Best Place to Get New Glasses Using The Vision Australia Centrelink Program?

AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 15:34

So just had my eye test and under the Vision Australia Program if I meet certain requirements I can get the lenses for free but not the spectacles I.e the frame

Now they have some free ones that they are offering but tbh they are total crap and would actually make wearing them a huge backward step for me personally so I ended up looking at some more luxury premium glasses and found some around the $200-230 range that are pretty good.

Now I am asking if anybody knows about any other awesome place where I can buy some cheaper but still better than the free-er frames and save some money to spend on some other things.

For my use case scenario I like large big thick glasses that have a strong support for the nose bridge and ears.

Also lenses size a few sizes bigger than the smallest ones so definitely on the big end.

Any one have any good sources on deals or ideas?

Otherwise I already have a $200 one I have my eyes set on.

Just looking to try maybe save some extra cash.

Haha I forgot how expensive glasses can cost but thank god Vision Australia covers my lenses.

Thanks in advance.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • dapt on 24/11/2017 - 15:40

    Have you got full details of your prescription? Seek out overseas retailers such as Zenni Optical (there are others that are even cheaper too). Quality varies but you can get multiple pairs for the same price.

    • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 15:43

      Good suggestion. I was a bit afraid to ask for my prescription but maybe I should do it the next time I come in.

      Btw how much cheaper or round about pricing are we talking here?

      • dapt on 24/11/2017 - 15:48

        Have a look at the site.

        My last pair with a full metal rim frame (i.e. not the cheapest) and a cheap protective coating on the lens cost under US$30. They've lasted 9 months so far.

        You can spend as much as you want on coatings, etc.

      • pjetson on 24/11/2017 - 15:53

        When you ask for your prescription, make sure it includes the pupil distance (PD) - they often leave it out, and you'll need it for places like Zenni.

        • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 16:16

          Ah yes I remember forgetting that one little tidbit of information and having to guess my own PD.. was very hard to do solo to say the least.

  • mysterytal on 24/11/2017 - 15:51
    +4

    Medicare covered the cost of my eye test at most places.

    You have the right to ask for the prescription at no cost and can source your own frames and lenses.

    I found the scheme to be not worth the bother and just paid for them myself.

    I paid $39. The government scheme in Victoria would have charged $41.

    • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 15:53

      Wait so the lenses and frames cost you $39 elsewhere? Or just the frames itself.

      • mysterytal on 24/11/2017 - 15:55

        Yes lenses (single vision) and frames were $39.

  • tsunamisurfer on 24/11/2017 - 16:05
    -1

    OP …

    Do you listen to yourself??

    The Australian taxpayer is already giving you free optical assessment, free lens and offering you free frames.

    Yet you see fit to turn your nose at the frame because "huge backward step".

    To top it off, you want the taxpayer funded scheme to pay for your 'premium' glasses that 'you've had your eye' on, so you can 'spend on some other things.'

    Seriously the Age of Entitlement has to end.

    People like you are why I dislike socialised health.

    • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 16:15
      -1

      Lol I used to think like you but then life hit me and things changed.

      But thanks for your input we are all entitled to it.

      Btw how long have you been regularly on this site?

      • tsunamisurfer on 24/11/2017 - 16:54
        +3

        It must have been a big hit because your humility fell out.

        • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 17:59
          +2

          I must have worded my post wrong as I normally do when I try to fit in as much details as possible while multitasking with little time.

          When I said backward step I meant all the frames don't fit me so they would slide around a bit so I asked to see the premium ones and yes they do fit much nicely.

          As anybody knows wearing the wrong size of anything is backwards.. you either get a too tight fit or heaps of extra baggage in this case the premium ones I tried fit perfectly.. the free frames were ok but definitely not staying on which means they could easily fall and there goes another wasted eye glasses.

          So if I can source another cheaper pair of glasses else where that may still fit my nose bridge nicely then that is a win win for me.

          I think you have me wrong though somehow tsunamisurfer.. I am not complaining about the free frames program or Vision Australia Program or the fact that we have such a great socialised system for healthcare at all.. in fact I am the very opposite and very thankful that we do have it and that we do need it for many others unfortunate others who may need this life affecting item and not have the luxury to afford them or even test for them for whatever reason.

          I am a bit tired atm to spell check and phrase check my post for the sentence that may have triggered you but I hope you understand my position maybe better now.

