Glaucoma Australia does not support the federal government’s proposed change to Medicare funded eye screening which would see asymptomatic people under 65 only entitled to a Medicare rebateable comprehensive eye examination every three years as opposed to every two years. The government proposed people over 65 years of age would be entitled to annual Medicare rebateable eye screenings.
In a statement released by Glaucoma Australia, CEO Geoff Pollard wrote, “Glaucoma is a common disease affecting around 3 per cent of the population over 40 years of age. The disease is often asymptomatic with figures suggesting it remains undiagnosed in up to 50 per cent of patients. Part of the reason for this is poor public awareness of the disease and failure to have their eyes examined before the age of 45 years. Patients typically attend an optometrist for their first eye examination and vision health screening and this provides an opportunity for detection and management of asymptomatic eye disease such as glaucoma.
“Patients with glaucoma may have significant visual field loss at diagnosis and a delay in treatment can significantly increase the degree of visual loss. The results of this are increased direct and indirect costs to the patient and community, as well as a substantial decrease in the quality of life for the patient.
“Glaucoma is treatable but it needs to be diagnosed and the earlier the better. Prevalence figures show a progressive increase in rates per decade from 40–80 years.
“With the aim of detecting asymptomatic, early and treatable disease, Glaucoma Australia supports second yearly comprehensive examination of those over 45 years.”
