Thousands of Australians will soon have easier access to eye medications aimed at preserving and improving their sight.
Australians experiencing a range of eye conditions will soon have to pay less to treat them when new government subsidies for medications come into effect.
A tiny implant for treating blocked veins in the retina caused by eye tumours is among medications that will be subsidised, through being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, from November 1.
That medication, Ozurdex, acts by preventing and suppressing inflammation and will cost at most $39.50 per script instead of $1350.
The categories of people who can get subsidies for an injection for treating macular degeneration, a condition which is the leading cause of legal blindness in Australia, is also set to be broadened.
Lucentis will now be more affordable for those with acute near-sightedness and choroidal neovascularisation not related to ageing.
The federal government is spending an extra $80 million on adding eye treatments to the PBS.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says the changes will help preserve and improve the sight of Australians.
"It will make a difference to patients and their families who are battling poor and deteriorating vision due to a range of diseases," he said.
The coalition is currently adding subsidies for about one medication every day, Mr Hunt said.
