Does Medicare cover lens replacement surgery?

Does Medicare cover lens replacement surgery? The short answer to this question is no. Medicare does not cover the cost of lens replacement.

Medicare is a publicly funded Australian healthcare scheme that can provide compensation for specific procedures.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is removing and replacing your natural lens with an artificial one. The RLE procedure is identical to cataract surgery.

Medicare would not subsidise this procedure1https://journals.lww.com/jcrs/Fulltext/2005/08000/Additional_payments_for_presbyopia_correcting.1.aspx regardless of the lens choice, as it’s optional. Meaning it is not an emergency; it’s an optional choice.

However, Medicare subsidises2https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01203684 cataract surgery as this is deemed more serious.

If you want lens replacement surgery but are worried about the cost, we offer interest-free payment plans for those ready to dive into a clearer, brighter future.

What next? Take our suitability self-test to see if you’re eligible for lens replacement (RLE) or laser cataract surgery with us.

Home » Lens replacement » Does Medicare cover lens replacement surgery?

ARE YOU SUITABLE?

Check your laser eye surgery suitability online with our free LASIK self-test

TAKE SUITABILITY SELF-TEST

OUR MOST POPULAR PROCEDURES

DISCOVER IF YOU CAN BE FREE FROM GLASSES AND CONTACT LENSES

The best way to find out if eye treatment is right for you is to have an in-person assessment. You’ll get a clear answer from our experts on your suitability and vision correction options

Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialist

HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST

With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.

Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.

I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.

Dr. Matthew Russell

MBChB, FRANZCO