A DISTRAUGHT pensioner, who says she cannot afford basic eyewear anymore, after the state government cut funding to the VisionCare scheme, believes she is now being fast tracked to blindness.
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She suffers from hereditary macular degeneration which has embedded itself behind her eyes.
In order to combat the severe muscle deterioration she must wear prescription lenses which cost upwards of $300 per pair.
The local woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she received no notification the scheme was being discontinued and no offer of support or rebate from the government.
And with her only source of income being a Centrelink welfare payment, she says she barely has enough money to buy groceries each week let alone prescription eyewear.
She is just one of thousands expected to be hit hardest by the state government’s cost cutting measure. In an attempt to save more than $8.4 million from the budget, Community Services Minister Pru Goward announced the VisionCare scheme would be suspended from February 29 to July 1 this year.
It is believed that the maximum capacity for the eyewear scheme under the budget had been reached.
Pensioners, low income earners and those with disabilities on social welfare benefits, declared with vision impairment, were able to receive free eyewear, or other visual aids, through a certified optometrist.
The anonymous woman who spoke with the Post said she had been using the scheme since its inception and was only alerted to the change when she went to upgrade her three-year-old lenses.
Scratch marks, light stains described as “the bottom of a milk bottle” effect and loose screws are all signs that the frames are inadequate. But at the moment it’s an expense she simply cannot afford.
“After I pay my rent, my electricity, my phone and all my household expenses I’m left with $150 a fortnight for groceries,” she said.
“How am I expected to then have enough money to get glasses? I suppose I’ll just have to go without. It is my only option.
“The state government gave us a $20 increase in our pension last year, but it meant nothing when Housing NSW also put our rent up. I am left with $4 change.”
At just $4 change a week from her pension she would have to save for 150 fortnights, or just under six years in order to afford the two pairs of spectacles she needs.
The Post received a copy of a letter from VisionCare CEO Barry MacNamara sent to VisionCare applications that states: “The NSW Government has temporarily suspended funding to this program.”
“VisionCare NSW is unable to place further orders for the balance of this financial year. If you are eligible by meeting the criteria of the means test, your application will be held on a waitlist file,” he wrote.
A spokesperson for Minister Goward said the program has exceeded its budget forecast every year for the past 14 years, other than 2000/01.
“The needs of those who benefit from the spectacles program will continue to be addressed but to continue the government must ensure the sustainability of the program,” the spokesperson said.
“The department is considering the best way to ensure that the most vulnerable people have access to this scheme in the future.
“Funding for the spectacles program will be available again from 1 July 2012.”
A three-month wait too long some would say.
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