Glasses

We went to get DH's eyes tested for new glasses (again) and were both surprised to hear that he is not only very short-sighted, he also has astigmatism. Both are genetic, his mum and sister have the same although it seems that he is more short-sighted than both of them. My mum and a brother also have astigmatism so I guess that probably makes me a carrier (not to mention that my dad is colour-blind!)

So DH basically will need new glasses every 3-4 years until the end of his life (or if he goes completely blind I guess - hope not!) and the chances of our kids developing short-sightedness and/or astigmatism seems reasonably high. So my question is, are there insurances or anything that we should be looking into as a family or is it just best to keep money in savings for when and if those expenses come up?

Also if the kids get tested via GP and hospital I know its free but what about glasses? And to what age?

Thanks everyone.

glasses are covered by medical insurance such as sthn cross etc under the higher policies...but to a limit...and i would think you need to disclose the carrier gene etc possibly? I think it only covers like $100- $200 a year?

We have Southern Cross Ultracare 100, they pay for the eye test but nothing towards the glasses themselves. Ultracare400 covers up to $300 towards the glasses but we looked at the difference in premium and decided the $300 glasses cover wasn't worth it.

Our premiums are $154 a month for me and the 3 girls (Willie doesn't have it and if he did would have sky-high premiums due to pre-existing stuff). They cover virtually everything as I have been with them for years so don't have any conditions that predate my insurance (Mum and Dad took it out when I was a kid) and I enrolled all of the girls before they were 3 months old so it covers conditions they were born with.

Personally I wouldn't be without it. For a good number of years when I was on my own I didn't get sick and never needed it, but since Maya was born they have covered all of her specialist appts, her prescription formula, paid for me to have bladder surgery and a wisdom tooth removed, and paid for all of Sienna and Mercedes specialist appointments and formula so far so we have actually had more back than we have paid out.

Must depend on circumstances then, apparently it would be cheaper for DH to go for laser surgery than have day-to-day contacts!

Dh's last pair of glasses cost us $850 4 years ago but it seems that the lenses are getting cheaper to make (yay) so this time we were able to get them, with all the specials that are on at the moment as well, for $450. I'm so relieved!!