Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note AN.0.16

Optometric Benefits Consultative Committee (OBCC)

The OBCC is an advisory committee established in 1990 by arrangement between the Minister and Optometry Australia. 

The OBCC's functions are:

(a)              to discuss the appropriateness of existing Medicare Benefits Schedule items for the purposes of considering whether an approach to the Medical Services Advisory Committee may be needed;

(b)              to undertake reviews of particular services and to report on the appropriateness of the existing structure of the Schedule, having regard to current optometric practice;

(c)              to consider and advise on the appropriateness of the participating optometrists' arrangements and the Common Form of Undertaking (as specified in the Health Insurance Act 1973 and related legislation) and the administrative rules and interpretations which determine the payment of benefits for optometric services or the level of benefits;

(d)              to investigate specific matters associated with the participating optometrists' arrangements and to advise on desirable changes. 

The OBCC comprises two representatives from the Department of Health, two representatives from the Department of Human Services, and three representatives from Optometry Australia.

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