The end of the year is fast approaching, and so is your chance to make the most of your private health fund optical extras!

Between Christmas shopping, holiday planning and the busyness of everyday life, it's easy to forget about those optical benefits you've been paying for throughout the year.  If you have private health insurance with optical extras cover, now is the perfect time to check what benefits you have remaining and when they reset.

Many health funds reset their extras benefits on 31 December, meaning any unused optical benefits may disappear in the blink of an eye!

At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we're here to help you make the most of your optical extras before the year is over.

More Than Just a New Pair of Glasses!

When we think about using our optical extras, a new pair of everyday glasses is often the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know there are plenty of other ways you could put your benefits to good use?  Whether your current glasses are still going strong or you're simply looking for something different, here are a few ideas to consider.

1. A Spare Pair of Glasses – Because Life Happens!

We've all been there. Your glasses break, go missing or accidentally get left behind, and suddenly you're struggling to see clearly!

Having a spare pair of prescription glasses can be a lifesaver, particularly if you rely on your glasses every day.

Using your remaining optical extras towards a backup pair could save you from an unexpected inconvenience down the track.

2. Prescription Sunglasses – See Summer Differently

With the warmer months upon us, there's no better time to invest in a quality pair of prescription sunglasses.  Prescription sunglasses offer the convenience of clear vision while helping protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reducing uncomfortable glare.

Whether you're heading to the beach, enjoying the outdoors or spending time behind the wheel, prescription sunglasses can make a wonderful addition to your eyewear collection.  With summer just around the corner, why not put your optical extras towards something you'll enjoy wearing all season long?

3. Contact Lenses – A Little More Freedom

Love your glasses but wish you had another option for certain activities?  Contact lenses can be a fantastic alternative for sport, exercise, special occasions or simply those days when you'd prefer to go glasses-free. Our optometrists can help determine which contact lens options are suitable for your eyes and lifestyle.

If you're already a contact lens wearer, your remaining optical benefits could also be put towards replenishing your supply.

4. A Fresh Look – New Frames, New Style!

Sometimes you don't need a reason to refresh your look!  Your glasses are one of the first things people notice about you, so why not choose a pair that makes you feel fantastic?

At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we pride ourselves on offering a carefully curated collection of frames, from timeless classics to bold, colourful statement pieces.  Whether you're looking for something sophisticated, fun or completely different from your current pair, our friendly team can help you find frames that complement your personality and lifestyle.

5. Dedicated Reading Glasses – Give Your Eyes a Break

If you wear multifocal or progressive glasses, you might be surprised by how beneficial a dedicated pair of reading or near-task glasses can be.

While multifocal lenses are designed to provide vision across a range of distances, a separate pair of reading glasses may offer a wider, more comfortable viewing area for close-up tasks.  They can be particularly useful for:

• Enjoying a good book
• Sewing, knitting or other hobbies
• Extended reading or paperwork
• Detailed close-up work
• Spending long periods at a computer, with lenses tailored to your working distance
• 
  

Having glasses specifically designed for these activities can make everyday tasks more comfortable and enjoyable.  Our optometrists can help you decide whether an additional pair would suit your visual needs.

Beat the End-of-Year Rush!

December has a way of sneaking up on us, and appointment times can fill quickly as everyone prepares for the Christmas holidays.

If you're considering updating your glasses, trying contact lenses or booking an eye examination, we encourage you to plan ahead rather than leaving it until the last minute. Booking early gives you more time to explore your options, find eyewear you love and arrange any necessary appointments or orders before the end of the year.

Whether you're after a practical spare pair, stylish prescription sunglasses, dedicated reading glasses or a fresh new look, our friendly team is here to help you explore your options and make the most of your available optical benefits.  Visit us at either of our two Toowoomba practices, Hume Street  or  The Range Shopping Centre, and let us help you finish the year seeing clearly and looking fantastic.

Book your appointment today and make the most of your optical extras before the year is out!

Health fund benefits, reset dates, eligible products and claiming conditions vary between funds and policies.