Victorian Eyecare Service (VES)
VES is a Victorian State Government program providing low-cost eye care to eligible patients.
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About VES
VES is a State Government program providing low-cost eye care and visual aids (glasses, contact lenses) to people experiencing disadvantage or other barriers to eye care services. Together with the Department of Health, ACO Eye Health works to ensure VES is available to those who need it.
The service provides:
- Subsidised eye care services (consultations)
- Low-cost glasses or contact lenses.
- Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS), offering glasses from $10.
In Melbourne, VES is available exclusively through the ACO Eye Health clinics. In regional Victoria, VES is available through local optometry practices which partner with ACO Eye Health.
Eligibility and appointments
VES is available for people who live in Victoria and meet one of the following criteria:
- A current Pensioner Concession Card in their own name
- A current Health Care Card in their own name or are listed on the Health Care Card as a dependent
- A current Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Gold Card in their own name
- An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background (for the Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme, which is a further subsidy under the VES)
- Child protection involvement in their care
- Refugees and/or seekers of asylum
VES may be available to people experiencing other types of disadvantage and barriers not included in the list above. These cases are assessed by ACO Eye Health on a case-by-case basis.
To discuss your eligibility, please contact [email protected] (Melbourne only) or [email protected] (for Regional Victoria).
To receive subsidised eye care services, glasses or contact lenses, eligible Victorians must attend a VES registered optometrist. Please bring your Medicare card and Pensioner or Health Care Card (if applicable) to your appointment.
For people living in Melbourne, book an appointment at your local ACO Eye Health clinic.
Find a VES optometrist in Melbourne
For people living in regional Victoria, find your closest VES optometrist and make an appointment. Remember to let the optometrist know you want to access the VES.
Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS)
The Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS) was established in 2010 under the VES. It is administered by ACO Eye Health in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and a network of optometrists across Victoria.
About VASSS
You can choose from a range of metal and plastic frames approved by community Elders. Depending on your prescription, single vision lenses for long distance and/or reading, bifocals or multifocal lenses are available.
Please note: transition lenses and spare pairs are available at extra cost (ask your optometrist for details)
To get $10 glasses, you must attend an optometrist which provides VES. In Melbourne, you can attend any ACO Eye Health clinic. Those living in regional Victoria should book an appointment with their local participating optometry practice.
Alternatively, speak with your local ACCHO, Aboriginal Health Worker, Diabetes Worker or call us directly on (03) 9349 7400.
In Melbourne, VASSS is available at all ACO Eye Health clinics.
In regional Victoria, VASSS is available at participating optometry practices.