A complete breakdown of ortho-k lens costs, comparison with glasses and contacts, Medicare rebates, and long-term value.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is one of the most effective ways to slow myopia progression in children — but what does it actually cost in Australia? Here's the honest breakdown.
Ortho-K costs $1,800–$4,500 per year depending on your prescription and provider. While this seems high upfront, over 10 years it often works out cheaper than contact lenses — and it slows myopia progression in children, potentially saving tens of thousands in future eye care.
Here's how ortho-k stacks up against the main alternatives over a 10-year period:
| Method | Year 1 Cost | 10-Year Total | Myopia Control | Daily Hassle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ortho-K Lenses | $2,500–$4,500 | $18,000–$30,000 | Excellent | Low (nighttime only) |
| Soft Multifocal Contacts | $1,200–$2,000 | $12,000–$20,000 | Good | Medium (daily wear) |
| Glasses (Progressive) | $600–$1,500 | $6,000–$15,000 | None | Low (but imperfect) |
| Daily Contact Lenses | $1,000–$1,800 | $10,000–$18,000 | None | High (daily insertion) |
| LASIK (both eyes) | $5,800–$9,000 | $5,800–$9,000 | None | None (permanent) |
LASIK is a one-time procedure that doesn't slow myopia progression — it simply corrects current refractive error. For children, this is a critical distinction. Their eyes are still growing, so myopia can continue progressing after LASIK unless additional myopia control measures are used.
Higher prescriptions (above -5.00D) require more complex lenses, which are more expensive to manufacture.
Initial fitting, corneal mapping, follow-up appointments, and training are included in your first-year cost.
Lenses are typically replaced every 1–2 years depending on wear, deposit buildup, and prescription changes in children.
Specialist cleaning and storage solutions, plus annual eye health checks.
| Year | Ortho-K Cost | Cumulative Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $2,500–$4,500 | $2,500–$4,500 | Includes fitting, corneal mapping, training, lenses |
| Year 2 | $800–$1,500 | $3,300–$6,000 | Solution costs + check-ups + possible lens replacement |
| Year 3 | $800–$1,500 | $4,100–$7,500 | Regular ongoing care |
| Year 5 | $800–$1,500 | $5,700–$10,500 | May need new lenses if prescription changes |
| Year 10 | $800–$1,500/yr | $9,800–$16,500 | Ongoing care + lens replacements |
*Based on moderate myopia (-3.00D), replaced lenses every 18–24 months, annual check-ups included.
Children under 15 may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on optometry services under the Chronic Disease Management Plan. Ask your optometrist whether you qualify.
Bulk-billed optometry consultations are available for eligible children under the Medicare system. Contact lens consultations may attract an out-of-pocket gap.
Extras cover for optical may include contact lens fittings. Check with your health fund — rebates of $100–$300 per year are common on top-tier extras packages.
Many Australian optometry practices offer payment plans that can make ortho-k more accessible:
Spread costs over 4–8 fortnightly instalments. Interest-free for most families. Typical approval takes under 2 minutes.
Some optometrists offer in-house payment plans of 6–12 months, interest-free. Ask at your consultation.
While ortho-k is not typically covered, some practices partner with superannuation access programs for medically necessary myopia control. Ask if this applies to your situation.
Find an optometrist near you who specialises in ortho-k for myopia control. Use our directory to search by location and book a consultation.
Find an Ortho-K Optometrist →Ortho-k is not the cheapest option — glasses and daily contacts cost less per year. But it's the only non-surgical method clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children, and that matters enormously for their long-term eye health.
High myopia (-5.00D or greater) significantly increases the risk of:
If ortho-k slows your child's myopia by even 1–2 diopters, it could reduce those risks substantially. The cost difference between ortho-k and glasses over 10 years (roughly $10,000–$15,000 more) may be one of the best investments you make in your child's eye health.
1. Book an ortho-k consultation — most offer initial assessments for $100–$200.
2. Ask about Medicare rebates and payment plans.
3. Compare the total 10-year cost to other options before deciding.
Help other parents understand ortho-k costs