00:00Largest single cause of blindness or low vision is uncorrected refractive error,
00:05which is just a long way of saying not having the right glasses.
00:08Do you need a new pair of glasses?
00:11The cost of living crisis is putting more pressure on household budgets,
00:16making this essential item sadly a luxury.
00:20But did you know that you could potentially get them for free
00:24or at a low cost if you are struggling?
00:27Most Australians don't realise every state and territory offer subsidised prescription glasses
00:34for eligible people experiencing financial hardship.
00:38The schemes have been running for decades, helping thousands access essential eye care.
00:51This program being active, we're hoping that more people come and get eye tests
00:54so that we can pick up on these potentially side-threatening conditions.
00:57One patient told this Wollongong optometrist her vision had deteriorated.
01:03What they discovered saved her life.
01:05I found what appeared to be a brain tumour for this lady and through that regular screening test
01:13that we did and further clinical testing, we were able to identify the kind of brain tumour
01:18that it was and take the right steps in order to get her to the right specialist in order to
01:24treat this.
01:25In Victoria, eligible patients can pay around $50 for a pair of glasses,
01:30while First Nations patients pay around $10 depending on their circumstances.
01:36Minimum, the subsidised amount is $51 for any average VES eligible patients.
01:43If we identify them, they are a vulnerable population, their subsidy is further down.
01:51In New South Wales, eligible patients can get glasses for free, but the criteria is a tad stricter.
01:59You need to receive a full Centrelink Pensional Benefit and have no other income.
02:05There is also an assets limit.
02:06We do aim to provide for people in more complex circumstances wherever possible.
02:13For many regional Australians, affordability isn't the only barrier.
02:17Access to an optometrist can be just as difficult.
02:21That's why outreach teams travel to rural and remote communities, bringing eye care directly to the people who need it
02:29most.
02:30Sometimes it's a community health centre, sometimes it's a homeless shelter,
02:35and sometimes it's a nursing home and supported residential services and a lot of First Nations community as well.
02:41Remember, eye tests are bulk billed by Medicare, so it's important to never put them off.
02:48While some practices charge for optional scans, standard eye tests are bulk billed through Medicare.
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