Payments & Fees

Our Fees Explained

For appointments in the Teaching Clinic, where students are involved in your appointment, most consultations are covered through Medicare or similar arrangements. and are bulk billed where possible.

Appointments in the Private Practice Clinic, with a qualified optometrist, will be billed at private consultation fees. The private fee may attract a Medicare rebate, and gap fees may apply. Students are not involved in these consultations.

An additional imaging fee may be billed if you require advanced diagnostic imaging. The imaging fee is the same in the teaching and non-teaching clinic and does not attract a Medicare rebate. There is a reduced imaging fee available for concession card holders and children.

Melbourne Eyecare Clinic offers a variety of discounts to university staff, students, as well as other groups. University of Melbourne staff and Alumni, and tertiary students from any university, are offered a substantial discount off retail prices (up to 30%) for contact lenses, prescription spectacles and sunglasses. General public get up to 20% off. Come in and see what we can offer.

No gap options are available for selected Health Funds

Cancelled or missed appointments

We appreciate a minimum of 24 hours’ notice should you be unable to attend or need to reschedule your appointment.

An administrative fee will be charged to rebook appointments for patients who provide less than 24 hours notification or missed appointments.

Should you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment due to illness, the administrative fee will be waived with the provision of a valid rapid antigen COVID-19 test result (taken within 24 hours) or a valid medical certificate.

Fees FAQs

What is the cost of an appointment in non-teaching clinic?
The consultation fee is dependent on the service you require. It is difficult to provide an exact cost before your appointment. As a guide, an initial comprehensive consultation in a non-teaching clinic is $79. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $30-$60. If you require advanced diagnostic imaging, an additional fee may apply.

How do I claim the Medicare rebate when I pay a private consultation fee?
Our reception team will process your Medicare rebate. Medicare typically takes 2 to 3 working days to deposit the rebate into the bank account you have nominated.

When does the non-teaching clinic run?
The non-teaching clinics runs from October to January every year. There are also a few short periods throughout the year that we run non-teaching clinics, including an after-hours clinic. You will be advised at the time of making the appointment if it falls in the teaching or non-teaching period.

Can I choose whether my appointment is in teaching or non-teaching period?
If you require a routine appointment there may be some flexibility in choosing when you attend the clinic. If you require urgent care, we do not recommend you delay your appointment. Our team can provide guidance if you are unsure whether your appointment is routine or urgent.

What are the fees for those with OSHC?
If you have Overseas Student Health Cover, you will continue to pay a private fee in teaching and non-teaching period. This private fee may attract a rebate with your OSHC. You are required to submit a claim to your OHSC to claim the rebate.

Will I have to pay the private fee if I have a concession card?
If you have a government issued concession card (e.g. Health Care Card, Pension Card), your consultation fee will be covered under Medicare whether you are seen during teaching or non-teaching period. You are eligible for reduced imaging fees on presentation of your concession card.

Are there fees for contact lens appointments?
Contact lens fitting requires multiple appointments. The consultation fees related to this are specific to the type of contact lens you require and whether you are seen in the teaching or non-teaching clinic. We will discuss this with you prior to your contact lens appointment.

What are the fees for the Dry Eye Clinic?
The MEC Dry Eye Clinic assessment fee is $92, and patients may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to $32.40. Subsequent follow up visits related to the initial dry eye assessment will be bulk billed for a period of three months. Additional fees for dry eye treatments may be incurred and should be discussed with the consulting clinician.
A comprehensive eye examination must be completed within 12 months of attending the MEC Dry Eye Clinic. Patients are welcome to complete this comprehensive examination at Melbourne Eyecare Clinic or provide a comprehensive clinical report from another optometrist.

I have been referred to your clinic by The Royal Melbourne Hospital or The Royal Children’s Hospital. Do I need to pay a private fee?
Melbourne Eyecare Clinic has several collaborative projects with RMH and RCH. If you have a government issued concession card (e.g. Health Care Card, Pension Card), your consultation fee will be covered under Medicare whether you are seen during teaching or non-teaching period. If you have been referred to us by a hospital ophthalmology clinic, please contact us for more information.