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Glaucoma Australia
June 2020

With the current Coronavirus restrictions in place, many people with glaucoma are concerned about their ability to see their optometrist or ophthalmologist for renewal of their prescription for eye drops.

Image of woman at an optometrist front counter

Many optometry and ophthalmology practices are still seeing patients in some capacity. This may be in the form of a face-to-face appointment or a telehealth consultation.

In the initial instance, it is a good idea to contact your usual optometry or ophthalmology practice via phone or email to find out their current policy with appointments and prescription renewals.

Renewal of prescriptions can usually be emailed or faxed to your local pharmacy for you to collect. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will let you know if they can arrange this on your behalf.

The Australia Government has also extended their “Continued Dispensing” arrangement in which an individual can obtain up to one month’s supply of their usual medicine without a valid prescription, at the usual PBS consumer co-payment. Strict guidelines apply to this and your pharmacist can let you know if you are eligible.