From 1 January 2015 the restriction that prevented optometrists billing patients above the scheduled fee set by the Government for consultations covered by Medicare was removed. From this date also there was a 5% reduction in the rebate the Government pays for optometry consultations covered by Medicare. The impact of this reduction has been compounded by an extended freeze on the indexation of the rebate. These changes have meant that many optometrists need to and/or are able to consider changing their billing practices to support the sustainability of their practice. This page provides links to a range of resources designed to support optometrists in considering the most appropriate billing practices for their practice, and in setting consultation fees.
To find out about Optometry Australia's fight for fairer medicare rebates, and how you can get involved, visit the Eye care for All - members section.
Practical tips and useful resources
Practice notes
Latest News
Optometry Australia appoints Brodie CEO
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Cloud smooths the connection
Sunday, June 4, 2017
June issue of Pharma online now
Friday, June 2, 2017
Indigenous eye health measured
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Peak-body defends members in health fund audits
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Get the most out of your consultation
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Equipment 2017 online
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Members and commercial partners support strong SRC
Monday, May 29, 2017
Campaign videos viewed more than 850 hours
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Glaucoma linked to cognitive decline
Friday, May 26, 2017
Ransomware will make you WannaCry
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Survey shows workforce and remuneration high on members’ list
Sunday, May 21, 2017
No funding for stand-alone stent devices
Friday, May 19, 2017
Are you ready for My Health Record?
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Online membership renewal
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Have privacy protocols in place
Monday, May 15, 2017
ARVO round-up, and more news in brief
Saturday, May 13, 2017
New toolkit for MD week
Friday, May 12, 2017
Budget outcome disappoints optometry
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Recommended fees updated as freeze continues
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Scrap the freeze or optometry bleeds
Monday, May 8, 2017
Member focus group to discuss the future
Friday, May 5, 2017
Don’t fear because AI is here
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Low vision webcast a lesson in itself
Friday, April 28, 2017
Glaucoma stent subsidy restricted
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Bookings, recalls and feedback work to boost practices
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Cover for wages under business interruption insurance
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Heidelberg expands, and more news in brief
Saturday, April 22, 2017
AHPRA spells out how to check, correct and comply with advertising rules
Friday, April 21, 2017
457 visa changes ignore optometric oversupply
Thursday, April 20, 2017
ACBO conference to deliver scientific evidence
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
‘Poppers’ damaging eyes, and more news in brief
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Ride raises heart rate — and research funding
Saturday, April 15, 2017
ODMA floor filling fast
Tuesday, April 11, 2017