Optical benefit - contact lenses

[djgorman23]

Hi,

Does anybody know if you are entitled to refund on the purchase of contact lenses? I have receipts for lenses going back a few years and would like to recoup some money, if possible.
I have looked at the welfare.ie site but its not very clear to me. I also asked my optician about this and she gave me a form 01 for claim for optical benefit but this seems to be a form to claim for a free eye examination only.

can anybody shed any light on this?

D

 

[ClubMan]

This seems clear enough:

1.2 Optical Benefit

Under the Optical Benefit Scheme you can get:

• ...
• an eye examination for contact lenses. The Department will pay a fixed amount and you pay the balance
• ...

...

1.3 Contact Lenses

If you choose contact lenses instead of glasses, the Department will pay a fixed amount and you must pay the balance. If, however, you need contact lenses on medical grounds, the Department will pay up to half the cost, subject to a fixed maximum, provided you have a doctor's recommendation. Disposable lenses are not covered under the scheme.

 

[AKA]

Hi,

I've claimed this in the past without any problems.

You get one free examination every 2 years or so...either a contact lens examination or a glasses examination but not both. If you need an additional examination within 2 years you have to explain the need for this although anyone with a high perscription shouldn't have a problem with this.

You get €30 or so towards lenses or glasses too which is a help as the lenses cost €360 or so a year. I have used this amount towards disposable lenses.

I usually get approval from Dept before I book the appointment and then use the €30 or so towards the contact lenses.

Your option would probably have to be on the approved panel to get a refund if you've already had the examination and bought the lenses. The list is avail here: http://www.welfare.ie/publications/opticianslist.html and http://www.welfare.ie/publications/opthalmologists.html


Hope this helps.