00:00Largest single cause of blindness or low vision is uncorrected refractive error,
00:05which is just a long way of saying not having the right glasses.
00:08Do you need a new pair of glasses?
00:11The cost of living crisis is putting more pressure on household budgets,
00:16making this essential item sadly a luxury.
00:20But did you know that you could potentially get them for free
00:24or at a low cost if you are struggling?
00:27Most Australians don't realise every state and territory
00:31offer subsidised prescription glasses for eligible people experiencing financial hardship.
00:38The schemes have been running for decades, helping thousands access essential eye care.
00:51This program being inactive, we're hoping that more people come and get eye tests
00:54so that we can pick up on these potentially side-threatening conditions.
00:57One patient told this Wollongong optometrist her vision had deteriorated.
01:02What they discovered saved her life.
01:05I found what appeared to be a brain tumour for this lady
01:10and through that regular screening test that we did and further clinical testing,
01:16we were able to identify the kind of brain tumour that it was
01:19and take the right steps in order to get her to the right specialist in order to treat this.
01:25KONIEC
01:26You
