Do you have a child 15 or under who has vision problems? You may be eligible for the Children's spectacle subsidy, an initiative offered by the Ministry of Health. Through the subsidy, the Ministry of Health will pay up to $287.50 (including GST) a year towards either vision tests, glasses or eye patches. 

Who can get the spectacle subsidy?

A child or young person who is 15 years of age or under, provided:

• the parent/guardian or child has a valid community services card, or
• the child has a current high use health card.

There are also clinical guidelines your child needs to meet. Your optometrist or eye specialist also needs to be registered as an assessor for the subsidy.

Find out more

To find out more about the spectacle subsidy and how it works:

• See the Ministry of Health website, or
• Contact Enable New Zealand on 0800 ENABLE (362 253).