Optometry services and subsidised glasses for refugees and asylum seekers
The Australian College of Optometry and Victorian Eyecare Service
People from refugee backgrounds (including asylum seekers) can be referred by a welfare or social support agency to the Australian College of Optometry Clinic for low cost optometry services and subsidised glasses. The patient’s refugee or asylum seeker status needs to be confirmed by a letter from such an agency. A Medicare card is not required if the patient has a letter confirming their status. The patient does not need to confirm their status if they have a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card. No consultation fee is payable by the patient; if glasses are needed, they may be provided at a subsidised rate (starting from $30 – $50). There are interpreter services available for refugee and asylum seeker patients if required. The patient will be placed on a waiting list for an interpreter service and be contacted once an appointment can be confirmed. Please note that there may be longer waiting times for interpreter services.
Locations:
Carlton Clinic Australian College of Optometry (ACO)
Corner Keppel and Cardigan Streets
Carlton 3053
Ph: 9349 7400 or 9349 7455
Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm;
Saturday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Community Health Services – Melbourne metropolitan area
- Western Region Health Service – Optometry clinic 107 – 139 Churchill Ave Braybrook 3019 Telephone 9334 6622 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
- Darebin Community Health Centre – Optometry clinic Cnr Blake and Crevelli St Reservoir 3073 Telephone 8470 1199 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm
- Peninsula Community Health – Optometry clinic 8-10 Hastings Rd Frankston 3199 Telephone 9784 8342 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Casey – Cardinia Community Health – Optometry clinic 67 Power Road Doveton 3177 Telephone 9212 5700 Monday to Friday 8.45am – 5.00pm
- Broadmeadows Health Service – Optometry clinic 35 Johnstone Street Broadmeadows 3047 Telephone 8345 5414 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm ; Saturday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Outreach / Visiting Services – Melbourne area
Enquiries to: or 9349 7472
- EACH – Eastern Access Community Health 75 Patterson Street Ringwood ph 9837 3999 and ask for an appointment in the visiting optometry clinic
- ISIS Primary Care 117-129 Warringa Cres, Hoppers Crossing 3029 ph 8734 1400 and ask for an appointment in the visiting optometry clinic
Services in Regional Victoria
For Victorian Eyecare Service participating optometry practices in regional Victoria call 1300 303 125 or (03) 9349 7434, or visit http://www.aco.org.au/eye-care-services/eye-care-in-rural-victoria
An information sheet with further details is available here.
