Eye checks and glasses

It is important to take care of your eyes.

A regular eye test is vital because it’s not always obvious when you have a condition.

An eye test can detect the early signs of eye conditions before the symptoms occur, many of which can be treated. An optometrist is the specialist who examines the eye for vision, eye disorders and other health problems involving the eyes.

An eye test will also show if you need to:

• get glasses for the first time
• change your current glasses.

Health cover

Medicare will cover the cost of an eye check every 2 years at the optometrist of your choice.

Find an optometrist in your area using QFinder.

If you have private health insurance, contact your provider to find out about your coverage for glasses or contact lenses.

Common eye conditions

• Vision problems—near-sightedness (unable to see far), far-sightedness (unable to see close objects), astigmatism and difficulty reading at a normal distance
• Cataracts—the lens of the eye becomes cloudy
• Glaucoma—increased fluid pressure in the eye
• Macular degeneration—loss of vision, or blindness (often age-related)
• Stye—a sore or red lump near the edge of an eyelid, caused by an infection at the base of an eyelash (in the follicle)

Protect your eyes

• Wear safety goggles if your job involves airborne particles or hazardous substances
• Wear wraparound glasses to prevent UV exposure
• Choose eyewear that blocks 95% of UV rays
• Fit sunglasses or goggles with prescription lenses, if necessary

Free glasses

The Spectacle Supply Scheme provides free basic prescription glasses every 2 years to eligible people.

Eligibility criteria

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Queensland
• hold, in your own name, one of the following concession cards continuously for a minimum of 6 months before the date of your application
  • Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
  • Commonwealth health care card
  • Queensland Government Seniors Card
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Pensioner Concession Card (if you are not eligible for glasses provided under the DVA Optical Supplies Program. Holders of Gold and White DVA cards should contact DVA to assess their eligibility)
• have a clinical need for glasses, as assessed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

How to apply

To apply, visit a participating optometrist for an eye test and advise them that you will be applying for the spectacle supply scheme. The optometrist will complete and submit the application form for you.

You can only apply again within 2 years if you can show a further need because of changes to your eyesight.