The Disability Support Services ENABLE Funding Programme has now been extended to include children of up to 15yrs of age.

From October 2007, families with a Community Services Card or children with High Use Health Card now qualify for subsidised optometrists visits and a subsidy toward the cost of glasses for their children up until the day before their 16th birthday.

The age limit was previously eight years old, so this is fantastic news for families who have older children with eye problems.

If you qualify, then you owe it to your child to act, this scheme will meet most, if not all of the initial costs.

The five areas that can be accessed under the subsidy are:
          * Examination
          * Frames
          * Lenses
          * Eye patches
          * Repairs

The subsidy amount is usually $287.50 (including GST).

There is a further $51.11 available (including GST) for children that require an adult size frame.

You may be able to get this extra sum to help to pay for glasses or repairs if your child's vision is changing very quickly or if he or she has amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (squint).

Talk to us for more information about this extra funding.  

The subsidy is available again after 12 months, if needed, for each child in your family who can get the subsidy.

We fill out a form with your help, and send it with your bill to Enable New Zealand.
You will need to pay any balance.

 If you can't get the subsidy talk to your optometrist, doctor or school about other help that may be available.
Other options may include:

         * recoverable loans from Work and Income
         * support from local community groups.