Member's Question: Can I access assistance with reading glasses?

Danielle F. · 2025-08-29T03:00:00+1000

Member's Question: Can I access assistance with reading glasses?

Hey there, members!

We’re wrapping up the week with another round of our ‘Members Helping Members’ segment: your space to share tips, advice, and a little wisdom with each other.

For today, here's a question from member Leela:

As a senior (69), can I access some assistance with reading glasses? I've had mine from Spec Savers for the last 10 years. It has lasted me well as I've looked after it well until 2 days ago when I somehow lost the left frame when it came loose or got dislocated from the lens.
I can't find this loose left frame to take it to Spec Savers or to an optometrist optometrist to hopefully put it back together.
I'm totally lost without reading my reading glasses and am really struggling now.
I've bought a temporary one from the chemist while I await my appointment with Spec Savers.
I'm concerned about how much it would cost and am wondering if there's any form of assistance from any government agencies that SDC staff members would be aware of that I could ask for assistance with replacement cost.
Thank you for taking the time to peruse this enquiry.
Kind Regards
Leela

Got advice, tips, or experience to share? Comment down below!

If you also want to ask a question or for advice, you can always send yours via our anonymous form or simply post in our Members Helping Members forum!

Ricci · 2025-08-29T07:27:23+1000

As far as I know there isn't any assistance with the cost of replacement glasses but an eye test is covered by Medicare, I'm sure that Specsavers would be all across any help available.

After ten years I wouldn't be looking to get your glasses repaired, almost certainly your prescription needs will have changed.

ELLIE MORRIS · 2025-08-29T07:39:04+1000

I remember reading somewhere, not sure where that spec savers gives a senior discount. Can't hurt to ask!

RFG · 2025-08-29T08:08:33+1000

Most importantly GET YOUR EYES CHECKED AGAIN...10 years is a long time to not have regular checkups. If the actual frame is still okay you can get new lenses put in those. Saving you some cost there.

janj · 2025-08-29T08:38:58+1000

You can get cheap frames for $199 from Spec savers that's what mine were. You should get your eyes checked regularly,

Radiographer · 2025-08-29T08:40:48+1000

Check with your state / Territory. Most of them offer free specs for seniors every two years.

Benny's Light · 2025-08-29T08:46:40+1000

I have worn glasses since I was sixteen. Always have had my eyes checked every one to two years. Look for an optometrist who bulk bills, I think Spec Savers do. Many of the optical providers have discounts for seniors and healthcard owners, there are some that have recycling services for frames that are refurbished to be used again. If you have health insurance they can be covered in extras. Best of luck. Make sure you look after your eyes.

Oaklegs · 2025-08-29T09:13:04+1000

I am with HBF and I get two free pair of spectacles every year but sometimes there is a charge for a part of them. Also a free Medicare test every two years plus about $50 from the government every two years as a senior you must get a form from Specsavers.

Will Riker · 2025-08-29T09:14:19+1000

If it is only for reading and there is no other problem then you could try a relatively cheap pair of reading glasses from a chemist. They have them in varying strengths from about $22 upwards. After I had cataracts removed and artificial lenses put in my eyes my distant vision was near perfect and I only had a problem with reading. My ophthalmologist told me no need for expensive reading glasses and to get a pair from the chemist

Trish M · 2025-08-29T09:16:13+1000

If you live in Queensland you can receive assistance through the Spectacle Supply Scheme. Information is available at the following link. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/prescribe/spectacles

If not a Queenslander take the advice from @Radiographer and contact your local public health service.

mOiOz · 2025-08-29T09:17:53+1000

I actually got a letter 3 days ago that Specsavers is selling frames for $150 (usually from $200), which is about the cheapest I've seen.
But if your frame is still good, reuse it or try getting it repaired or replaced if under warranty. I had a pair that lasted me 9 years
In the future, I suggest avoiding thin, wiry frames, as they generally do not hold the lenses well and tend to break easily.
Good Luck
PS: Always try to have a spare pair available... even if it's an old pair to use temporarily.

Retired83 · 2025-08-29T09:28:41+1000

Holiday

VicRaws · 2025-08-29T09:34:39+1000

If you are a pensioner you can get a new pair of glasses free every two years, just ask Specsavers at your appointment hoping this helps.

Dotty33 · 2025-08-29T09:45:27+1000

I have just got new glasses from SpecSavers and yes, you get 25% pensioner discount. They even had some frames there for $89. They helped me so much. I had ‘t had my eyes tested since covid and my prescription had changed a lot, so please do get an appointment to have your eyes tested, which is free

Inot54 · 2025-08-29T10:30:29+1000

If you contact vision Australia 1300 847 466 they will help. But you must have a pension or govt health card to access. The govt will provide free single vision (reading) glasses through certain optometrists in your area. They are completely free if you use one of the frames they offer. If you choose another frame you will have to pay for the frame. Any extras you want on the lens like coatings for computer use etc will cost you but at a much cheaper price than other optometrists.
If you’re not eligible for govt help then I used to find the chemist glasses were fine for reading.

Dor jar · 2025-08-29T11:12:54+1000

As a person with advanced GIACOMO JUST GET YOU HELP EARLY THE COST IS AMINOR MATTER IN REGARD TO HEALTHY EYES

Reet · 2025-08-29T11:24:02+1000

VicRaws said:
If you are a pensioner you can get a new pair of glasses free every two years, just ask Specsavers at your appointment hoping this helps.

I am a Pensiuoner and I have my eyes tested every year but have never received a free pair of glasses when I've needed them. Where do you get them from?

ScoutyT · 2025-08-29T11:56:29+1000

Unfortunately most Spec places only give you 12 months warranty on glasses, if it’s slightly over they may help, but sadly, I think you may have to pay for a new pair. You can get prescription and go online to get them cheaper.

Parrot · 2025-08-29T13:39:54+1000

The only way to get your problem solved is to go to an optometrist who can help you with your
Dilemma .. however I don’t think there is any assistance with the cost of glasses but there is no
Harm in asking. Good Luck.

vivray · 2025-08-29T15:12:13+1000

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