The NSW Spectacles Program provides government funded glasses and vision aids to eligible recipients including seniors, children, people experiencing homelessness, those living in rural and remote areas, people with disability and Aboriginal and multicultural communities.
Under Vision Australia's administration, significant improvements have been made to the scheme with a new online application and assessment process. The process streamlines applications and product delivery for optometrists, and reduces waiting times for the delivery of glasses.
Applicants must supply a Centrelink Income Statement that is less than 3 months old and reflects the relevant eligibility criteria at the time of application.
Who is eligible
Centrelink recipients
To be eligible for the NSW Spectacles Program, Centrelink Recipients must:
Be an Australian permanent resident and resident of NSW
Receive the maximum rate of a full benefit or pension (e.g. aged pension, disability support pension, newstart allowance etc.)
Receive no additional income aside from their Centrelink payment
Have cash/savings or assets less than $500 (if single) or $1000 (if married/partnered, or with dependents)
Be ineligible for any other spectacles subsidy schemes
Special conditions exist to provide for single parents receiving maintenance, residents of remote areas, or return applicants experiencing a significant change in vision within two years. Contact our office for more information.
Low Wage Earners
To be eligible for the Program as a low wage earner, an individual must:
Be an Australian permanent resident and resident of NSW
Earn less than the full Newstart Allowance (if under 65) or the full age pension (if over 65)
Have cash/savings or assets less than $500 (if single) or $1000 (if married/partnered, or with dependents)
Be ineligible for any other spectacles subsidy schemes