Starting an ophthalmology clinic in Victoria can be both rewarding and highly strategic — but location is everything. Choosing the right suburb directly impacts patient access, competition, and long-term growth. At SoulMed, we’ve guided dozens of healthcare businesses, from radiology to ophthalmology, through the site selection and fit-out process.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best suburbs in Victoria to establish an ophthalmology clinic, based on population growth, demographics, healthcare demand, and accessibility.
1. Melbourne’s South-East Growth Corridor (Cranbourne, Clyde, Berwick, Pakenham)
The south-east corridor is one of the fastest-growing regions in Victoria. Areas such as Clyde and Cranbourne are experiencing rapid housing development, attracting young families as well as ageing parents who move closer to children.
- Why it works for ophthalmology:
- High population growth (Clyde alone is expected to reach 55,000 residents by 2036).
- Limited existing specialist eye clinics compared to GPs and dental practices.
- Proximity to major hospitals (Casey Hospital, St John of God Berwick).
Reference: Victoria in Future Population Projections
2. Western Suburbs (Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook, Melton)
The west is booming, with Tarneit and Truganina consistently ranking among the fastest-growing suburbs in Australia. Werribee also acts as a central hub with existing hospitals and transport links.
- Why it works for ophthalmology:
- High demand for bulk-billing and specialist services.
- Ageing population in Werribee + large family base in Tarneit/Point Cook.
- Easy access to patients from Geelong and regional corridors.
Reference: ABS Population Data – Wyndham LGA
3. Inner-City Gentrifying Areas (Footscray, Brunswick, Preston)
Inner-city suburbs like Footscray are undergoing significant renewal, with young professionals and international migrants creating diverse healthcare needs.
- Why it works for ophthalmology:
- Proximity to public transport and hospitals (Western Health, Royal Melbourne).
- Strong demand for specialist clinics with multilingual staff.
- Attractive for private practice models (higher disposable income in Brunswick/Preston).
Reference: Victoria State Government – Suburb Profiles
4. Regional Growth Hubs (Ballarat, Bendigo, Warragul, Shepparton)
Many Victorians prefer accessing healthcare locally rather than travelling to Melbourne. Towns like Ballarat and Bendigo have seen exponential growth while still lacking depth in specialist eye services.
- Why it works for ophthalmology:
- Growing elderly population (higher incidence of cataracts and glaucoma).
- Regional hospitals often have long waitlists, creating opportunities for private clinics.
- More affordable leasing and fit-out costs compared to Melbourne CBD.
Reference: Regional Development Victoria
5. Bayside & Mornington Peninsula (Frankston, Mornington, Mount Eliza)
The bayside and peninsula region has a large proportion of retirees and older demographics, making it a prime catchment for ophthalmology services.
- Why it works for ophthalmology:
- High demand for cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and age-related eye disease management.
- Frankston Hospital and Peninsula Health create referral pathways.
- Lifestyle-driven community where patients prefer local access to specialists.
Reference: Mornington Peninsula Shire – Health and Wellbeing Profile
How SoulMed Helps Ophthalmologists Open in the Right Suburb
At SoulMed, we do more than design and build your clinic. We help you:
- Assess locations based on catchment, accessibility, and competition.
- Work with agents and landlords to secure ideal tenancies.
- Deliver complete fit-outs tailored for ophthalmology equipment (slit lamp stations, OCT rooms, laser suites).
- Ensure compliance with building permits, accessibility (DDA), and Australian Standards.
- Provide transparent costings so you know your investment upfront.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning to open in Melbourne’s growth corridors, inner-city hubs, or regional centres, choosing the right suburb is critical to your ophthalmology clinic’s success.
At SoulMed, we’ve helped healthcare businesses across Victoria launch in the right location, with the right design, and at the right cost.
Ready to bring your ophthalmology clinic to life? Contact SoulMed today for a free consultation.
