I need to buy a new pair of glasses and was wondering whether to get them in the UK or wait till I get to Brisbane in November.

Can anyone comment on whether spectacles are cheaper in Oz or UK. Plus do you get any kind of subsidy from Medicare or medical insurer to cover part of the cost or do you have to pay for all of it privately?

Thanks for your help

GLR

[QUOTE=GLR]I need to buy a new pair of glasses and was wondering whether to get them in the UK or wait till I get to Brisbane in November.

Can anyone comment on whether spectacles are cheaper in Oz or UK. Plus do you get any kind of subsidy from Medicare or medical insurer to cover part of the cost or do you have to pay for all of it privately?

Thanks for your help

GLR

Can't answer if they are cheaper in Oz... However, I noticed last year on our way through via Singapore, that if you take your perscription with you, they do them in an hour at Singapore airport!!!!!! glasses are certainly cheaper there and designer makes too!!!! worth a thought. I'm going to get a spare pair there.
Ali

I waited 'til we got here.....wished I'd just got them there. I guess it depends where you get your specs from. I used SpecSavers.....definitely cheaper than here. $450 for my single vision specs with frame and scratch proof stuff on the lens. :scared:

get them before u come

Just had first eye test for years and need reading glasses.
Also gave me a letter for docs to get a second opinion as he thinks I may have glucoma. No time for that so shall perhaps follow it up when I get to Aus.
Anybody had it before or know what it is ?

I paid £180 for single vision with scratch-proof stuff (from Specsavers) which is about $450. They are supposed to be designer frames mind you.

You can get a FREE medicare FULL eye test once every two years.

A pair of specs, designer label, with variable lens and all the coatings, anti-glare etc, cost about $600.

Well the test on your eyes is covered by medicare.... how much are specs well that depends on the frame you choose, you can get cheap ones and bloody expensive ones

Here's an idea of cost without the frames.

Replace two bi-focal lenses in existing frame $177.00

Replace single bi-focal lenses in existing frame $113.00

Bix........you might want to read this http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/

Stop over in Kuala Lumpur, specs are about a quarter of the price


jib