Contact lenses on a medical card?

pandamoanium

Hi all!

I heard a while back from a friend that they get free contact lenses every month (The daily disposable ones) with their medical card - is this true?

Does a medical card cover contacts?

I wouldn't mind giving them a go!

Thanks guys!

mikemac

Yep, you get an optical benefit package

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/social-welfare/social-welfare-payments/disability-and-illness/treatment_benefit_scheme

Your list of goodies are:

A free sight test - sight tests for VDUs, driving licences, etc., are not covered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme. Safety glasses are also excluded.
An eye examination for contact lenses - the Department will pay a fixed amount of €22.51 and you pay the balance
Free glasses if you choose a certain type of frame. If you choose a frame other than the type(s) covered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, the Department will pay a fixed amount of €42.07 towards the cost of your glasses and you pay the balance.
Replacement lenses for existing frames
Contact lenses - if you need contact lenses on medical grounds, the Department will pay up to half the cost, subject to a fixed maximum of €760, provided you have a doctor's recommendation. Disposable lenses are not covered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme.

But contact lenses for medical reasons are you're talking about disposables.
So nope, now give your friend a slap for lying to you

pandamoanium

Thanks for that Mike, very helpful!

gipi

Just to point out that the Treatment Benefit scheme which was quoted above isn't the same as the medical card scheme - Treatment Benefit is based on PRSI contributions.