Laser Glaucoma Treatment Cost in Australia – Complete Guide
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Australia. Laser treatment is a common way to manage eye pressure and protect vision. If you’re considering treatment, understanding the costs is essential.
This guide explains the average prices, what Medicare covers, and how private costs compare.
How Laser Glaucoma Treatment Works
Laser glaucoma treatment helps reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). It improves the way fluid drains from the eye or creates a new pathway.
The two main laser procedures in Australia are:
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Laser Trabeculoplasty – for open-angle glaucoma
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Laser Iridotomy – for angle-closure glaucoma
These are usually done in an outpatient setting and take less than 30 minutes.
Medicare and Public Hospital Costs
In Australia, Medicare covers part of the cost of laser glaucoma treatment if it is deemed medically necessary.
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In public hospitals, treatment is usually covered in full.
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In private settings, Medicare provides a rebate, but patients may still pay out-of-pocket costs.
Typical Medicare rebates range from $200 – $400 depending on the procedure.
Private Laser Glaucoma Treatment Costs in Australia
If you choose to go private, costs depend on the surgeon, clinic, and whether you have private health insurance.
Average private costs:
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Initial Consultation: AUD $150 – $300
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Laser Trabeculoplasty or Iridotomy: AUD $1,200 – $2,500 per eye
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Follow-up Visits: AUD $100 – $250 each
Private health insurance may cover part of the cost, depending on your extras or hospital cover.
Factors That Influence the Cost
Laser glaucoma treatment costs vary across Australia. Factors include:
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Type of procedure – Trabeculoplasty vs. Iridotomy
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Clinic location – Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne may charge more
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Surgeon’s experience – Leading specialists often charge higher fees
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Insurance coverage – With private cover, your out-of-pocket may be much lower
Public vs. Private Treatment in Australia
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Public hospitals (Medicare): Often free or very low cost, but waiting lists can be long
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Private clinics: Faster access, more choice of specialists, higher fees
Patients who want urgent treatment often choose private care despite higher costs.
Laser Glaucoma Treatment Clinics in Australia
Some well-known providers include:
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Centre for Eye Health (Sydney)
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Vision Eye Institute (nationwide locations)
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Queensland Eye Institute (Brisbane)
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Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Melbourne)
Always ask your clinic if they bulk-bill or accept private insurance rebates.
Is Laser Treatment Worth the Cost?
Untreated glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss. Investing in laser treatment is often more cost-effective than dealing with advanced glaucoma later.
Questions to consider:
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Can you access timely treatment through the public system?
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Do you have private health insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs?
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Is faster access to a specialist worth paying extra?
Final Thoughts
Laser glaucoma treatment in Australia may cost AUD $1,200–$2,500 per eye privately, but can be fully or partially covered under Medicare in public hospitals.
Whether you go public or private, the key is to treat glaucoma early and protect your vision for the long term.