          Peace be with you tsunamisurfer. Peace be with you.

      • HighAndDry on 24/11/2017 - 17:42
        +1

        Life hit you so hard you'd still prefer to pay $200 for frames…

        Yeah I agree with tsunamisurfer here: Why are you taking advantage of a program for the poor and disadvantaged when you're obviously well-off enough to afford your own? How much could lenses possibly add to the cost of $200 frames?

        • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 17:50
          +1

          Well actually I haven't paid for the frames yet.. only put a $20 deposit so they would hold them. There is no time schedule on it so that is why I am here on Ozbargain looking at my options as the last time I did something like this was a free specsavers I think type promo or clear something where they were giving away free glasses.

        • HighAndDry on 24/11/2017 - 17:53

          @AlienC: Fair enough. It's one thing to be an OzB'ner, another to take away a finite and essential (so not Eneloops) discounted products/services from others who might be more needy, that's all.

        • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 18:03

          @0blivion: true.. I guess having internet puts me above already a lot of other unfortunate Australians but it's funny how some people may have this painted picture that I can afford almost anything lol I just have knowledge of a lot of things and actually most stuff I research not just for myself but for others.

          This is a sensitive topic so I am always trying to avoid it in future.

      • Baysew on 24/11/2017 - 18:02

        I can't quite see how you would be eligible for this scheme.

        Centrelink recipients
        To be eligible for the NSW Spectacles Program, Centrelink Recipients must:
        Be an Australian permanent resident and resident of NSW
        Receive the maximum rate of a full benefit or pension (e.g. aged pension, disability support pension, newstart allowance etc.)
        Receive no additional income aside from their Centrelink payment
        Have cash/savings or assets less than $500 (if single) or $1000 (if married/partnered, or with dependents)
        Be ineligible for any other spectacles subsidy schemes

        Even a casual look at your posts shows boasts of Pianos, 4K TV's $5k Computers, High End Vacuum Cleaners, Solar Panels & Batteries, Consoles, Cyrpto Currency, expensive phones, $200 frames etc etc.

        • AlienC on 24/11/2017 - 18:13

          Hmm my assets are definitely above that threshold.. I think I need to what's the word decline my own application.. tbh i was doing this because of a family relative to keep them happy.. but anyways yeah I think I'll let the optometrist know tomorrow or Monday and just save up and buy the stuff properly outright using some saved up Centrelink money over a few payments.

          Thanks for alerting me to this.. I covered all the other criteria except that one. This tablet alone I am typing on cost me $430 AUD and I'm pretty sure the clothes I am wearing are more than $1000 AUD total as well as the crypto coins I bought worth about $350 AUD atm (it'll happen hopefully)

          As for the tv's and vacuum.. still yet to buy one I have only really helped one person by one and tested it for them.

          Anyways thanks Baysew.. looks like I gotta call the optometrist.

  • HighAndDry on 24/11/2017 - 17:44

    Otherwise I already have a $200 one I have my eyes set on.

    Haha I forgot how expensive glasses can cost

    They can also cost far less than $200 just for frames…

  • PVA on 24/11/2017 - 17:51

    Have a look at Vision Direct.

    • GetOffMyUnicorn on 26/11/2017 - 14:20

      I'm sure there's a Stevie Wonder joke somewhere.

  • Chik5555 on 27/11/2017 - 21:15

    Agree with the posts re looking at online optometrists for really good deals. Also some optometrists - at least OPSM - let you access your prescription online so you don't have to talk to them.

  • FirstNameLastName on 21/02/2018 - 14:57

    Just got 3 pairs of zenni's, all with anti-reflective, 1 standard set, another polycarb (for workshop use) and 1 set of prescription sunnies.. for $132 delivered.

    delivery took two weeks exactly. this is the same amount of many retailers make you wait for their glasses anyway.

    They all fit/look great.
    free cleaning cloth.
    free cheapish case.

    very happy.
    I've been shopping online with zenni and others since around 2007.

    much recommend!

    • AlienC on 22/02/2018 - 23:48
      +1

      Thanks might try them next time. Went with local. Will see how it goes.

      • FirstNameLastName on 23/02/2018 - 11:12

        argh.. didn't realise it was on old thread.
        but yeah consider them next time.

        a list of other retailers here:https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/category:health_beauty

        if you know your p.d, and what frame style/size works with you it can work out well.

        cheers

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