Prescription lenses for sport/recreation

Bargainbeth on 08/05/2019 - 23:41
Last edited 09/05/2019 - 11:15

I know half this question should be directed to my insurer, but been way too busy lately and specsavers don't do it.

Does anyone know whether private health insurance "optical" limits will cover optical prescriptions for recreational items? I.e. snorkelling glasses (the ones that cover your nose with the pvc part and not just the circular goggles)?

Secondly, if yes, which companies offer decent quality made ones, at good prices that will be rebatable with health funds?

In your experience, did they cover the lens only, stick on lenses or goggles made with actual prescription glasses?

I'm with Medibank in their extras policy, if that helps.

Thanks!

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • Apple96 on 08/05/2019 - 23:50
    +1

    Couldn't you just wear contacts?

    • Bargainbeth on 09/05/2019 - 01:06
      +2

      Nope, my eyes disagree with them so much for some reason. I used to wear them solely at concerts and music events. My eyes went so red, watered and irritated that I took them off, preferring to be semi blind to feeling that way (used three different brands, all same effect).

      At times I've been able to keep them on longer but they're still noticeable and irritating- combine that with not being a strong swimmer, and water getting into snorkel from time to time and getting into eyes and it's a recipe for drowning.

      • sagrules on 09/05/2019 - 15:18

        I used to have same problem when I started wearing contacts. I brought this up with my optometrist few years ago and they recommended me contact lenses with more water content so they dont dry your eyes as much. I use Johnsons brand acuuve moist with astigmatism, but they have same lenses without astigmatism. Go to Specsavers and get them to trial a pair for you and give you your updated prescription. Should be covered for free as part of your annual eye check from Medicare. My brand has about 47% from memory. Feel free to check yourself.

        • Bargainbeth on 09/05/2019 - 16:21

          Thanks, might check it out. Still iffy about wearing it while underwater as a weak swimmer though. As I don't want to deal with my eyes getting irritated or contacts doing that fold up thing while I'm mid-sea. Already enough risks being in the ocean haha.

          • sagrules on 10/05/2019 - 13:12

            @Bargainbeth: Just dont stick your head underwater or open your eyes while swimming unless wearing goggles or snorkel mask . This would avoid your eyes getting irritated.

            • Bargainbeth on 10/05/2019 - 22:06

              @sagrules: Snorkel masks always leak slowly, snorkeling = face underwater, and occasionally I'll have the freak incident of the snorkel bands undoing and filling up with water.

              Salty water will get into eyes even if I close my eyes when these things happen, a small amount gets in. When your face is wet,water drips down into eyes, from wet eyelids etc.

              But thank you for your suggestions! Guess the only thing left is not to snorkel or get prescription snorkels.

  • iforgotmysocks on 09/05/2019 - 06:05

    What did Medibank say when you asked them?

    • pjetson on 09/05/2019 - 08:30
      +9

      Something about outsourcing their customer support to OzBargain.

      • Bargainbeth on 09/05/2019 - 11:18

        Haha. I deserved that. Haven't asked them yet! Last time I called, staff redirected call twice to wrong departments so I was on call hold for about 30m.

        But this question doesn't have to be about Medibank I suppose. The second part anyway. Looking into switching funds so I might switch to any where this is covered.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join