Visioncarensw

Eligibility

Under the Program, spectacles may be provided free of charge once every two years (if required) to financially disadvantaged persons and low income earners who are Australian residents living permanently in NSW.  Applicants must meet all criteria of an income and assets based means test. Please click here to view to the Self Eligibility Test.

Benefits

If eligible, applicants receive free frames and lenses (single vision or bifocal) from a schedule of approved plastic or metal frames and lenses (Multifocals, Trifocals and non-prescription sunglasses are not included).

Normally, Program benefits are only available once every two years, if required.  Where there is a significant change in a patients prescription, a further application can be submitted for consideration within the two years.

Special Approval items (contact lenses, photochromatic lenses and low vision aids) may be supplied at no charge, with appropriate justification.  The decision to supply Special Approval items or non-Contract items at the Program’s expense will be determined by the Program’s Consulting Optometrist.

People can elect to pay a ‘patient-to-pay’ fee for non-contract lens items (or Program Special Approval items not approved by VisionCare NSW) if that is their preference (e.g. tinted lenses or Multifocals).  VisionCare NSW may contribute the equivalent cost to supply a pair of clear Program lenses in these circumstances.

The Program does not subsidise the cost of ‘own choice’ purchased frames.

People may be required to pay an additional lens fitting fee, if re-using own frame or purchasing a new frame, in preference to selecting a Program frame.

Note:

- All Patient-to-Pay fees may be requested to be paid “up front” at the time of application.
- Under no circumstances does the Program reimburse people for any spectacle items purchased without prior VisionCare NSW approval.