Optometry
Almost 1 in 3 Australians used a Medicare-subsidised optometry service
In 2022–23, there were almost 11 million Medicare-subsidised optometry services delivered to around 8 million (32%) Australians.
Medicare-subsidised optometry use was lowest in remote areas
Use of Medicare-subsidised optometry services was highest for people living in inner regional areas with 33% of people receiving at least one service and was lowest in remote areas with only 21% of people receiving at least one service.
Box 5: Optometry services
Optometrists provide a wide range of services including vision-testing, prescription of glasses and contact lenses, assessment and reporting on fitness to drive, and diagnosis and treatment of other eye conditions (AHPA 2024). Since January 2015, Australians aged under 65 are eligible to receive a Medicare-subsidised comprehensive eye examination every 3 years and annually for those aged 65 and over.
Though Medicare-subsidised optometry services are included in the allied health service group, access to these services are much broader than the other services listed in this service group. The ability to access Medicare-subsidised eye tests without a referral may account for the higher proportion of people who have Medicare-subsided optometry services compared with other allied health services (Services Australia 2023b). See Interpreting the data section and Technical Information for more details.
AHPA (Allied Health Professions Australia) 2024. Optometry. Melbourne: AHPA. Viewed 8 January 2024.
Services Australia 2023b Screening, tests and scans, Services Australia, Australian Government, accessed 1 February 2024.