With the aim of removing financial barriers to paediatric eye care, the Australian College of Optometry (ACO) has extended bulk billing to all eye examinations for children under the age of 18, with immediate effect.*

The change applies to all paediatric services including its Children’s Clinic and advanced Myopia and Binocular Vision clinics in Carlton, as well as services provided at the ACO’s seven satellite clinics throughout Melbourne. Established in response to the increasing rate of myopia, the ACO’s Myopia Clinic is the only public health clinic of its kind in Victoria.

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITMENT

Led by optometrists with expert training in their field, the ACO’s Children’s Clinic is committed to public health optometry. The not-for-profit organisation feels strongly that cost should not deter families accessing the eye care a child requires, including access to advanced care such as axial measurement available through the ACO’s Myopia Clinic. Many services are heavily subsidised and provided at a lower cost, including myopia control options.

Zeinab Fakih is an ACO Manager of Paediatric and Rehabilitation Services who played a significant role in securing the extension of bulk billing for all children aged under 18 years.

She commented, “We are thrilled to be extending bulk billing to include all paediatric examinations at the ACO. We are very aware that risks to children’s eye health are increasing , particularly with the rising prevalence of myopia. Early inter vention is essential to offer the best outcome for a child’s long-term eye health. Cost simply should not be a factor in whether a child can access eye care.”

Kylie Harris, ACO Director of Operations, said, “The decision to take this next step in removing financial concerns reflects the ethos of the ACO. We are committed to ensuring high quality, equitable eye care for ever yone who needs it and as an organisation, we’ll always explore how to improve accessibility to our services.”

In addition to removing financial barriers, the ACO’s Children’s Clinic welcomes children with complex needs who may otherwise struggle to access care in other optometr y settings. Equipped with highly trained optometrists, the public health paediatric clinic supports children with developmental or health conditions and special needs to access the care that they need.

Referrals are not required to attend the ACO but are always welcome.

*For Medicare eligible consultations only.