We can pay for this treatment immediately after your accident. You don't need initial TAC approval, but you will need a referral from your doctor.
We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.
How to get treatment from an eye specialist
- If it’s been more than 6 months since you had any treatment paid for by the TAC, call us to find out if we can pay for more treatment
- Go to your doctor for a referral to see an eye specialist .
- Choose an eye specialist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for one online.
- Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client, you have a referral and who the referral is from. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
- Go to your appointment and give the eye specialist your TAC claim number.
Specialist doctors called ‘optometrists’, ‘orthoptists’ or ‘ophthalmologists’ provide eye care.
How to pay for treatment
In most cases, we will pay your provider. If you have to pay, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Upload documents’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.
We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate. If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'. If you need to pay a gap, you may be able to recover some of the cost through Medicare or private health insurance.
What do eye specialists do?
These health professionals check and treat problems with your eyes and your vision.
- Optometrists are trained to examine the eyes to detect vision defects, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormalities and general eye health.
- Orthoptics specialises in the diagnosis and non-surgical management of eye disorders, particularly eye movement disorders.
- Ophthalmology deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye.
Optometry fees
Effective 1 July 2019
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Optometric Consultations | ||
| Comprehensive Initial Consultation | 10910 | $81.07 |
| Referred Comprehensive Initial Consultation | 10905 | $81.07 |
| Comprehensive initial consultation by another practitioner within 24 months of a previous comprehensive consultation. | 10907 | $40.58 |
| Other comprehensive consultations | 10912 | $81.07 |
| Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration, where patient has new signs or symptoms, unrelated to earlier course of attention, requiring comprehensive reassessment within 24 months of initial consultation. | 10913 | $81.07 |
| Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration being the first in a course of attention where the patient has a progressive disorder (excluding presbyopia) requiring comprehensive reassessment within 24 months of initial consultation. | 10914 | $81.07 |
| Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration, being the first in a course of attention involving the examination of the eyes, with the instillation of a mydriatic, of a patient with diabetes mellitus requiring comprehensive reassessment. | 10915 | $81.07 |
| Brief initial consultation | 10916 | $40.58 |
| Subsequent consultation | 10918 | $40.58 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with myopia of 5.0 dioptres or greater (spherical equivalent) in 1 eye. | 10921 | $201.11 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with manifest hyperopia of 5.0 dioptres or greater (spherical equivalent) in 1 eye. | 10922 | $201.11 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with astigmatism of 3.0 manifest hyperopia of 3.0 dioptres or greater in 1 eye. | 10923 | $201.11 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with irregular astigmatism in either eye. | 10924 | $253.82 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with anisometropia of 3.0 dioptres or greater. | 10925 | $201.11 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with corrected visual acuity of 0.7 logMAR (6/30) or worse in both eyes. | 10926 | $201.11 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients for whom a wholly or segmentally opaque contact lens is prescribed for the alleviation of dazzle, distortion or diplopia caused by: pathological mydriasis; aniridia; coloboma of the iris; or pupillary malformation or distortion; or significant ocular deformity or corneal opacity. | 10927 | $253.82 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients by reason of physical deformity cannot wear glasses. | 10928 | $201.11 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients who have medical or optical condition. | 10929 | $253.82 |
| Professional attendance involving the prescription & fitting of contact lenses. | 10930 | $201.11 |
| Domiciliary Visits | 10931 | $28.25 |
| Domiciliary Visits | 10932 | $14.09 |
| Domiciliary Visits | 10933 | $9.35 |
| Computerised Perimetry | 10940 | $77.34 |
| Computerised Perimetry | 10941 | $46.63 |
| Low Vision Assessment | 10942 | $40.58 |
| Children's Vision Assessment | 10943 | $40.58 |
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Optometric Consultations | ||
| Comprehensive Initial Consultation | 10910 | $79.32 |
| Referred Comprehensive Initial Consultation | 10905 | $79.32 |
| Comprehensive initial consultation by another practitioner within 24 months of a previous comprehensive consultation. | 10907 | $39.70 |
| Other comprehensive consultations | 10912 | $79.32 |
| Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration, where patient has new signs or symptoms, unrelated to earlier course of attention, requiring comprehensive reassessment within 24 months of initial consultation. | 10913 | $79.32 |
| Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration being the first in a course of attention where the patient has a progressive disorder (excluding presbyopia) requiring comprehensive reassessment within 24 months of initial consultation. | 10914 | $79.32 |
| Professional attendance of more than 15 minutes duration, being the first in a course of attention involving the examination of the eyes, with the instillation of a mydriatic, of a patient with diabetes mellitus requiring comprehensive reassessment. | 10915 | $79.32 |
| Brief initial consultation | 10916 | $39.70 |
| Subsequent consultation | 10918 | $39.70 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with myopia of 5.0 dioptres or greater (spherical equivalent) in 1 eye. | 10921 | $196.76 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with manifest hyperopia of 5.0 dioptres or greater (spherical equivalent) in 1 eye. | 10922 | $196.76 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with astigmatism of 3.0 manifest hyperopia of 3.0 dioptres or greater in 1 eye. | 10923 | $196.76 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with irregular astigmatism in either eye. | 10924 | $248.33 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with anisometropia of 3.0 dioptres or greater. | 10925 | $196.76 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients with corrected visual acuity of 0.7 logMAR (6/30) or worse in both eyes. | 10926 | $196.76 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients: patients for whom a wholly or segmentally opaque contact lens is prescribed for the alleviation of dazzle, distortion or diplopia caused by: pathological mydriasis; aniridia; coloboma of the iris; or pupillary malformation or distortion; or significant ocular deformity or corneal opacity. | 10927 | $248.33 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients by reason of physical deformity cannot wear glasses. | 10928 | $196.76 |
