The Victorian Eyecare Service (VES) is a statewide program funded by the Victorian Department of Health to provide subsidised eye care and visual aids to Victorians experiencing disadvantage or barriers to accessing optometry services.
The VES is administered by the Australian College of Optometry’s (ACO) clinical services division, ACO Eye Health, and is delivered across a range of locations and in partnerships with private practice optometrists in rural and regional Victoria.
What the service provides
VES provides:
- Subsidised eye care services (consultations)
- Low-cost glasses or contact lenses.
- Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS), offering glasses from $10.
Who the program serves
VES supports:
- People with a Pensioner Concession Card in their own name
- Refugees and people seeking asylum
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Victorians
- Individuals experiencing homelessness, low income, or other forms of disadvantage
Operational guide
The VES Operational guide provides relevant information for partner organisations, networks and individuals.
Schedule of patient contributions
Standard costs (effective 1 July 2025)
| Item[1] | Patient contribution |
| Reading or distance lenses in standard shell frame (with case) | $51.00 (+ $4.12 GST) |
| Reading or distance lenses in standard metal frame (with case) | $71.80 (+ $6.38 GST) |
| Reading or distance lenses to a new non-standard frame | $51.00 |
| Reading or distance lenses to own previously used frame | $25.00 |
| Photochromatic PGX reading or distance lenses[1] | $23.50 |
| Bifocal lenses in standard shell frame (with case) | $70.20 (+ $4.12 GST) |
| Bifocal lenses in standard metal frame (with case) | $93.10 (+ $6.38 GST) |
| Bifocal lenses to a new non-standard frame | $70.20 |
| Bifocal lenses to own previously used frame | $42.10 |
| Photochromatic PGX bifocal lenses[2] | $32.00 |
| Progressive lenses in standard shell frame (with case) | $122.70 (+ $4.12 GST) |
| Progressive lenses in standard metal frame (with case) | $143.50 (+ $6.38 GST) |
| Progressive lenses to a new non-standard frame | $122.70 |
| Progressive lenses to own previously used frame | $90.00 |
| Replacement of spectacle frame (Standard VES frame) | $41.12 (+ $4.12 GST) |
| Replacement of spectacle frame (Standard VES metal frame) | $63.81 (+ $6.38 GST) |
| Contact lenses[3][4] | $70.20 |
| Surcharge for replacement of glasses or lenses broken or lost within 24 months of the last VES subsidy | $23.40 |
Non-standard frame related costs (effective 1 July 2025)
| Item | Cost |
| Supply of non-standard frame to dependent children of eligible persons under the age of 18 yrs | up to $50.00 (excl. GST) |
For noting
[1]If only one spectacle lens is prescribed or only one eye is supplied with contact lenses, half the fee is payable.
[2] Payable in addition to reading/distance/bifocal lenses where glass photochromatic lenses are clinically necessary. Certification and justification are required.
[3] Conventional or RGP lenses: pair of lenses with appropriate starter kit of cleaning solutions including case.
[4] Disposable contact lenses: 90 pairs of daily disposable lenses or 6-month supply of fortnightly or monthly lenses for two eyes with an appropriate contact lens starter kit including case.
Reviewed 11 November 2025