If you want your optomertry service covered by Medicare, you’ll need to make sure that your optometrist is participating in Medicare, and that you are bulk billed. 

This will ensure that the optometrist will be reimbursed for their services through Medicare. If the optometrist doesn’t participate in Medicare, or the service is not part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule you may be privately billed.

When you visit your optometrist they’ll check your eyes and make recommendations as to what type of glasses you might need. The testing of your eyes and the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses is covered by the Medicare Benefits Scheme. Optometrists also conduct eye health tests, but check first to confirm if this is covered by Medicare. If your optometrist suspects you have a medical problem with your eyes, you may have to visit an eye doctor or opthalmologist.

Be aware that contact lenses and glasses are not covered by Medicare, so you’ll have to pay for these yourself, unless they are covered by your provate health fund. 

If you need to make an appointment with an optometrist or an opthalmologist, find one near you with the Yellow Pages. Click here for more information.