$89.6m hit over 4 years for optometry in federal budget

– Schedule fees frozen for 2 years
– 3-year, not 2, eligibility for benefits asymptomatic under-65s
– Fees cap roved from 1 January 2015
The federal government announced a projected $89.6 million hit over four years for optometrists in the 2014-05 budget handed down by Treasurer Joe Hockey on 13 May, as well as a decrease in Medicare bulk-billing fees from 85% to 80%, a blowout in length of time allowed for consultations by optometrists to attract a Medicare benefit from two to three years, and schedule fees for optometrical consultations frozen for two years.