Cashier. Level 1: Board Room. Level 2: Staff Dining Room/Lounge and Norman Rose Sitting Room. Levels 3 and 4 include office/library functions.
South Block Ground level: Electrophysiology and Save Sight Institute. Level 1: Save Sight Institute.
Clinical Services Building Day Procedure Unit is on the first floor. General Medical Ward 2 East is on Level 2. Other clinics and wards may use this building depending on your appointment or admission.
Arrival tip: If you have low vision or are attending with an elderly patient, allow extra time for lifts, stairs, clinic check-in, testing and wayfinding.

Parking, Hospital Road access and public transport

Travel option What to know before you go
On-site paid parking The hospital’s official page says there is an eight-level car park under the hospital, accessed by Hospital Road and managed by Metro Parking.
Metro car park access Radiology and hospital pages state paid parking is available via Hospital Road.
Metered parking The hospital notes a limited number of metered parking spaces on Hospital Road.
Public transport The hospital is in the CBD near trains, buses and the Metro, with public transport options within about 5 minutes walking distance according to radiology information.
Ferries Circular Quay ferry terminal is about 10 minutes walk from the hospital.
Driving tip CBD parking can be limited and costly. If your vision may be affected by appointment tests or eye drops, arrange a support person or transport home.
Parking fee note: The hospital page confirms paid parking but does not publish a simple hospital-run fee table in the pages checked. Check Metro Parking, onsite signs or your appointment letter before relying on a parking cost.

Visiting hours, wards and patient support

Visitor / ward item Official detail or practical action
General visiting hours 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Outside visiting hours If a family member, friend or carer needs to be with a patient outside visiting hours, speak to the Nursing Unit Manager or Nurse In-Charge.
Hand Unit visiting hours 10:00am to 8:00pm.
General Medicine – 2 East visiting hours 10:00am to 8:00pm daily.
Finding a ward Call the main switchboard on (02) 9382 7111 and ask for the ward, unit or patient if appropriate.
Student involvement The hospital is a teaching hospital. You may be asked about student involvement or research; you have the right to say no without affecting care.
Patient rights The hospital notes rights around privacy, medical record information and commenting on care so concerns can be addressed.

What to bring to an eye appointment, ED visit or day procedure

Documents and cards

  • Appointment letter, SMS or referral confirmation
  • Medicare card
  • Photo identification
  • Current GP, optometrist or ophthalmologist referral if required
  • Private health insurance details if relevant
  • Concession card, DVA, workers compensation or accident claim details if relevant
  • Any hospital forms, surgical instructions or consent documents

Eye and health items

  • Glasses, contact lens details and current prescription if useful
  • All eye drops, ointments and medicines you are using
  • A written medication list, including blood thinners and diabetes medicines
  • Allergy information
  • Recent eye scans, test results or letters if requested
  • Sunglasses if eye drops or dilation may make light uncomfortable
  • A support person or transport plan if vision may be blurred after testing
Important eye appointment tip: Do not drive yourself home if your vision is likely to be affected by eye drops, dilation, treatment, pain, patching or a procedure. Confirm this with the clinic before attending.

Medicare, mixed billing and possible fees

Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital is a NSW public hospital, but the cost situation can differ for emergency care, outpatient appointments, imaging, private insurance, overseas visitors, compensation claims and Medicare eligibility.

Situation What to check
Emergency Department Use emergency care when needed. Billing and eligibility can depend on Medicare, visitor status and personal circumstances.
Healthdirect billing note Healthdirect lists mixed billing and says fees may apply. Confirm with the hospital or clinic if cost matters.
Medicare outpatient care Bring the referral named on your appointment letter. The outpatient FAQ says the first-appointment referral should have the consultant ophthalmologist’s name printed on it for Medicare purposes.
Private health insurance Ask whether the visit or procedure is public, private or mixed billing, and confirm excess or gap risk with your health fund.
Overseas patient Bring passport, insurance and reciprocal health eligibility documents if relevant. Ask about fees before non-urgent care.
Radiology Radiology accepts appropriate referrals. Ask about booking, preparation, billing and reporting time before attending.
Pathology Check collection hours and whether your test needs fasting, forms or a specific collection time.

