
Get exclusive healthy living offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Regular Medicare eye tests help detect and prevent eye problems, whether that means getting prescription glasses or treating an eye disease early. Vision screenings and comprehensive vision tests are ordinarily done by an option and optometrist, and are usually free with Medicare.
Yes. Medicare generally covers eye tests provided by optometrists so long as you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. In most cases, the optometrist will bill the Medicare directly, this is known as bulk billing.
If an optometrist doesn't offer bulk billing, you'll have to claim your Medicare benefit back (usually 85% of the MBS fee) by submitting a claim to Medicare. The Medicare rebate (what you'll get back) for a comprehensive eye consultation is $57.70. Most optometrists who do not bulk bill, charge around $70 for a consultation.
It's important to know that while eye tests are generally covered by Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system doesn't cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Having health insurance with optical extras can help cover some of this cost, otherwise you may find yourself out of a few hundred dollars.
An eye test without Medicare is usually around $70.
Medicare will only cover you for one regular vision screening every three years until you are 65. At that point, you can get one every year. If you have a pre-existing condition, like glaucoma, you may be able to claim a rebate more than every three years depending on the condition.
The Optometrists Association Australia (OAA) recommend that adults undergo vision screening every two years so you might want to consider private health insurance to be seen more regularly.
Private health insurance might seem a little pointless since Medicare eye tests are free, but unfortunately it's not that simple. Here are some of the reasons why it's worth going private:
You can get a free eye test at any optometrist that bulk bills. Simply look for an optometrist in your area that specificies they bulk bill. All you need to do is book an appointment and provide them with your Medicare card number. They won't take any payment from you; they simply bill the government directly so you have no out of pocket expenses. If they don't bulk bill, it could cost you around $10. This is because optometrists usually charge around $70 for an appointment and the Medicare rebate is $57.70.
Yes. An online eye test can be a good way of seeing if you need to go to an eye care professional for a more comprehensive test. Some online eye tests can check for the following:
While it can be helpful to see if you have any eye problems, an online eye test has no diagnostic value. It's more like a basic vision screening done by an optician (not a doctor). Only an eye care professional like an optometrist can carry out a complete eye examination.
Nonetheless, An online eye test can help give you an indication of whether you suffer from certain eyesight problems like myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
No. Prescription glasses are not covered by Medicare. Medicare generally only covers your eye test appointment but it won't pay for your prescription lenses, frames or contact lenses. To get cover for this, you'll need to get private health insurance.
These are some of the signs that indicate you need an eye test.
It's a good idea to get your vision screened periodically. The Optometrists Association of Australia (OAA) recommends the following schedule for vision screenings:
Anyone who is at risk of eye problems, such as diabetics, should also be tested yearly or as recommended by their doctor. People at risk include the following:
Choosing the right pair of glasses is a very important task. They not only need to correct your vision, but they also need to be comfortable and stylish enough for you to actually want to wear them. Here are some tips to help make spec shopping easier:
Picture: GettyImages
Today's best Finder Daily deals include: 50% off car essentials at Catch, half-price meat thermometers, eBay Plus tech sale.
From costs and finance options to what materials you’ll need, learn about bathroom renovations in this comprehensive guide.
Get out and explore the Top End with our guide to campervan hire in Darwin.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight abandons frills and fancy features to deliver top-tier performance in an impressively light package.
Find out how much veneers cost in Australia and how you can avoid being hit with a big bill.
From the best overall sunglasses for men and women to the best sunglasses for driving and running, these are the eight best sunglasses you can buy in Australia right now.
Read our comprehensive guide to starting a wedding planning business you can be proud of.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a big phone – big in size, big in camera features and big in price – making it a phone only suitable for a small number of people.
Your guide to finding the right e-bike to help you get from A to B with ease.
Get cover to suit your budget and lifestyle.
Great offers, promos, and deals for today.
Hospital, extras, or neither? Find out in 1-minute.
Compare visa-compliant OVHC today.