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Today we are looking
into eye care in Australia, here most people go to an optometrist for routine
eye exams. This is the primary eye‑care provider for checking vision, detecting
early eye disease, and prescribing glasses or contact lenses. You don’t need a
referral, and Medicare usually covers the cost of standard eye tests.
Generally, Australians
will see an Optometrist every two years until the age of 65 when it drops to
every year. However, if you have a medical condition such as diabetes you will
need to have your eyes checked every year.
At an appointment
your vision n will be checked if needed they will prescribe glasses or contacts.
You will also be screen
for diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration and a retinal
imaging photo will be taken. If needed, you will be refer you to an
ophthalmologist.
Medicare covers most
routine eye tests, and many clinics bulk bill, meaning no out‑of‑pocket cost.
General
Practitioners (GPs) can check basic eye symptoms, but if they suspect a vision
problem or eye disease, they will suggest you see an optometrist or refer you
to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) for medical treatment or surgery.
You
see an ophthalmologist when a disease is detected such as glaucoma, diabetic
eye disease or if you need surgery for something like cataracts.
Children can see an
optometrist every 1–2 years, with the first exam ideally around age 3–4. Some
optometrists recommend a check at the start of each school year to monitor
changes. However, many children only have their eyes checked if someone thinks
there may be a problem.
The cost of seeing an
Ophthalmologist vary depending on, whether you have a referral (needed for
Medicare rebate) and if they charge above the Medicare schedule fee and if it’s
an initial or follow‑up appointment.
If you don’t have
private health insurance, here’s what you can expect:
- Optometrist: Often free (bulk‑billed) or
$50–$120 for extra tests
- Ophthalmologist initial visit: $170–$290
out‑of‑pocket
- Ophthalmologist follow‑up: $100–$215 out‑of‑pocket
- Private surgery: $3,000+
- Public surgery: Free, but with waiting
lists
