Mr Andrew Hogan, president of the industry body which represents 5000 optometrists nationwide, said OA’s mbers were encouraged by what he believed was the strongest indication yet that the government may lift the freeze.The Gillard Labor Government implented the freeze in 2013 as a tporary budget repair mechanism. It was then extended by the Coalition after failed attpts at Medicare reform, which included the infamous $7 co-payment.However, now that new Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has revealed the government will consider unwinding the freeze, Hogan said it was OA’s expectation that any reforms would also extend to optometry.“Optometry rebates were last indexed in 2012 and optometry was further affected by the freeze introduced across the MBS in 2014, coupled by an across the board cut to the MBS rebate for all optometry services in 2015,” he said.
“This has increased the pressure on optometrists providing services to millions of Australians annually at a time when the cost of providing comprehensive care, including investing in important new technologies, continues to rise.”According to OA these policy decisions, coupled with changes made to the eligibility criteria for comprehensive examinations, have reduced government investment in primary eye health through Medicare by over $100 million since 2015.As a result, OA is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Hunt to relay its mbers’ concerns that a continuation of the freeze would be an increasing barrier for many patients – particularly those on low incomes – who could benefit from early intervention and effective managent of eye conditions.A 2010 report from Vision 2020 Australia estimated vision loss was a $1.4 billion per month burden on the nation’s economy and Hogan said the Government could reduce this figure with a greater commitment to primary eye care.“Today, more than 12 million Australians experience eye health or vision probls, with some sections of our population more vulnerable, including those who need bulk-billed services or have higher care needs,” he said.
More detail on the expected thawing of the freeze is likely to be released closer to the May Budget.
