New program to slash the cost of glasses for South Australians on low incomes

A new program has been launched to help vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians with vision problems to access good quality, affordable glasses.

Glasses SA has been developed in partnership with Optometry SA and is being delivered by participating optometrists to provide very low cost glasses to the most disadvantaged in the community.

People eligible for Glasses SA will pay a maximum of $25 for glasses with single vision lenses, $50 for those with bi-focal lenses and $100 for glasses with multi-focal lenses.

Eligible people can get a new pair of glasses through Glasses SA every three years.

People who receive a full Centrelink pension, such as an age pension or a disability pension, or receive full Newstart Allowance are eligible for Glasses SA.

Children who are dependants of people who qualify for the GlassesSA scheme, will also be eligible for glasses, meaning that many children will have access to low cost glasses.

Participating optometrists will have a Glasses SA sticker displayed in their window.

For more information go to www.sa.gov.au/concessions/GlassesSA, visit a participating optometrist or call Glasses SA on 1300 762 577.

Background

A new IT system for Glasses SA has been developed to make the system accessible for optometrists.

All optometrists in South Australia have been invited to participate in the program.

Glasses SA provides low cost glasses to the most disadvantaged people in South Australia, no matter where they live.

Quotes attributable to Communities and Social Inclusion Minister Zoe Bettison

I encourage people who are eligible to contact Glasses SA or visit a participating optometrist to take advantage of this program.

This program is further evidence of the State Government’s commitment to easing cost of living pressures for South Australians.

It is also an example of the State Government’s commitment to working in partnership with industry. The strong working relationship with Optometry SA, the peak body for optometrists in

South Australia representing more than 96% of optometrists, is critical to the success of this program.