1:30min

By Ashleigh McMillan
Journalist
Optometry Australia has released a new practice resource which assists patients to make an informed decision about private health insurance optical cover.
The Eyeing off Private Health Insurance poster will assist practitioners to discuss with patients why they may not be receiving the rebate they expected, and what they should consider if looking at switching health insurance providers.
National clinical policy adviser Simon Hanna says that patients can sometimes be disappointed with the private health insurance rebate they receive when purchasing spectacles or contact lenses.
‘This feeling is often then directed towards the optometrist, who may need to field questions about why the rebate isn’t higher or more accurately, why the gap amount is higher than expected,’ he said.
‘The new resource will arm optometrists with the ability to talk through what patients might need from their optical cover, and ultimately give optometrists another avenue to increase their rapport with patients.’
A two-page A4 resource sheet and an A3 poster can be downloaded from our website and printed.