A nine-year-old boy from Brisbane has successfully regained funding for his prosthetic eyes through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) after a lengthy battle, marking the second time in three years his family has had to fight for support.

Leo Hall was born without eyes and with eye sockets smaller than a grain of rice. Although he is unable to see, Leo requires expandable prosthetic eyes to maintain the structure of his face and to prevent potential deformities. The prosthetics also assist in social interactions with other children.

Since age five, Leo has received approximately $13,500 annually through the NDIS to cover the cost of two pairs of these prosthetic eyes. However, during a review of his funding plan last September, the NDIS denied coverage for the prosthetics. This decision prompted renewed opposition from Leo’s parents.

In December, it became public that the NDIS had cut funding despite its own staff acknowledging the medical necessity of the prosthetic eyes. Leo’s family previously challenged the NDIS decision at a tribunal in 2022 on the same issue and secured a favorable outcome.

“This was the second time, so it was three-and-a-half years ago that we had gone through the exact same process,” said Lauren Hall, Leo’s mother.

The most recent dispute extended for nearly a year, with Leo’s treatment on hold during this period. Last month, a lawyer representing the National Disability Insurance Agency informed Ms. Hall that the agency was withdrawing its case but did not provide a clear explanation. Ms. Hall believes the agency abandoned the challenge after recognizing her persistence, although the family experienced significant stress throughout the process.

Leo’s case highlights ongoing challenges faced by some NDIS participants in securing funding for essential aids, even when their need is acknowledged by the agency.