Published on 11 April, 2022What are the changes to the blepharoplasty surgery, or eyelid lift, item numbers? Medicare have announced changes to the criteria for the blepharoplasty – also known as eyelid lift or reduction surgery – item number.This is the item number that can be assigned to a blepharoplasty procedure if it is deemed medically necessary, therefore enabling patients to claim rebates from Medicare and, if applicable, their private health insurer.From the 1st of November 2022, Medicare will no longer require an optometrist to perform a visual field study to confirm that a patient’s visual field is impaired by their eyelids. Before and 4 months after upper blepharoplasty withDr Sharp.I have a blepharoplasty appointment with Dr Sharp after the 1st of November 2022: what does this mean for me?If your eyesight is impaired by your eyelids and you wish to claim rebates, a GP referral to see Dr Sharp will still be required. You no longer need to undergo a visual field study to determine whether an item number applies to your procedure. Eligibility is determined via examination during your consultation with Dr Sharp.I have a blepharoplasty appointment with Dr Sharp before the 1st of November 2022: what does this mean for me?The visual field study requirement will still apply, unless you are happy to have your surgery after the 1st of November. See your consultation booking email for more detailed information and the letter to your optometrist from Dr Sharp.I have a blepharoplasty appointment with Dr Sharp after the 1st of November 2022 but am on the waiting list for an earlier appointment so I might see him before then: what does this mean for me?If you currently have an appointment booked after the 1st of November – but your appointment is brought forward via our waiting list, and you would like to have surgery prior to November – the visual field study requirement will still apply. If this applies to you and you’d like to be considered for item number eligibility please obtain a visual field study.If you have any queries about blepharoplasty surgery, please call us. Please contact our patient support team on (07) 3202 4744. Name Email Address Message 7 + 1 = Submit
