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Don’t Leave Value on the Table: Check Your Optical Extras Before the Year Gets Away

For many people, the year starts strong with good intentions; new glasses, updated prescriptions, maybe even a plan to finally sort out those extras. But once the year gets going, it’s easy to forget that your optical benefits may reset on January 1 (most funds do), and any unused amount simply disappears.

Health funds don’t send reminders. They don’t tap you on the shoulder when you’re about to miss out. And they certainly don’t highlight the benefits you could be using right now to make life (and your vision) easier, clearer, and more comfortable.

This guide breaks down what to check, what you might be missing, and how to make the most of your cover — especially if you’re with Bupa, Medibank, or St.Lukes, the three most common funds across the state of Tasmania.

Why Check Your Extras Now?

Even though the reset period for these three health funds isn’t until January 1st, this is the moment when many people realise they haven’t used a single dollar of their optical entitlements yet. And there are plenty of practical reasons to check in now:

 

  • Tax‑time safety eyewear: prescription safety glasses can often be claimed as a work‑related expense.
  • Second‑pair opportunities: if you bought glasses late last year, you’re already in a new benefit year and may be eligible for a Low Gap second pair.
  • Workspace lens upgrades: perfect for winter, when more time is spent indoors or on screens.
  • Seasonal eyewear refresh: anti‑glare and anti-reflective coatings, blue‑light lens options, or a bolder frame upgrade for your winter stylings.
  • Kids’ growth spurts: mid‑year is when many parents notice frames getting tight and no longer fitting well. Are your kids’ glasses splayed out and sitting crooked? Perhaps last year’s frames need an upgrade.

A quick check now can save money, reduce eye strain, and help you get the most from the cover you’re already paying for.

If You’re with Bupa (32.7% of locals)

Bupa members often have strong optical allowances, but many don’t realise how flexible those benefits can be.

What to Check

  • Remaining optical limit for frames, lenses, and contacts
  • Eligibility for the latest Low‑Gap options
  • Unused dependent benefits
  • Any changes to your cover this year

Why It Matters Now

  • Tax‑time safety eyewear: If your job requires certified safety glasses, this is the perfect moment to organise them — and your Bupa extras can help reduce the cost.
  • Bought glasses late last year? You may already be eligible for a Low Gap second pair. Check out our latest range of workspace lenses, or a winter‑ready frame style upgrade!
  • Kids needing new frames: If their glasses are already snug, Bupa extras can help you update children’s glasses before discomfort turns into damaged frames.

If You’re with Medibank (27.3% of locals)

Medibank policies vary widely, so it’s worth double‑checking what you’re entitled to, especially if you haven’t used anything since January.

What to Check

  • Your annual optical limit
  • Eligibility for 100% back on selected frames and lenses
  • Whether contact lenses are covered separately
  • Second‑pair or “bonus pair” options

Why It Matters Now

  • Workspace lenses for winter: If you’re spending more time indoors, Medibank extras can help you upgrade to task‑specific lenses that reduce eye strain.
  • Seasonal eyewear refresh: Winter is a great time to upgrade to anti‑fog coatings, blue‑light filters, or a sturdier frame style.
  • Kids’ changing needs: If your child’s prescription or frame size has shifted, Medibank extras can help you update their eyewear without waiting for the next calendar year.

If You’re with St.Lukes (20.9% of locals)

St.Lukes is known for straightforward, generous extras. Ironically, this peace of mind can make it easy to forget what you’re entitled to.

What to Check

  • Remaining optical allowance
  • New deals on Low Gap “better than standard” deals in-store
  • Prescription contact lens entitlements
  • Unused dependent benefits

     



Why It Matters Now

  • Perfect timing for a second pair: If you bought glasses late last year, you’re already in a fresh benefit year — ideal for a Low Gap second pair, workspace lenses, or a winter‑ready style.
  • EOFY safety eyewear: If your job requires certified safety eyewear, St.Lukes extras can help reduce the cost — and tax time is the perfect moment to organise it.
  • Growing kids: If frames are tight or prescriptions have shifted, St.Lukes extras can help you update their eyewear now rather than waiting.

Don’t leave value on the table.

Which Health Funds Reset July 1?

Most major health funds reset their optical extras on January 1, but a small group of insurers operate on a July 1 reset cycle instead.

If you’re with one of these funds, your benefits do refresh mid‑year — which means your timing, planning, and opportunities to maximise value look a little different from everyone else. Now is the time to consider using your 2025-26 optical benefits before they reset.

Below is a quick visual guide showing the five funds that reset on July 1. If you’re with one of them, your new benefits are just around the corner.

Your Health Fund May Not Remind You — But We Can Help

Health funds don’t send alerts when you’re under‑using your extras. They don’t warn you when your benefit is still untouched. They don’t remind you that you may be eligible for a second pair of prescription glasses, prescription safety eyewear, or a tailored pair of workspace lenses for your home office, workplace, or heavy screen-time lifestyle.

That’s why a check‑in now is so valuable. Not just because benefits reset mid‑year, but because this is the moment most people realise they haven’t used anything yet.

Visit Island Optical — We’ll Check Your Entitlements for You

Bring your physical health fund card (or digital card within your Apple Wallet or Android App) into either Island Optical store in Hobart or Launceston. We can check your remaining extras on the spot and help you make the most of them before the year gets away from you.

 

Don’t leave value on the table — you’re paying for these benefits, so make sure you use them.

Visit your Nearest Island Optical Store

HOBART LOCATION

LAUNCESTON LOCATION

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