Eye Test Information

At Oscar Wylee, our qualified optometrists are committed to providing you with comprehensive eye examinations. We aim to ensure that your vision is optimised to support your busy lifestyle. The results of the eye test enable us to provide tailored advice on how to best support your visual needs, which vary with age and the type of work you do.

We recommend that everyone should have an eye test with an optometrist at least once every 2 years. A routine eye exam is usually no more than 30 minutes and is at no cost to eligible Medicare card holders.*

Frequently asked questions about eye tests

  1. Can I get a free eye test?

    If you are a current Medicare cardholder a comprehensive eye test can be bulk billed – this means you get a free eye test through Medicare.

    For those who are not covered under Medicare for a bulk billed eye test, some health insurance providers may cover the cost, otherwise our eye tests are available for a small fee.
  2. How often can I get a free eye test?

    For those with a current Medicare card, you can claim a rebate on a regular eye examination.

    If you are under 65 years of age, this is once every 3 years. Over 65-year-olds can claim once a year.

    Oscar Wylee will process this for you so there will be no initial cost for you, simply present your Medicare card when you arrive at your eye test appointment.
  3. How often do I need an eye test?

    If you are under 65 years old, it is recommended to have a routine eye check up every 1-2 years. If you are over 65 years old, then a yearly review is ideal.
  4. Why do I need an eye test if I already have good eyesight?

    Our eyes will naturally undergo changes as we age, so early detection and prevention of eye diseases is beneficial.

    Even if you feel like your vision is clear, there are some health conditions and medications that can affect your eyes. For example, headaches/migraines, fatigue, pain around the head/neck/back, dizziness, nausea, balance issues, light sensitivity, haloes.

    Certain Medications with eye-related side effects include steroids, and some used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, migraines, breast cancer and acne.
  5. How long does an eye test take?

    Our standard eye test appointments take about 20 minutes.

    However, this time frame can vary, particularly for those who have more complex eye conditions that require more extensive tests.
  6. Can you test if my vision is suitable for driving?

    Optometrists are able to perform vision tests for a person’s ability to hold a motor vehicle driving license, and fill in the required paperwork.
  7. Do I need an eye test for contact lenses?

    Yes. In many cases, a contact lens prescription is different to a glasses prescription. Because contact lenses sit on the eye surface, separate measurements are required to determine which lens design is most suitable for you. At this stage, contact lenses and eye tests for contact lens prescriptions are unavailable at Oscar Wylee.
  8. How can my eyes tell me about my health?

    The eyes are one of the few organs where we can directly visualize and assess the blood vessels and nerves.

    This information can sometimes provide a snapshot about your general health. Since the eyes contain some of the smallest blood vessels in the body, they are often most vulnerable to damage caused by cardiovascular disease. This includes diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

    Certain autoimmune disorders have also been linked to an eye disease known as uveitis, which causes red and painful eyes.

Extra tests as required by the optometrist

There are additional tests that optometrists may need to perform alongside your comprehensive eye test, to gain a more complete picture of how your eyes are functioning. These may include, but not limited to:

  • Visual Field Test

    assesses your peripheral vision, is useful in diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma. This test involves being positioned behind a machine that shows flashing lights to your side vision, with your response indicated by clicking a button.
  • A Dilated Pupil Test

    Enables the optometrist to evaluate your eye health in more detail by obtaining a clearer view of the back surface of the eye (known as the retina).

    This test involves using eye drops to enlarge your pupils temporarily, so you may find it slightly blurry afterwards. It is recommended not to drive for 2 hours after the drops have been instilled.
  • Diabetic Eye Examinations

    Diabetes can lead to blurry vision and sometimes can be a sign of more serious conditions worth discussing with your doctor. It is important for diabetic to have Diabetic Eye Examinations to make sure there are no serious issues with their vision. This usually requires a Dilated Pupil Test to be completed.

Kids' and childrens' eye test

Oscar Wylee provides bulk billed eye test for kids and children. It is recommended for children to have an eye exam around the age of 3 years old and just before starting school. Eye tests are then recommended every two years thereafter (or as recommended by your optometrist).

It is common for children in the classroom to have vision problems. Vision impairment can impact greatly on a child’s learning, confidence, and behaviour. With the addition of more technology in the classrooms and more close work than ever before, regular eye testing is imperative. The sooner that vision problems are detected, the better the outcome, and that could make a big difference to your child. Our qualified optometrist and children's glasses collection are here to help you look after your child's vision.

Author: Jessica Foong (Optometrist)

Common Eye Conditions

Our qualified optometrists are here to help If you have any concern regarding your vision or eyes. Our stores are fully equipped to diagnose or treat many common eye conditions.

Eye tests are bulk billed, so if you hold an eligible Medicare card, there’s no cost to you*.




Double Vision

Dry Eyes




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Oscar Wylee offers bulk billed eye test, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible Medicare card holders.

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Oscar Wylee eye tests are bulk billed through Medicare. This means eligible Medicare cardholders get a free eye test.