Eligibility Support
Our team can help you understand which documents may be needed and guide you through the next steps.
NSW Spectacles Program
NSW Spectacles Program Provider
City Optics can help eligible NSW residents apply for glasses through the NSW Spectacles Program, with in-store support for eligibility checks, frame selection and application guidance.
Eligibility and approval are subject to NSW Spectacles Program rules.
Program Overview
What Is the NSW Spectacles Program?
The NSW Spectacles Program is funded by the NSW Government and run by Vision Australia. It helps eligible NSW residents access approved prescription glasses and selected vision supports through registered providers.
In-store help from a registered provider
City Optics can help with the eligibility check, suitable glasses options and ordering once program requirements are met.
Prescription Glasses
Eligible customers with a clinical need may receive approved prescription glasses or selected vision supports, generally once every two years.
Provider Guidance
City Optics can assist with the eligibility check, suitable glasses options and ordering once program requirements are met.
Eligibility
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility is assessed under NSW Spectacles Program rules. The program checks residency, assets, income, access to other free glasses support, and when you last used the program.
NSW Residency
You must be an Australian permanent resident living in NSW.
Pension or Income Support
You generally need to receive a full, non-reduced Centrelink pension, benefit or allowance, with no additional income above that payment.
Income and Asset Limits
Total assets usually need to be below $500 if single, or below $1,000 in total family assets if in a couple or single-parent family.
Low-Income Pathway
Some low-income earners may be eligible if net income is no greater than the full JobSeeker allowance or full aged pension rate.
Previous Program Use
You generally must not have received glasses or other approved vision support through the program in the past two years, unless a replacement reason applies.
Other Free Glasses Support
You must not be able to receive free glasses through another program, such as Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card optical cover.
Final eligibility is subject to NSW Spectacles Program rules. Additional income under $25 a year is ignored for the income check, and maintenance income under $500 a year may also be ignored in specific family circumstances. Eligibility criteria may change. Our team can help review the current program requirements before proceeding.
What Is Included
What the Program May Cover
Coverage depends on program rules, eligibility, clinical need, prescription requirements and available options. Our team can explain what is included and where optional upgrades may involve additional cost.
Standard Spectacles
Eligible customers with a clinical need may receive one pair of single vision spectacles or one pair of bifocal spectacles in a two-year period.
Frame, Lenses and Case
A standard program application includes a frame, a pair of lenses and a case where required.
Extra Items for Specific Needs
Some options, such as tinting, grind lenses, two single vision pairs, contact lenses or low vision aids, may be considered only where specific clinical needs apply.
Optional Upgrades Where Available
Eligible customers should be able to access program options at no cost, but an extra out-of-pocket cost may apply if you choose options outside the program amount.
Standard program options may be covered where eligible. Optional upgrades, coatings, thinner lenses, premium frames or extras may involve additional out-of-pocket costs, which our team will explain before proceeding.
How We Help
We Help You Through the Process
Book an Eye Test or Visit a Store
Our team can check whether you have a current prescription and help identify the information needed for the eligibility check.
Eligibility and Application Support
We help review your details and complete the eligibility check with your consent.
Choose Suitable Glasses
Once eligible, our team can help you choose suitable frames and lenses under the program options, including any costs for upgrades if selected.
Order and Collect Your Glasses
If approved, we arrange your glasses and let you know when they are ready for collection.
Before Your Visit
What to Bring With You
Bring any cards, statements, prescriptions and glasses that may help our team understand your situation. Our team can confirm what is required for your situation before proceeding.
If you bring a Centrelink income statement, our team may need to review it for income, assets and NSW address details. Payslips, bank statements and income statements may need to be recent under program rules.
- Medicare card
- Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Centrelink income statement or Centrelink CRN where relevant
- Department of Veterans' Affairs income or asset statement where relevant
- Recent payslip and bank statement if applying through the low-income pathway
- Any existing glasses
- Any existing prescription if available
- Health fund card if relevant
- Proof of NSW address if not clear on your supporting documents
- Questions about eligibility or upgrades
In-Store Support
Choose Glasses With Real Store Support
City Optics provides in-store support for frame selection, lens advice, fitting and adjustments. Suitable frame options are available through the program, and our team can explain what is included and what optional upgrades may cost.
Frame Selection
Choose from suitable program options, with a range available for men, women and children.
Lens Advice
Understand standard options, extra clinical-need options and items that may need Vision Australia review before proceeding.
Adjustments and Aftercare
Visit us after collection for fit support, warranty guidance and minor repair advice where suitable.
Important Details
Things to Know Before Applying
Approval Depends on Program Rules
Vision Australia and the NSW Government decide eligibility under program rules. City Optics helps you apply.
Eligibility Can Change
Program requirements may change over time. Our team can help review the current requirements before proceeding.
Support Is Usually Every Two Years
Program support is generally once every two years, unless a replacement reason applies.
Upgrades May Cost Extra
Program support may not cover all lens upgrades, coatings, premium frames or extras.
Waiting Times May Vary
Some applications or special products may need Vision Australia review before ordering.
Clear Options Before You Proceed
Our team can explain included options, upgrade costs and expected next steps before proceeding.
Start Here
Need Help With the NSW Spectacles Program?
Have questions about the program or what to bring? Visit a City Optics store or contact our team and we can help guide you through the next steps.
FAQ
NSW Spectacles Program FAQs
What is the NSW Spectacles Program?
The NSW Spectacles Program is funded by the NSW Government and run by Vision Australia. It helps eligible NSW residents access approved prescription glasses and selected vision supports through registered providers.
Is City Optics a NSW Spectacles Program provider?
Yes. City Optics can assist eligible customers with the NSW Spectacles Program process.
Am I eligible for the NSW Spectacles Program?
Eligibility depends on NSW Spectacles Program rules. Key checks include NSW residency, asset limits, income or pension status, whether another free glasses program applies, and whether you have used the NSW Spectacles Program in the past two years. For the additional-income check, additional income under $25 a year is ignored.
Does the program cover all glasses?
No. Standard program support generally covers one pair of single vision spectacles or one pair of bifocal spectacles where clinically required and eligible. Some extra items or products outside the standard program list may need specific clinical reasons or Vision Australia review.
Can I choose any frame?
Frame options depend on program rules and available eligible options. Suitable program frames should be available, and our team can explain what is included and what upgrades may involve an extra out-of-pocket cost.
What documents should I bring?
Please bring your Medicare card and any relevant Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Centrelink income statement, Centrelink CRN, Department of Veterans' Affairs statement, payslip or bank statement. Bring your existing glasses, any current prescription and your health fund card if relevant.
Do I need an eye test first?
You may need a current prescription before glasses can be ordered. City Optics can help arrange an eye test if required.
Can I get help again within two years?
The program is generally once every two years. Help within two years may be possible for reasons such as lost glasses, broken glasses that cannot be repaired, significant vision change or an incorrect previous prescription, subject to program rules.
How long does approval take?
Timeframes can vary depending on the required information and whether Vision Australia needs to review anything before ordering. Our team can guide you through the expected steps.
Can City Optics guarantee approval?
No. Approval depends on NSW Spectacles Program eligibility rules and the required application process.
Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Book an eye test, visit your nearest City Optics store, or contact our team for help with the NSW Spectacles Program.