Financial assistance is available for the purchase of glasses for pre-school aged children and adults. Low vision aids, prostheses and intraocular implants are subsidised up to $413.30 per item.

Eligible people include:

  • a permanent Tasmanian residents for at least three continuous months immediately  before they apply (refugees not required to satisfy this criteria) and
  • able to satisfy the means test.

Other persons eligible to apply include:

  • Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders
  • DVA Veteran White Card holders (accepted conditions only)
  • low income earners under hardship provisions, and
  • persons not able to claim from private health insurance, workers compensation or any other source.

To receive the subsidy, an application form must be completed and sent with the prescription to the Statewide Spectacles Scheme.

This subsidy does not cover school aged children; however they may be eligible for assistance from the Department for Education, Children and Young People. Refer to Education - Spectacles Assistance in this Guide for further information.

Note: People who can claim from private health insurance, workers’ compensation or any other source are not eligible to apply.

For more information:

Spectacles Assistance Scheme, Department of Health 
Phone:
1800 232 148
Web: Eyes and vision (Ophthalmology) | Tasmanian Department of Health