Eyecare Information

Optical Benefit Scheme

Optical Benefit Scheme - Department of Social & Family Affairs (DSFA)

This scheme provides free eye examinations for qualified applicants through contracted optometrist practices throughout the country. One claim every two years is permitted unless there are clinical reasons for more frequent examinations.

It also provides for a limited range of spectacles at no charge, or, if the patient prefers, a grant towards a wider range of spectacles and contact lenses.

All applicants must obtain approval in advance from DSFA. This is usually arranged through the chosen practitioner who hold stocks of Application Forms and where the staff will assist in preparation of the application and submit it to the DSFA on behalf of the applicant. As the Department provides a single central Approvals office decisions are normally made within a few days and the practice will notify the applicant and arrange an appointment.

Eligibility Criteria: ( Per DSFA @ 04/06/2009)

Qualifying Conditions in Summary

A person must have a certain number of PRSI contributions paid to qualify for Optical Benefit, either 39 or 260 according to the age of the insured person.

For persons over 21 years of age, with certain exceptions, 39 contributions must also have been paid or credited in the relevant tax year(s).

Qualified Adults (spouses or partners of qualified insured persons and subject to dependency conditions) are also entitled to Optical Benefit.

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS IN DETAIL

PRSI CONDITIONS

PRSI Classes A, E, H and P are reckonable for Treatment Benefit.

The PRSI conditions vary according to age as follows:

Aged under 21: 39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work.

Aged 21 to 24: 39 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work,

and either:

- 39 weeks PRSI contributions* paid or

credited in the tax year on which the claim

is based.

or,

- 26 paid PRSI contributions in both the

relevant tax year and the tax year

immediately before the relevant tax year.

Aged 25 to 65: 260 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work,

and either:

39 weeks PRSI contributions* paid or

credited in the tax year on which the claim

is based.

or,

- 26 paid PRSI contributions in both the

relevant tax year and the tax year

immediately before the relevant tax year.

CLAIMS MADE IN 2009 ARE BASED ON THE 2007 TAX YEAR.

Aged 66 or

over: 260 weeks PRSI paid since first starting work

and either:

- 39 weeks PRSI contributions* paid or

credited in either of the 2 relevant tax

years on which the claim is based.

or,

- 26 paid PRSI contributions in both the

relevant tax year and the tax year

immediately before the relevant tax year.

* In the case of the 39 weeks paid or credited, a minimum of 13

weeks must be paid contributions in:

- the relevant tax year(s) on which the claim is based OR

- either one of the two previous tax years OR

- any tax year subsequent to the relevant tax year.

CLAIMS MADE IN 2009 ARE BASED ON THE 2007 TAX YEAR.