OSHC Doesn't Cover Eye Tests or Glasses — Affordable Options and Extras Insurance Guide

The short answer

OSHC basic does not cover eye tests or glasses (classified as “extra” service). Glasses cost $150–600 depending on brand and lenses. Students can buy Extras coverage ($30–60/month) or use online platforms ($50–150 for complete glasses).

Why doesn’t OSHC cover eye tests and glasses?

Australian healthcare division

• Medical scope: GP/hospital/medicine (Medicare)
• Extra scope: dentistry, glasses, cosmetic surgery, gym membership
• OSHC design: covers medical only; extras require upgrade

Medical vs corrective vision differences

• ✓ Medical coverage: eye infection (conjunctivitis), glaucoma, cataract assessment, diabetic eye check
• ✗ Non-medical coverage: vision correction glasses, sunglasses, contact lens solution

Comparison with other countries

• China: medical insurance covers 30–50% of frames
• Singapore: insurance covers disease treatment, not glasses
• Australia: similar to Singapore, treats glasses as optional

Complete Australian optical cost breakdown

Vision test and glasses cost structure

Popular brand price ranges

• Specsavers (Australian chain): $150–350/pair (including eye test)
• Optus Optometrist: $100–300/pair (supermarket option cheaper)
• Designer brands (Ray-Ban, Prada): $300–800+
• Online platforms (ZenOpticals, EyeBuyDirect): $50–150/pair (self-test only)

OSHC Extras eye/vision insurance

Extras provider coverage comparison

Extras eye coverage limits

• Frequency: rebate once per 2 years (24-month gap)
• Rebate type: fixed dollar amount (e.g., $300), not percentage
• Waiting period: 2–3 months before eligible (emergency medical exempt)
• Coverage: frames + lenses only; not coating, sunglasses, contact lenses

Extras eye value example

Scenario 1: glasses $400, Extras rebates $300
You pay: $400 – $300 = $100

Scenario 2: glasses $200, Extras rebates $200
You pay: $0

Scenario 3: premium glasses $600, Extras rebates $300 (cap)
You pay: $600 – $300 = $300

Upgrading to Extras — process

1. Log into OSHC website
2. Check Extras options including eye coverage
3. Select plan level
4. Wait 2–3 months before eye rebate eligible
5. Save all receipts for rebate claim

Four affordable glasses options

Option 1: Online platforms (cheapest, $50–150)

How to use online platforms

Step 1: Get eye prescription
- Visit local optometrist ($50–150)
- Request written prescription (Rx) from doctor
- Must include: PD (pupil distance), sphere, cylinder, axis

Step 2: Order online
- Upload prescription or enter manually
- Choose frame (virtual try-on available)
- Select lens type (anti-glare, blue-light, UV)

Step 3: Pay and wait
- Cost: $50–150 (frame + lens + coating)
- Shipping: 7–15 working days

Step 4: Check and adjust
- Inspect on arrival
- Most platforms offer 30-day return guarantee

Online glasses risks

• ❌ Wrong prescription entry = eye strain (non-returnable)
• ❌ Lens quality may not match professional clinic
• ❌ Difficult to adjust after delivery (must mail back)
• ✓ Best for: confirmed prescription, simple single-vision

Option 2: Supermarket chemist (budget, $100–300)

• Retailers: Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Pharmacy, Boots
• Advantage: cheap frames ($50–100), total $100–250 including lens, carry contact lenses
• Disadvantage: limited selection, basic quality, may queue for eye test
• Eye test fee: usually free or $20–40

Option 3: University/community clinic ($80–200)

• Location: dental/optometry school clinics (Sydney University, Melbourne University, etc.)
• Advantage: 30–40% discount, precise testing (supervised students)
• Disadvantage: longer wait (1–2 weeks to book), multiple visits to adjust
• Finding: search “[university] optometry clinic”

Option 4: Insurance network retailers (gap cover, $120–300)

