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Why should I see an Optometrist?

Your vision is one of your most important senses. So, taking 30 minutes out of your year to have the health of your eyes assessed is imperative. A visit to an Optometrist is more than assessing the need for glasses – it’s about overall eye health and detecting conditions that may impact upon your vision in the future.

At your eye examination, the Optometrist will screen for eye diseases and conditions that result in deterioration of vision. With many eye diseases, there are no obvious symptoms. For instance, people who are diagnosed with glaucoma usually have no idea that it is developing; there is no pain, no irritation and no obvious changes to your vision. Once the damage from glaucoma occurs, vision cannot be restored – but if treated early, loss of vision can be prevented.

It is important to have a regular, routine eye test even if you are not noticing any symptoms of eye disease or changes to your vision.

How often should I get my eyes tested?

We recommend that regular eye tests be scheduled every 2 years to access your vision and check the health of your eyes.

Make it a priority to visit an Optometrist and have your eyes tested so that you can see clearly,

By Enoch Chan, Optometrist and Teachers Health Fund Eyecare Business Manager.

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Most Australians with private health insurance currently receive a rebate from the Australian Government to help cover the cost of their premiums. The private health insurance rebate is income tested. The table below details the different rebate amounts and Medicare Levy Surcharge levels.

The rebate applies to hospital, general treatment and ambulance policies. It does not apply to overseas visitors cover. The rebate levels applicable for 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 are:

Singles
Families		 ≤$88,000
≤$176,000		 ≤$88,001-102,000
≤$176,001-204,000		 ≤$102,001-136,000
≤$204,001-272,000		 ≤$136,001
≤$272,001
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< Age 6530%20%10%0%
Age 65-6935%25%15%0%
Age 70+40%30%20%0%

Single parents and couples (including de facto couples) are subject to family tiers. For families with children, the thresholds are increased by $1,500 for each child after the first. http://www.privatehealth.gov.au/healthinsurance/incentivessurcharges/insurancerebate.htm

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