Rural and regional patients needing eye health care services may be eligible for financial assistance for travel and accommodation.

The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) is a transport and accommodation subsidy scheme that assists people in isolated and rural communities to gain access to non-emergency specialist medical treatment not available in their own area.

All state jurisdictions have a Patient Assistance Travel Schemes for use by patients in particular circumstances. If you have to travel to receive treatment or are being referred to an eye health professional away from your home district, be sure to ask your local GP, hospital staff or health centre for details about your eligibility for support.