• How it works: partnered clinics direct-bill OSHC, you pay only gap
• Advantage: reduces out-of-pocket cost
• Disadvantage: limited clinic network, fewer frame choices
• Finding: log into OSHC website → partner clinic list

Contact lens purchase guide

Australian contact lens costs

Why Extras doesn’t cover contact lenses

• Insurance views them as “optional” (glasses substitute)
• Price volatility, frequent replacement, high cost
• Not medically necessary

Where to buy contact lenses

1. Optical shops: Specsavers, Optus Optometrist (20–30% expensive)
2. Supermarket pharmacy: Chemist Warehouse, Priceline (10–20% discount)
3. Online: Lens.com, ContactLenses.com.au (cheapest)
4. International: China marketplace (check authenticity, not recommended)

Eye health issues covered vs not covered

OSHC covers (medical range)

• Eye infection (conjunctivitis, stye) → see GP ($0–50)
• Eye injury (foreign object, cut) → ED ($0–100)
• Glaucoma, cataract initial check → specialist ($50–150 rebate)
• Diabetic eye check → GP referral (rebatable)

OSHC doesn’t cover (extra range)

• ❌ Vision correction glasses
• ❌ Contact lens purchase
• ❌ Sunglasses
• ❌ Blue-light glasses
• ❌ Sports protective eyewear

Eye prescription validity and renewal

Prescription expiry

• Australia: usually 2 years (if vision stable <0.5 dioptre change)
• Expired: must renew (mandatory)
• Some online platforms: accept only 1-year-old prescriptions

When to re-test vision

• ✓ Current glasses blurry or cause eye strain
• ✓ Over 2 years since last test
• ✓ Age <18 (test annually)
• ✓ Diabetes/hypertension (annual test)

Eye test procedure

1. Book optometrist ($50–150)
2. Vision chart test, eye pressure, eye scan
3. Receive written prescription (paper or email)
4. Use for glasses or contact lens purchase

Common eye/glasses problems and solutions

Q: My glasses broke in Australia. Can I fix them?

• A: Same-day repair (30–60 min): Specsavers, chains ($20–50)
• Frame irreparably damaged: new glasses ($200–400)
• Scratched lens: can’t repair, replace ($100–300)
• Suggestion: protective case/insurance prevent damage

Q: Can glasses from China be repaired in Australia?

• A: Unlikely:
  1. Frame size different (China vs Australian standard)
  2. Lens spec incompatible with Australian systems
  3. Repair shops may refuse non-local frames
• Suggestion: repaired before leaving China, or rebuy in Australia

Q: Screen time causes eye fatigue. Should I buy blue-light glasses?

• A: Blue-light glasses $100–300, but OSHC doesn’t rebate
• Cheaper option: adjust screen brightness, look away every 20 minutes (20-second break)
• Severe fatigue: see GP → possible specialist referral

Cost comparison: new glasses vs Extras insurance

Scenario: 1 pair glasses in 2 years ($400)

Option | Base cost | Insurance | Total | Notes
--------|-----------|-----------|-------|----

---
No insurance | $400 | $0 | $400 | One-time payment
Extras (2yr) | $400 | $25×24=$600 | $700 | Get $300 rebate, actual $400
Online | $100 | $0 | $100 | Need own prescription ($50)
Student clinic | $150 | $0 | $150 | Long wait time

Recommendation

• Stable vision, 1 pair every 2 years → skip Extras, use online (cheapest)
• Vision changes frequent or glasses often lost → Extras worth buying
• Need contact lenses → no Extras option, self-purchase cheapest

Sources

• Australian Optometrists Association: optometry.org.au
• Healthdirect — Eye Care: healthdirect.gov.au
• Vision Australia: visionaustralia.org
• TGA — Therapeutic Goods Administration: tga.gov.au
• OSHC Providers (Bupa, NIB, AHM): official websites

Last updated: 2026-05-02

To compare OSHC providers’ extras, dental, and optical add-ons, use our recommended OSHC comparison platform.