From Wednesday December 17th, all families with children under 16 who need glasses or contacts will be able to benefit from the government’s new subsidy of €100. These are the conditions and how to apply.
The Spanish government has allocated €47.7 million to its new Plan Veo (‘I See Plan’), which will finance the purchase of glasses (gafas in Spanish) and contact lenses (lentillas) and can be requested by parents or legal guardians until December 31st 2026.
With a subsidy of up to €100 per child, the Ministry of Health will cover the cost of “essential” optical products, such as basic frames with prescription lenses and anti-reflective coating, or contact lenses, as well as maintenance and repair of existing glasses or the liquid solution for contacts.
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Why is the Spanish government doing this?
Spanish Health Minister Mónica García has estimated that more than half a million children will be able to benefit from this measure, which aims to reduce the economic barriers that hinder access to visual aids in childhood for the most disadvantaged families in Spain.
According to the Ministry of Health, this situation not only perpetuates social inequalities but also has a significant impact on the academic performance of children whose families cannot afford to buy them glasses.
Visual problems, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, affect between 10 percent and 30 percent of the school-age population in Spain, with prevalence rates that are increasing due to the rise in screen time and indoor living.
What conditions should I keep in mind?
The subsidy isn’t available through all opticians, it must be processed at one of the more than 2,300 ópticas participating in the programme, which will display a sticker outside their premises indicating their participation. You can also find your closest one in the search engine created by the government.
If the cost of glasses or contact lenses is less than €100, the beneficiary will not have to pay anything extra under the Plan Veo; but if the price is higher than that amount, the family will have to pay the difference.
A prescription will be required, so all children up to 16 years of age who have a Spanish health card and have been diagnosed with a visual problem will be eligible for the subsidy.
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What’s the process for getting the €100 aid for glasses and contacts?
The child’s parents or legal guardians will have to complete and sign a document provided by participating opticians in the Plan Veo.
The procedure will vary depending on the child’s age and whether it is their first or second time accessing this programme.
This prescription should include the details of the healthcare professional or service, the name of the centre, and the prescription’s expiration date.
The authority responsible for issuing the prescription will vary depending on the minor’s age.
Children under six, for example, will need a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist, either from the National Health System or the private sector. With this prescription, they can go to one of the participating opticians, where they will receive a €100 discount on the glasses or contact lenses they need.
For children aged six and older, the prescription can be issued by previous professionals or by a professional at the optician’s shop where they have already purchased glasses or contact lenses.
If it is the second time using the Plan Veo, the beneficiary can access the assistance through an examination by an ophthalmologist, public or private, or by an optician at the establishment in question. For this second subsidy it will be mandatory that one year has passed since the previous aid was received.
Regional subsidies already offered may mean a lower amount is granted.
Keep in mind that this subsidy is currently only set to be available until the end of 2026.
Which documents will be required to get the €100 subsidy for glasses or contacts?
Prescription form.
Names and surnames of the beneficiary under 16.
Name and surnames of the parent/guardian.
National Identity Document (DNI) or Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE) of the minor and the guardian.
Individual Health Card number or document recognising the right to healthcare issued by the autonomous community in Spain.
Annex I of the agreement, which must be signed and completed by the responsible party.
