getting glasses for the first time

[Psyber]

So, would you just walk into one of those "Optical superstore" / "Specsavers" kind of place and get the tests etc, or even with those kind of places you need to book an appointment? Also, the eye test part is fully covered by medicare? That's good to know.

Yeah, mine cost $500, although i chose a couple of optional extras after initially being quoted i think about $280 or something.

What kind of extras did you choose that cost a further $220? Genuinely curious...

Most of the outlets will bulkbill Medicare for the testing by the Optometrist, but some don't and charge a gap, so ask first.
You do usually need to book an appointment with the Optometrist unless you fluke walking in when there is no one booked on a quiet day.
Which frames you choose, and whether you have multifocal lenses, anti-reflective coating, and light reponsive tinting all make a difference.

My private health fund has fully covered mine every time.
The only time we had a gap was when my wife wanted the Bulova frames that were $500 all by themselves [in OPSM - I've seen them cheaper] and couldn't be persuaded others looked better on her..

[smac]

As Psyber suggested, go to an opthomologist first - they endeavour to fix your eyes or start you on a process to fixing them without the need for gogs, if at all possible.

If you go to OPSM or the like, their existance relies upon frame/lense sales so anyone that visits will need gogs.

[aceman]

Got mine for driving through Spec-Savers at Marion for $99. Eye Test is free. Made an appointment

OMG, at that price they probably have no lenses in them Thiele, what do ya' reckon!

[Psyber]

Got mine for driving through Spec-Savers at Marion for $99. Eye Test is free. Made an appointment

OMG, at that price they probably have no lenses in them Thiele, what do ya' reckon!

The Optical Superstore offers some free frames, so you only pay for the lenses.
However, as you would expect, they are not the best looking ones in stock.

[RustyCage]

As Psyber suggested, go to an opthomologist first - they endeavour to fix your eyes or start you on a process to fixing them without the need for gogs, if at all possible.

If you go to OPSM or the like, their existance relies upon frame/lense sales so anyone that visits will need gogs.

When i went to OPSM i was told that glasses would help me, but I would be ok without them.

[MagicKiwi]

If you want private health cover and haven't got it yet, Health Partners has it's own optical. I get a new pair glasses every year 75% off.

[Psyber]

If you want private health cover and haven't got it yet, Health Partners has it's own optical. I get a new pair glasses every year 75% off.

It is worth looking into the detail - in house deals are not always the best.
With my private insurance I can got anywhere. With my first set of specs they paid 90% and the next set 100%
However that may be reflected in the premium. so you have to work out what you want included.
[I've got top Optometric, Dental, Medical, Physio, but don't pay for Chiropractic and all the other mythical stuff some funds include.]

[Sploosh]

Well, I don't have any medical cover whatsoever, so I'll shop around for the best deal. I guess glasses would be cheaper with cover, but then I've saved all the premiums over the year that I've never paid, so I can't complain about that.