NSW Spectacles Program
What does the program provide?
If they meet the program eligibility criteria they are entitled to, in any two-year period to receive:
- One pair of single vision spectacles OR
- One pair of bifocal spectacles
- Other optical aids
The following eligibility criteria apply:
- Must be an Australian resident living permanently in NSW
- Must have less than $500 of total assets (if single) OR less than $1000 in total family assets (If in a couple or a single parent)
- Receive a full (non-reduced) Commonwealth pension, benefit or allowance AND receive no additional income (other than Centrelink payments) OR Be a low income earner with new income no greater than the full Newstart allowance or the full aged pension.
- Not be eligible to receive free optical appliances under another program (e.g DVA)
- Have no received spectacles or other optical appliances under the Program within the past two years (Unless prescription significantly changes)
Before applying for the Program, they must have recently had examination and have a prescription that is not older that 3 months. They will receive an instant assessment of eligibility based on information they provide from Centre Link. Mobile Eye Clinic can help residents to complete their application.
After confirmation of their application, we will order spectacles and let them know when they are ready to deliver. It could take up to 4 weeks for them to receive the glasses.
What information do they need to provide?
Personal Information: To make an application we will ask them to provide personal details including their name, address, date of birth, gender, marital status Medicare number, Pension type and concession number.
Centrelink Income Statement: If they receive a Centrelink benefit, they must provide a Centrelink Income Statement that is no more than 3 months old. This provides details of their income and assets. It can be requested by visiting a centreline office, using Centrelink online or via telephone 136240.
Consent and declaration: At the time of application, we will provide them with the terms and conditions of participating in the Program. This will explain privacy conditions for the protection of your personal information and any action Vision Australia or the NSW government may take to verify information provided in your application. They will be asked to provide verbal consent to the terms and conditions of the Program and a declaration that the information you have provided is true and correct.
Where can they get further information?
For further information on the NSW Spectacles program, wisit the Vision Australia website www.visionaustralia.org/spectacles or contact Vision Australia on:
1300 84 74 66
info@visionaustralia.org
Are there extra fees?
An extra fee may apply for the below:
- Handing and Delivery Charge
- Multifocal Lenses
- Transition Lenses
- Multicoating
- Special Tints
