Clarity with Smarter Contact Lens Care Every year on May 5th, World Hand Hygiene...
Clarity with Smarter Contact Lens Care Every year on May 5th, World Hand Hygiene...
Clarity with Smarter Contact Lens Care Every year on May 5th, World Hand Hygiene...
If you’ve ever wondered whether your health insurance is really pulling its weight—especially when it comes to everyday eye care—you’re not alone.
Many Tasmanians only think about their optical entitlements once the year is nearly over. But when you understand how your cover works (and how to get the most from it), keeping your eyes healthy becomes simpler, more affordable, and easier to plan around.
Below is a straightforward guide to how your health fund benefits, your optical extras, and Island Optical’s Low Gap options all work together to support your vision throughout the year.
While hospital cover gets most of the attention, it’s often the extras that make the biggest difference in day-to-day life. Optical benefits are among the most commonly used, and for families, they offer genuine peace of mind.
✔ More predictable costs
Optical cover helps reduce the amount you pay for prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses—often keeping out-of-pocket expenses low and manageable.
✔ Encourages regular eye checks
Because entitlements renew every year, families tend to stay on top of routine eye exams. Early detection of vision or eye-health changes is always an advantage.
✔ Support for the whole household
Children’s vision can shift quickly, and adults working in front of screens may find their prescription changing sooner than expected. Optical entitlements make those updates far easier to manage.
✔ Use it, don’t lose it
Most funds reset their optical allowance annually. When you know how to use your benefits well, you avoid leaving value behind.
Optical extras give you a set amount each year to put towards the eyewear you genuinely need. Most funds will support payment towards:
✔ You have freedom of choice
Choose the frame style you prefer, pick the lens design that supports your eyes, and tailor your eyewear to your lifestyle.
✔ You choose how to use your benefit
Whether you want a second pair, need prescription sunnies for the Tassie summer, or your child needs updated lenses for school—you’re in control.
✔ You decide when to claim
Your allowance works around you, not the other way around.
Even with optical entitlements, some eyewear combinations can carry a cost. That’s why we’ve introduced a Low Gap structure—to make your benefits go further without compromising on quality.
What “Low Gap” means at Island Optical
Low Gap simply means that the frame and lens combination sits comfortably within reach of your optical allowance, with less of the cost passed on to you. Many customers pay very little out of pocket for:
Upgrades such as higher-priced frames, polarised lenses, or prescriptions outside stock ranges may involve an additional cost—but our team will always walk you through the difference before you decide.
✔ It’s clear and easy to understand
We explain exactly how your allowance applies—no confusing “No Gap” promises, just simple, honest guidance.
✔ It helps you get more from your entitlements
Many customers use Low Gap options to pick up a spare pair, grab prescription sunnies, or organise backup glasses for school or work.
✔ It keeps quality eyewear accessible
We focus on delivering strong value year-round, even as eyewear and production costs continue to rise.
When your private health cover, your optical extras, and Low Gap options all work together, you can expect:
And with independent, bulk-billing optometrists available in store, booking your next eye test is simple.
Book a bulk-billed eye test at your nearest Island Optical location and let us help you make the most of your optical cover—for clearer, more comfortable vision all year.
