Help with the cost of eye examinations and glasses is available for some children aged 15 and under through the Children’s Spectacle Subsidy, administered by Enable New Zealand.
Who may qualify?
Your child may qualify if you, their guardian, or the child has a valid Community Services Card, or if the child has a current High Use Health Card. Clinical eligibility criteria also apply. We can discuss these with you at your child’s eye examination.
How much is available?
The standard subsidy is up to $287.50 including GST per subsidy year. It can contribute to an eye examination and prescription glasses, including frames and lenses. There are limits on how much can be used for frames. If the total cost exceeds the available subsidy, you pay the difference.
Additional funding may be available for children with more complex vision needs. We can discuss whether this applies after assessing your child.
What should I bring?
Please bring your current Community Services Card or your child’s High Use Health Card to the appointment. If your child qualifies, the subsidy application is submitted to Enable New Zealand on your behalf.
Book a children’s eye examination
For the full eligibility rules and current subsidy amounts, see Enable New Zealand’s Children’s Spectacle Subsidy information.
