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
Jo-AnneRamplings 