The NSW Spectacles Program funds free glasses and optical aids to financially disadvantaged residents of NSW. Funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services and administered by Vision Australia, the Program provides funding to participating optometrists and optical dispensers (providers) to supply optical aids to eligible applicants free of charge. The Program’s aim is to improve vision and avoid preventable decline in eye health.

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Who is eligible for this Program?

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The Program is available to people who meet the following requirements:

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Residency - 

Are an Australian resident living permanently in NSW

 

Assets - 

Have less than $500 of total assets (if single)

OR

Have less than $1,000 in total family assets (if partnered or a single parent)

 

Household and motor vehicle are not included in these asset restrictions

 

Income - 

Receive a full (non-reduced) Commonwealth pension or income support payment AND receive no additional income (other than  Centrelink payments)

OR

Are a low income earner with net income no greater than the full Newstart allowance (if under retirement age) or the full aged pension (if over retirement age)

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Other schemes -

Are ineligible to receive free optical appliances under any other program (e.g. Department of Veterans’ Affairs)

 

Time period - 

Have not received spectacles or other optical appliances under the Program within the past two years.

 

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What does the Program provide?

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If you meet the Program’s eligibility requirements, you are entitled, in any two-year period, to receive:

• One pair of single vision spectacles; or

• One pair of bifocal spectacles.

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When accessing this service, you can choose to pay an additional fee for items that the Program does not fund. Common items that attract a cost include:

• Multifocal or progressive lenses

• Transition or photochromatic coatings

• Non-standard frames

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How to apply

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As part of your application, you will need to provide:

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Personal details, including contact details and Medicare card number

A Centrelink Income Statement that is no more than three months old, if receiving Centrelink payments;

OR

A payslip and a bank statement that are no more than three months old, if a low income earner.

Centrelink Income Statements can be obtained by phoning or visiting a Centrelink branch, or logging on to Centrelink online.

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To find your nearest Program Provider, or if you have any queries, you can contact us by:

Phone: 1300 84 74 66 and ask for the Spectacles Program

E-mail: info@visionaustralia.org

Online: http://www.visionaustralia.org/spectacles

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