Out of sight: Keeping a lid on optometrist costs
If you wear glasses or contact lenses all the time, you know they can be costly. Given you can’t do without them, it’s a cost you just have to bear, right?.
Well, yes and no. There can be a considerable price variation, depending on where you go, if you have private health insurance and who that insurance is with.
Even lucking out with staff at the optometrist who direct you to the cheaper frames or show you the difference between those expensive extras on lenses - sometimes it’s little more than upselling - so you can make an informed decision before buying.
If you’re about to book an optometry appointment, the choices can be bewildering. So, we’ve turned our focus on optometrists to help you see the wood from the trees.
What does an optometrist do?
Optometrists are primary eye care providers who play a vital role in maintaining your eye health and vision. They are trained to diagnose and treat various eye conditions, making sure your vision is as good as it can be and that your eyes are healthy. Below are some of the ways they do that.
Checking your vision and eye health
When you go for an eye check-up, your optometrist will run through some tests to see how well you can see and check your eyes' health inside and out. These tests measure your visual acuity (sharpness), depth perception, and how well your eyes work together. They will also examine the internal and external structures of your eye. They're on the lookout for common issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness and more serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy.
Vision correction
If there's a problem with your vision, your optometrist will recommend some ways to fix it. Usually, it means glasses or contacts. They'll help you find the right fit and give you advice on taking care of your contacts if you go that route.
Eye disease treatment
It's not just about correcting your vision. Optometrists also treat a variety of different eye conditions, including:
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- Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, and keratitis
- Dry eye – a condition where the eyes don't produce enough tears
- Glaucoma – group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision
Additional services
Beyond surgical assessments, optometrists can also guide you through vision therapy exercises. These are especially helpful if you struggle with focusing or if your eyes don't work well together, addressing issues that glasses alone might not fix.
An optometrist also provides assistance for patients opting for LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), which is the most popular form of laser refractive surgery for vision correction. They are involved in conducting pre-operative assessments to ensure you are a suitable candidate and provide post-operative care to monitor your recovery and vision improvement.
How optometrists differ from ophthalmologists
Optometrists are part of a larger eye care ecosystem that includes ophthalmologists. The key difference? Optometrists focus on vision care, diagnosing, treating, and managing eye diseases, prescribing medications for specific eye conditions, and offering vision therapy. However, they typically don't perform surgeries.
Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors with a broader scope. They can diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform various eye surgeries (including LASIK, cataract, and retinal surgeries), prescribe medications, and manage complex eye conditions.
When to see an optometrist
Routine eye exams are more important than you might think. Optometry Australia recommends a check-up every two years, even if you're not experiencing any problems. These regular visits can catch issues early, preventing potential vision loss and keeping your eyes healthy.
However, there are times when waiting two years might not be advisable. If you have any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment sooner:
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- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sudden changes in vision
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness or irritation of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Floaters or flashes in your vision
- Difficulty focusing your eyes
These signs could indicate underlying issues needing immediate attention.
Finding an optometrist
When searching for an optometrist, consider the following.
The right fit
Research the optometrist's experience level and any areas of specialisation they may have (eg: paediatrics, geriatrics). Also consider factors such as proximity to your home or workplace, as well as their available appointment times.
Reviews and recommendations
Ask your trusted network and read online reviews from other patients to get a sense of the optometrist's bedside manner, office environment, and overall patient experience. Be on the lookout for fake reviews, though.
Cost
Costs can vary, depending on the optometrist’s location, experience and services. So, it can be beneficial to compare prices, especially if you don't have private health insurance. Most optometrist offices will disclose their fees over the phone or online.
The optometrist may also recommend additional services beyond the basic eye exam during your appointment, including:
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- Advanced diagnostic testing for certain eye conditions, including corneal mapping to check the cornea’s shape and curvature or digital retinal imaging to see the retina, optic nerve, and other retinal structures at the back of your eye.
- Treatment options such as visual therapy or specialised eyedrops.
Not all additional services are essential so ask why they are recommended and what you will be out of pocket costs for. You can always decline these if they don't fit your budget or needs.
Assessing optometrist cost
Lenses and frames
The markup for glasses can be as high as 1000 percent, according to Vox. This is largely due to the dominance of companies such as EssilorLuxottica, which controls a significant portion of the eyewear industry, from manufacturing lenses and frames to owning popular brands and retail chains.
Optometrists such as Specsavers, which have many stores across Australia, offer cheaper deals on lenses and frames because they are able to buy the latter in bulk, keeping down costs.
Consultation fees
According to Medical Costs Finder, a brief initial consultation (typically under 15 minutes), costs about $65. Medicare provides a rebate of $57.70 for eye tests provided by optometrists so long as you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Check if the optometrist will bill Medicare directly for 100% of the consultation cost - this is known as bulk billing.
Most optometrist will bulk bill, so you can receive a free basic consultation every three years (under 65) or annually (over 65). In this case, Medicare covers the consultation fee entirely, reducing your out-of-pocket cost to zero.
Medicare covers the consultation fee, not the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you need additional tests or procedures, ask your doctor for the costs and Medicare rebates.
Private health insurance may offer additional coverage for optometry services, including:
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- Rebates for additional tests or procedures recommended by your optometrist (eg: retinal imaging, visual field tests)
- Contributions towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
- Rebates for specific treatments (eg: vision therapy)
If you or family members need glasses or contacts, make sure you ask about optical benefits when considering a new health insurance policy or renewing your current one.
How to minimise optometry cost
Maintain eye health
Prevention is always better than the cure, so get your eyes checked regularly. Early detection will save money in the long run.
Choose materials for their price and durability
Origin, materials and features are the most significant factors influencing the cost of glasses. Frames made in China are generally cheaper due to lower labour costs. Higher-quality frames often come from Japan, the United States, or Europe.
Design-wise, frames with multiple acetate layers, intricate details, or custom hinges cost more due to extra labour. As for the material, the cheapest option is petroleum-based plastic, but it's less durable. Most metal frames are made from an inexpensive nickel alloy called Monel, which can react with the skin oils, turn green and eventually break. Titanium is considered the most durable but is more expensive.
When choosing a frame, consider your needs and lifestyle. If you play sports, you might benefit from a more durable frame; otherwise, go for the budget-friendly option.
Similar to frames, materials and features impact lens cost. Polycarbonate is a standard, affordable choice, but it scratches easily. Trivex is a more scratch-resistant option. High-index lenses are thinner for stronger prescriptions but come at a premium. Discuss lens options with your optometrist based on your vision needs and budget.
Access government subsidies
Check your state or territory to see if you’re eligible for any of these government-funded spectacle schemes. If so, you can get eye care at a nominal cost.
If you sustain a work-related injury that affects your vision, you may be eligible for free optometry services, such as those offered by WorkSafe Victoria. Check with your employer. Your employer may also offer rebates, particularly if you work for a state or federal government entity.
Compare prices, services and insurance coverage
Don't settle for the first optometrist you find. Get quotes from several practices in your area. Ask about the cost of consultations, examinations, different lens materials and coatings (anti-reflective, blue light filter) and complete eyeglasses (including frames). Many of them publish their fee schedule on their website.
If you have private health insurance, check what is covered. You may be able to tailor your policy to include more optometry.
Optometry complaints
In the 2022-2023 period, over half of the complaints against optometrists stemmed from clinical care issues, including inadequate or inappropriate treatments and procedures. Other grievances centred around confidentiality breaches, documentation errors, and medication issues. A notable issue with clinical care is the lack of clear communication about new prescriptions. Many people mistakenly believe there's no adjustment period for new lenses. Patients have reported feeling frustrated because their optometrist didn't explain that it can take a couple of weeks for eyes to adjust to a new prescription.
If you are concerned about your experience with an optometrist, raise it first with the practitioner or health service where you had an appointment.
If unsatisfied with the result, you can contact the NSW Health Professional Councils Authority, the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission or Queensland’s Office of the Health Ombudsman if you live in NSW or Queensland. Otherwise, raise your concern with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), the national regulator for all registered health practitioners in Australia. They work in collaboration with the Optometry Board of Australia (OBA), which sets standards for optometric practice.
Eye care is vital, but it doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Checking in with a good optometrist regularly is key for sharp vision. Requiring glasses or contacts, however, shouldn’t cost you a fortune. By doing a bit of research and asking questions, you can save yourself a lot of money. If you have not received what you paid, please lodge a complaint with us, and we’ll help you handle it.
