Government funded spectacle schemes that support eligible patients to access subsidises for prescription glasses are operated by all state and territory governments in Australia. Patient eligibility, subsidy size, product coverage and the role of the optometrist in supporting patient access to the scheme, differs across jurisdictions. In addition to spectacles, some states cover contact lenses and low vision aids for eligible patients.
Queensland’s Spectacle Supply Scheme
Victorian Eyecare Service (VES)
Victorian Aboriginal Spectacle Subsidy Scheme (VASSS)
Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) has built on the highly effective advocacy delivered by Optometry SA over recent years, securing the following enhancements to the South Australia’s ‘Glasses SA’ subsidised spectacle scheme in May 2020:
The SA Premier’s press release can be read in full here. Later in 2020, OV/SA will again present an argument to SA’s Minister for Human Services, seeking a significant increase to the Government reimbursements for optometry participants under the scheme.
Click here to go to the Glasses SA portal.
Tasmania’s Spectacle Assistance Scheme
Optometrists can play an important role in supporting eligible patients to access these schemes. Optometry Australia members can contact policy@optometry.org.au or call (03) 9668 8500 for more information.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), not all optometry practices are currently open or seeing patients outside of urgent eye health services. Optometrists have been advised to use their clinical judgement to determine if appointments can be postponed.
We recommend calling your optometrist and discussing your eye health concerns with them to determine if an appointment is necessary.
You can also use our Find an Optometrist function to find an optometrist near you providing telehealth and/or urgent care services. Urgent care is care that can’t be postponed without risk to your health or wellbeing. This may include replacing lost or broken glasses, or investigating red or sore eyes or sudden changes in vision.