Does Medicare cover CAIRS Keratoplasty for Keratoconus?

Yes. Medicare Australia does recognise CAIRS keratoplasty (which also includes CTAK) for keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, post LASIK ectasia and corneal ectasia. Dr Cronin spearheaded the campaign to achieve this ruling with Medicare.

In November 2025, Medicare Australia confirmed that CAIRS qualifies as a keratoplasty under Medicare item number 42653. This makes CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments) keratoplasty more accessible for patients with keratoconus. Great to see Medicare making this sensible, evidence-based decision that will help many people with keratoconus, corneal ectasia and pellucid marginal degeneration enjoy better quality vision.

This also means that all Australian private health insurers must also cover the procedure under their appropriate levels of private health insurance cover.

I was interviewed by MiVision magazine for their article on the topic in the link below.

https://mivision.com.au/2025/11/medicare-now-covers-cairs-procedure-for-kerataconus/