For over 35 years the ACO has worked with the Victorian State Government to ensure that Victorians in need have access to affordable eye care. The Victorian Eyecare Service (VES) allows eligible Victorians to receive subsidised glasses, contact lenses and visual aids. During this time over two 2 million Victorians experiencing disadvantage have benefited from the service.
Unlike some other subsidy schemes, the VES is not means tested. You are eligible for subsidised glasses if you are a permanent resident of Victoria and:
Click below to find out whether your card is eligible.
Services are available in metropolitan Melbourne through the ACO’s network of clinics. In rural Victoria, we work with private practitioners who can assist you to get access to subsidised glasses or contact lenses.
$10 glasses are available for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria, through the Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (otherwise known as VASSS).
You do not need a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card to get $10 glasses under this program.
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 multi-focal lenses are available.
Please note: transition lenses and spare pairs are available at extra cost (ask your optometrist for details)
Just ask your:
The Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS) is administered by the Australian College of Optometry in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and a network of optometrists across Victoria.