How Much Do Eye Injections Cost in Sydney?

Eye injections, also called intravitreal injections, are commonly used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration and several other retinal conditions. Because treatment may be needed

, it is understandable that patients and families want a clear idea of the likely cost.

There is no single fee that applies to every patient. The total can include the injection procedure, the prescribed medicine and, when clinically required, a specialist consultation or retinal imaging such as OCT. The amount you pay also depends on your Medicare eligibility, whether you have reached a Medicare Safety Net and where the injection is performed.

Does Medicare cover eye injections?

Medicare provides a rebate for an eligible intravitreal injection performed as an out-of-hospital service when you have a valid referral.

As at 1 July 2026, the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee for the usual left- or right-eye injection items (43030 and 43032) is $359.95. The standard 85% Medicare benefit is $306.00.

The schedule fee is not the same as the fee charged by a clinic. Your out-of-pocket cost is the difference between the clinic’s fee and the Medicare benefit you receive. Consultation, OCT imaging and medication costs may be billed separately where applicable, so it is sensible to request an estimate that explains each component.

Can the Medicare Safety Nets reduce the cost?

Yes. The Medicare Safety Nets can provide higher rebates for eligible out-of-hospital services after you reach the relevant calendar-year threshold.

In 2026, the Original Medicare Safety Net threshold is $594.40. After reaching it, Medicare pays 100% of the schedule fee for eligible out-of-hospital services. For the usual eye injection item, the current schedule fee is $359.95, although a gap may remain if the clinic charges more than this amount.

The 2026 Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold is $861.20 for concession cardholders and families eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A, and $2,699.10 for other Medicare patients and families. After the relevant threshold is reached, Medicare generally provides an additional benefit equal to 80% of the remaining out-of-pocket cost, subject to the benefit cap for that service.

Couples and families should check that they are registered as a family with Medicare so eligible costs can be combined.

Is the injection medicine covered by the PBS?

Many medicines used for intravitreal injections are subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme when the patient and condition meet the relevant criteria.

For 2026, the maximum PBS co-payment is $25.00 per eligible prescription for general Medicare cardholders and $7.70 for eligible concession cardholders. An additional premium can sometimes apply, and medicines prescribed outside PBS criteria may cost more.

Are there hospital or day-surgery charges?

At Eye & Retina Specialists, intravitreal injections are usually performed using aseptic technique in our dedicated clinic procedure room. This generally avoids the separate facility charges and delays that can be associated with treatment in a day surgery or private hospital. In uncommon circumstances, a hospital setting may still be clinically appropriate.

We offer reduced rates for eligible pensioners and, where possible, assist patients experiencing genuine financial difficulty through our Retina Access Program. Our reception team can provide a current written estimate based on the treatment planned for you.

You can learn more about eye injections in Sydney and the treatment of wet macular degeneration.

Eye & Retina Specialists

Green Square, Sydney

Telephone: 02 9699 0001