Self Employed and PRSI

We are still getting lots of folks in looking for an eye test, privately, who are not aware that they may be able to use their PRSI contributions.

Mostly these are the self employed who are used to getting nothing, but this has changed now – even the self employed, and their dependant spouses may now be entitled to “Free” Eye Examinations, if you, or they are paying the necessary Class “S” stamp. You don’t need to know, or ask the accountant – we can check with your date of birth and PPSN number, with your consent…. Well if is YOU who is paying it – dependent spouses will need to send off a form, as they require their partner’s consent to seek eligibility. That is Data Protection gone slightly mad for you?

It takes a moment or two to check eligibility, but the number of folks we have had who were surprised that they were qualified – “No I won’t get that” – “Let us try”, and then it does qualify… You have nothing to lose in trying it! And no thanks for not using it…

We would charge more for a private eye test than the government pays us – it really would be in our interest to not try to save you money. But regular eye tests are important. If you qualify for Optical benefit, the eye test is funded, and you will also get a contribution towards specs, should you need or want them – distance and reading if required, or bifocals / varifocals if preferred.

But only once every second calendar year.

Today we also had a lady who was working, but also recently had a medical card, but that was under review, and she had heard nothing. We tried her PRSI, and it qualified, so as far as Optical benefit goes, PRSI gives the same entitlement, and authorisation in less than 60 seconds in her case – why send a form to the HSE and wait weeks, unless you have to?

I am sure the medical card will be useful to her, if she is re approved, but at the opticians, not so much any more.

Everyone, spectacles wearers or not, should get their eyes checked every 2 years. Eye tests are especially important for the over 40’s, and particularly those with Glaucoma in the family, but is true for everyone.

Call us or call in for more information!

 

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Local eyecare for all the family

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