Eye Emergency?
Call Us First.
Before you head to emergency, call Prime Optometrists Auburn. Our therapeutically endorsed optometrist can assess and treat most eye emergencies on the spot — saving you hours in a waiting room.
43 Auburn Road, Auburn NSW 2144 · Open Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm · Sat 9am–1pm
When to go directly to hospital emergency
Call 000 or go directly to emergency if you have: a penetrating eye injury (something embedded deeply), sudden total vision loss, chemical burn from acid or alkali after initial rinsing, or an eye injury with blood visible inside the eye. For all other eye emergencies, call us first — we will advise you.
Same-Day Urgent Care
Eye Emergencies We Treat
As a therapeutically endorsed optometrist, Dr Zobaida Tahiri can diagnose and treat a wide range of urgent eye conditions — including prescribing medications — without a GP referral.
Foreign Body in the Eye
Metal, wood, glass, or dirt embedded in the eye or under the eyelid. Do not rub. Call us — we remove foreign bodies the same day using sterile technique and topical anaesthetic.
Arc Eye / Welding Flash Burns
Intense pain, light sensitivity, and watery eyes 6–12 hours after welding or UV exposure (arc eye). This is a corneal burn — we treat it with lubricating drops and protective patching.
Sudden Painful Red Eye
A very red, painful eye with light sensitivity may be iritis, acute angle-closure glaucoma, or a corneal ulcer — all requiring same-day assessment. Not all red eyes are conjunctivitis.
Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye)
Intense pain, tearing, and light sensitivity after something scratches the surface of the eye. We confirm the diagnosis with fluorescein dye and treat to prevent infection.
Sudden Blurry or Distorted Vision
A sudden change in vision — blurring in one eye, distortion, a shadow or curtain — may signal a retinal tear or detachment and needs immediate assessment.
Sudden Flashes and Floaters
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashing lights, or a shadow at the edge of your vision can indicate a retinal tear. This is time-critical — call us immediately.
Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis, Keratitis)
Red, sticky, or painful eyes with discharge. We differentiate bacterial, viral, and allergic types — and prescribe appropriate antibiotic or antiviral drops directly without a GP referral.
Chemical Splash or Irritant in Eye
Flush the eye with clean water for 20 minutes immediately, then call us. We assess for corneal damage and prescribe treatment to reduce scarring risk.
Eye Injury After Impact
Blunt trauma to the eye from a ball, fist, or workplace incident. We check intraocular pressure, retinal integrity, and whether urgent ophthalmology referral is needed.
Emergency First Aid
What to Do Right Now
Call us on (02) 9761 0005
We will guide you on first aid and get you in immediately
If chemical exposure: flush with water now
20 minutes of continuous flushing before anything else
Keep the eye closed or gently covered
Do not rub. A clean cloth loosely over the eye is fine
Come straight in
43 Auburn Road, Auburn NSW 2144 — parking and train access available
Important
What NOT to Do
Do not rub the eye — this can push a foreign body deeper or cause further corneal damage
Do not try to remove a penetrating object yourself — stabilise and call us immediately
Do not use cotton wool or dry tissues on the eye surface
Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye injury or infection
Do not use over-the-counter eye drops before being assessed — some worsen certain conditions
Why Prime Optometrists
Call Us Before the Emergency Department
Save Hours in ED
The average eye complaint waits 2–4 hours in a NSW emergency department. We triage and treat you within minutes of arrival at our Auburn clinic.
Therapeutically Endorsed
Dr Tahiri holds therapeutic endorsement — she can prescribe antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief directly, without you needing a separate GP visit.
Purpose-Built Equipment
Slit lamp, fluorescein dye, corneal burr, and sterile foreign body removal tools on-site. More specialised for eye emergencies than a general ED.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral for an eye emergency?
No. Optometrists are primary healthcare providers. You can call or walk in directly — no GP referral required.
What if I have metal in my eye from work?
Call us immediately on (02) 9761 0005. We perform same-day foreign body removal under topical anaesthetic. Rust ring removal is also performed in-clinic. Do not try to remove it yourself.
Is there a Medicare rebate for emergency eye care?
Yes. Therapeutic consultations with our endorsed optometrist are Medicare billable, including urgent care. Bring your Medicare card.
What if I have a chemical splash in my eye?
Flush with clean water for 20 minutes immediately — this is the most important first step. Then call us on (02) 9761 0005 or go directly to emergency if it was a strong acid or alkali.
Can you treat conjunctivitis without a GP?
Yes. We assess the type (bacterial, viral, or allergic) and prescribe appropriate treatment directly. You do not need a GP referral or a separate prescription.
What suburbs do you serve for urgent eye care?
We are located in Auburn town centre and serve patients from Auburn, Lidcombe, Berala, Granville, Parramatta, Silverwater, Clyde, Regents Park, Merrylands, Guildford, and all of Western Sydney.
Eye Emergency Guides
Eye emergency in Auburn or Western Sydney?
Call us first on (02) 9761 0005. We will guide you over the phone and get you seen the same day. Located at 43 Auburn Road, Auburn NSW 2144.