| Contact lenses for specified classes of patients who have medical or optical condition. | 10929 | $248.33 |
| Professional attendance involving the prescription & fitting of contact lenses. | 10930 | $196.76 |
| Domiciliary Visits | 10931 | $27.64 |
| Domiciliary Visits | 10932 | $13.78 |
| Domiciliary Visits | 10933 | $9.15 |
| Computerised Perimetry | 10940 | $75.67 |
| Computerised Perimetry | 10941 | $45.63 |
| Low Vision Assessment | 10942 | $39.70 |
| Children's Vision Assessment | 10943 | $39.70 |
Orthoptic services fees
Effective 1 July 2019
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| In Rooms | ||
| Initial Consultation | TH0040 | $59.34 |
| Standard Consultation | TH0042 | $47.53 |
| Out of Rooms | ||
| Initial Consultation | TH0041 | $82.83 |
| Standard Consultation | TH0043 | $71.12 |
| Service Description | TAC Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| In Rooms | ||
| Initial Consultation | TH0040 | $58.15 |
| Standard Consultation | TH0042 | $46.57 |
| Out of Rooms | ||
| Initial Consultation | TH0041 | $81.16 |
| Standard Consultation | TH0043 | $69.69 |
Fees for orthoptic services performed within a public hospital will be based on the Department of Human Services schedule of fees and charges for acute health services in Victoria.
Refer to www.health.vic.gov.au/feesman
General reimbursement form
This form can be used to claim general expenses. Itemised, original receipts must accompany the completed form. Please note there are separate forms for claiming costs related to travel, accommodation, pharmacy, home services and medical excess.
There are two ways to get reimbursed:
- Online
The quickest and easiest way to get reimbursed is online. Simply log in to myTAC and send us a copy of your receipts. We will then transfer your reimbursement to your bank account.
If you haven’t already, register for myTAC here or download the app to your mobile device - Post
Please fill in the form below, attach your original receipts and post to Transport Accident Commission, Reply Paid 2751, Melbourne, Vic 3001
The easiest way to keep your bank account details up to date is online. Simply log in to myTAC to update your details. If you haven’t already, register for myTAC here or download the app to your mobile device to use myTAC. If you prefer, you can also update your details by completing the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authority form for TAC clients or by calling us on 1300 654 329.Are your bank details up to date?
Travel expense declaration form
This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.
There are two ways to get reimbursed:
- Online
The quickest and easiest way to get reimbursed is online. Simply log in to myTAC and send us a copy of your receipt. We will then transfer your reimbursement to your bank account.
If you haven’t already, register for myTAC here or download the app to your mobile device - Post
Please fill in the form below, attach your original receipts and post to Transport Accident Commission, Reply Paid 2751, Melbourne, Vic 3001
The easiest way to keep your bank account details up to date is online. Simply log in to myTAC to update your details. If you haven’t already, register for myTAC here or download the app to your mobile device to use myTAC. If you prefer, you can also update your details by completing the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Authority form for TAC clients or by calling us on 1300 654 329.Are your bank details up to date?
Optical, orthoptic and optometry services
We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you with your injuries we will pay for orthoptic, ophthalmology and optometry consultations provided in Australia.
You can get this treatment immediately after your transport accident without initial approval from the TAC.
If it’s been more than 6 months since you had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC, you need to call us to find out if we can pay for this treatment.
When we can pay for optical, orthoptic and optometry services
If your doctor recommends that you need optical, orthoptic or optometry services after your transport accident the TAC can approve the treatment.
We will pay you to visit your doctor so you can discuss your needs with them. As part of that visit, they can refer you to an orthoptist, ophthalmologist or optometrist.
When needed, we will work with your treating team to help them organise the eye treatments and support you need.
We may contact your eye specialist to discuss your progress or ask for an assessment to make sure that:
- You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
- You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
- You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.
Treatment and services we can’t pay for
We can’t pay for services that:
- Do not treat your transport accident injuries.
- Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
- Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.
What do these services do?
Optometrists are primary health care specialists trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in the vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general optical health.
Orthoptics is a primary health care discipline that specialises in the diagnosis and non-surgical management of eye disorders, particularly eye movement disorders.
Ophthalmology is a medical service that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye problems.
For more information please refer to the following resources:
How treatments and services are paid for
We pay for your treatments:
- Directly to your health provider when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
- If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.
We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.
How much we will pay
We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your service provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference.
For a list of TAC rates, see:
For accidents that happened before 14 February 2018, we can only pay for optometry and ophthalmology services once any required medical excess has been reached. Find out if the medical excess applies to you.
For providers
If you are a provider of eye services, please refer to our: