One of the most common questions we receive at Prime Optometrists Auburn is some version of: "Is this going to cost me anything?" The honest, simple answer for most of our patients is: if you have a valid Medicare card, your comprehensive eye examination is bulk billed,meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for the examination itself. Here is everything you need to know.
Who Qualifies for a Bulk Billed Eye Test?
Any Australian resident with a valid Medicare card is eligible for a bulk billed comprehensive eye examination. This includes:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Holders of certain temporary visas (check Medicare eligibility for your specific visa type)
- Children,Medicare bulk billing applies to patients of all ages, including infants
- Concession card holders (Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)
How Often Can I Have a Bulk Billed Eye Test?
Medicare funds a comprehensive eye examination under MBS item 10916 based on clinical need. For most healthy adults, this means one bulk billed comprehensive test every 3 years. However, there are important exceptions:
- Patients with diabetes, glaucoma, or high-risk conditions: annual bulk billed tests
- Patients over 65: more frequent testing may be funded
- Children: testing frequency as clinically required
- Concession card holders: more frequent testing may be funded
What Is Covered,and What Is Not
Covered by Medicare (bulk billed):
- The comprehensive eye examination itself,vision, refraction, ocular health, pressure, fundus examination
- Foreign body removal under Medicare emergency item numbers
- Some additional tests when clinically indicated
NOT covered by Medicare,patient pays:
- Glasses frames and lenses
- Contact lenses and fitting fees
- OCT imaging (may attract a separate item number with a gap)
- Visual field testing in some cases
- Cosmetic or non-prescription optical items
Do I Need to Bring Anything?
Bring your Medicare card. If you have a concession card, bring that too. Bring your current glasses (and old ones if you have them). List any medications you take. That is all that is required for a bulk billed eye test at Prime Optometrists Auburn.
Book your bulk billed eye test at Prime Optometrists Auburn
(02) 9761 0005 · 43 Auburn Rd Auburn NSW 2144 · Mon–Fri 9:30am–6pm · Sat 9:30am–5pm · No out-of-pocket cost for the examination with Medicare card