The federal government’s 2014-2015 budget contained changes to the Medicare benefits for optometry services in two main ways. These relate to the time frames in which a comprehensive examination can be billed, and to the rebates for optometry services.

Billing time frame for comprehensive examinations
For many years, the Medicare rebate for a comprehensive eye examination (item number 10900) has been able to be claimed every two years for Australians of any age. In the government’s 2014 budget, it has been stated that for asymptomatic people under the age of 65 years, this will be extended to every three years. However, it will be reduced to every year for asymptomatic patients aged over 65 years.

Removal of cap on optometry fees and reduced optometry rebates
The Optometrists Association Australia has been successful in lobbying for the removal of the cap on fees charged by optometrists who claim benefits through Medicare. However, the Medicare Benefits Schedule rebate for optometry services will be reduced from 85% to 80% from 1st January 2015.

The Optometrists Association Australia has emailed members to advise them that association representatives will be meeting with the Department of Health on 16th May and with the Prime Minister’s office on Monday 19th May to make clear their concerns about a reduction in Medicare rebates.

Click here for the government’s Budget Paper Expense Measures relating to health. Click here for the Optometrists Association Australia response to the budget.