Useful department contacts at Sydney Eye Hospital

Department / service Phone / contact Use this for
Main switchboard (02) 9382 7111 General enquiries, wards, departments, social work and hospital direction.
Outpatient referral follow-up 02 9382 7046 Call if you have been referred and have not heard back after six weeks.
Medical Imaging / Radiology (02) 9382 7080 Making or cancelling a radiology appointment.
Radiology email SESLHD-SSEH-Radiology@health.nsw.gov.au Radiology contact route listed by the hospital.
Pathology Collection Centre 02 9382 7362 Pathology collection centre enquiries.
NSW Health Pathology results call centre 1800 073 257 Enquiries about pathology results.
Hand Clinic / Hand Therapy / Hand Surgery 02 9382 7201 Hand clinic, therapy or surgery contact listed by the hospital.
Hand Ward 02 9382 7198 Hand ward contact.
General Medicine – 2 East 02 9382 7267 or 02 9382 7268 2 East ward contact.
General Medicine Clinical Nurse Consultant 02 9382 7576 Clinical nurse consultant contact listed on the 2 East page.
Orthoptics Department 02 9382 7060 Orthoptics service contact.
Pharmacy Department 02 9382 7379 Hospital pharmacy contact.
Physiotherapy 02 9382 7481 Physiotherapy contact.
Health Information Unit 02 9382 7339 Health information unit contact listed in service directory.

Questions to ask before visiting Sydney Eye Hospital

For outpatient eye appointments

  • “Has my HealthLink referral been received and accepted?”
  • “Which clinic, consultant name and referral wording do I need for Medicare?”
  • “Should I bring glasses, eye drops, scans or test reports?”
  • “Will my eyes be dilated or will my vision be affected after the appointment?”
  • “How long should I allow for tests and waiting?”

For travel, costs and support

  • “Which entrance or building should I use?”
  • “Can I drive after the appointment or procedure?”
  • “Is there any fee, gap, imaging cost or mixed billing issue?”
  • “Where is the nearest paid parking entrance?”
  • “Can an interpreter, carer or support person attend with me?”

Sydney Eye Hospital FAQs

What is the address of Sydney Eye Hospital?

Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital is located at 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.

What is the main phone number for Sydney Eye Hospital?

The main phone number for Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital is (02) 9382 7111.

Is Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department open 24 hours?

Yes. The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department is open 24 hours per day, including public holidays.

Do I need a referral for Sydney Eye Hospital emergency care?

No. The official outpatient FAQ says you do not need to obtain a referral for emergency care at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department.

How do I get a non-emergency outpatient appointment at Sydney Eye Hospital?

For a non-emergency appointment, your optometrist, GP, ophthalmologist or another health professional must submit a referral through the HealthLink Portal. Patients cannot submit their own HealthLink referral.

What number should I call if I have not heard back after a referral?

If you have been referred and have not heard back after six weeks, the official outpatient FAQ says to call 02 9382 7046.

How early should I arrive for an outpatient appointment?

The outpatient FAQ asks patients to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the appointment time to reduce queues and crowding in waiting areas.

How long should I allow for an outpatient appointment?

The outpatient FAQ says to allow up to 2 hours between your appointment arrival time and leaving the hospital after the doctor has finished seeing you.

Where is parking for Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital?

On-site underground paid parking is available under the hospital via Hospital Road. The hospital says the car park is managed by Metro Parking.

What are the visiting hours at Sydney Eye Hospital?

General visiting hours are 10:00am to 8:00pm. If you need to visit outside those hours, speak with the Nursing Unit Manager or Nurse In-Charge.

Source and update note

This guide is based on official South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, service directory, outpatient FAQ, Emergency Department, radiology, pathology, hand unit, visiting hours and Healthdirect information. Hospital contact details, referral rules, clinic locations, parking arrangements and visiting rules can change, so confirm urgent or personal details directly with the hospital before travelling.

This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Leave a Comment