Medical Card Eye Exam

For patients with a Medical Card , the HSE ( Health Service Executive )  offers the Optical Benefit Scheme.

Qualified applicants are entitled to:

• FREE Eye Examinations
• FREE Reading & Distance Spctacles

OR

• FREE Bifocal Spectacles

… from a limited range.

One claim every two years is permitted unless there is a clinical reason for a more frequent examination.

All applicants must obtain approval in advance  from the Local Health Office that issued the Medical Card

Your Local Health Office  is usually the one covering the area where they live. For example,  patients living in Castleknock,  this is Rathdown Road , Dublin 7.

As the HSE operates in excess of 32 authorising units around the country the period taken to obtain approval can vary considerably. The HSE contract with participating optometrists indicates that it should not be more than 4 weeks.

However , the general turnaround time for approval is roughly 10 working days

You can apply for the Medical Card Optical Benefit Scheme by:

1. Dropping into the practice with your Medical Card where we will be happy to fill in and post your application form to your Local Health Office on your behalf.
2. Call the practice on 01-8211612  , and we will post out the application form to your home  , with a stamped addressed envelope for your Local Health authority . You can then fill it in at your convenience.

Once you have received Application Form  back from  the Local Health Authority , STAMPED & APPROVED , call the practice and we will be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suit s you.

Should you require an application form, or if you have any queries , please call or e mail the practice , and we will be delighted to assist you .