I've heard a lot of people say that to ensure that you are definitely in benefit you should ring the Dept. quoting your ref. no. and confirm your payments
"Benefit
The benefit is provided by opticians/optometrists who have a contract with the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
You are entitled to:
a free sight test - sight tests for VDUs, driving licences, etc., are not covered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme. Safety glasses are also excluded.
an eye examination for contact lenses - the Department will pay a fixed amount and you pay the balance
free glasses if you choose a certain type of frame. If you choose a frame other than the type(s) covered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, the Department will pay a fixed amount towards the cost of your glasses and you pay the balance.
replacement lenses for existing frames
contact lenses - if you need contact lenses on medical grounds, the Department will pay up to half the cost, subject to a fixed maximum, provided you have a doctor's recommendation. Disposable lenses are not covered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme"