Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) has welcomed the SA Government’s decision to expand the GlassesSA program, as outlined in the SA State Budget 2024-25.
GlassesSA is an initiative that helps South Australians obtain low-cost glasses or – for those with serious eye conditions – no-cost contact lenses.
From 1 January 2025, the SA Government will simplify and extend access to subsidised glasses by offering eligibility to all holders (and their dependents) of the Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card and Low Income Health Care Card.
Currently, only those receiving the maximum rate of certain Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs payments can benefit from this program.
“This is a significant and much-needed development in vision care accessibility for South Australians,” said OV/SA president Mr Timothy Lo, “By broadening the eligibility criteria, a much larger group of people can now be reached. This ensures more South Australians can access the essential eyecare services they need, ultimately improving their quality of life.”
Lo also extends his gratitude to the SA Government for prioritising eye health in the State Budget.
“It’s estimated over 90% of blindness and vision loss is avoidable, and vision loss can have devastating impacts on the health and overall well-being of affected individuals and their families.
“The SA Government’s decision to expand the GlassesSA program demonstrates their continued commitment to updating the scheme to meet community needs. We are grateful they have recognised the importance of vision care and have made it a priority, and we look forward to working together to improve eye health outcomes for all South Australians.”
The SA Government confirmed that GlassesSA will operate in the same way when the changes commence: optometrists conduct an online check of a customer’s Centrelink details and then claim through the portal for EFT reimbursement.
Furthermore, existing additional program subsidies, including free standard glasses for eligible Aboriginal customers and optional out-of-pocket upgrades, will remain.
More reading
Ophthalmic sector highlights from Federal Budget 2024/25
Optometry Australia’s 2024-25 budget focus
VIC Government to inject $6.8 million into Glasses for Kids program
