Getting an eye test at an optician (óptica)

Terms used

• Óptica — An óptica is an optician's shop where you can get an eye test and buy glasses or contact lenses.
• Óptico-optometrista — The óptico-optometrista is a university-trained professional who tests eyesight and prescribes glasses and contact lenses, but is not a medical doctor.
• Oftalmólogo — The oftalmólogo is a medical doctor who specialises in eyes and can diagnose and treat eye disease.
• Médico de cabecera — The médico de cabecera is your general practitioner (GP) in the public health system.

Key rules

• First stop: For a routine eye test and prescription, go straight to an óptica without a doctor's appointment.
• Disease: An optician cannot diagnose or treat eye disease, so they refer you to an ophthalmologist if they find signs of it.
• Your prescription: Ask for your result in writing so you can use it at any other optician.
• Price: Ask the price before you book, because fees differ by shop.

Start at an óptica

For a routine eye test and a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, walk into an óptica. You usually do not need a doctor's referral or a GP appointment. Many shops take walk-ins, and some prefer a booking, so call or check the shop's website first.

If the optician finds signs of eye disease, they send you on to a doctor. They cannot diagnose or treat disease themselves.

Who does the test

The test is done by an óptico-optometrista. This is a professional with a university degree in optics and optometry. They can measure your vision, prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and spot visual problems.

They cannot prescribe medication, diagnose or treat eye disease, or perform surgery. Those jobs belong to an oftalmólogo (ophthalmologist), who is a medical doctor. The exact scope can vary a little by region.

What it costs

Expect the test to be free or to cost around 10 to 30 euros. Many chains do it free. Some refund or waive the fee if you buy glasses there. Independent shops may charge a small fee, and a more complete exam can cost more. Policies differ by shop, so ask the price before you book.

Get your prescription in writing

Ask for a written copy of the result, either a prescription or the printed refraction values. Opticians usually hand it over on request, often free, and you can take it to any other shop. If a shop refuses, ask again in writing.

A prescription from an ophthalmologist belongs to you. Any optician can use it to make your glasses.

How long a prescription lasts

No national rule sets an expiry date for a glasses prescription. Most opticians accept one for one to two years. Contact lens prescriptions are usually treated as valid for about one year. Some shops refuse an old prescription and repeat the test. Get a new test sooner if your vision changes.

When the optician sends you elsewhere

You will usually be sent to an ophthalmologist if the optician sees:

• raised eye pressure or suspected glaucoma
• signs of cataract
• signs of retinal problems, or changes linked to diabetes or high blood pressure
• sudden vision loss, flashes or floaters
• eye pain or redness, or double vision
• a marked drop in sight that lenses do not correct
• suspected lazy eye or squint in a child

If the optician suspects a general health problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, they will point you to your GP (médico de cabecera). The decision block below helps you choose your next step, and the checklist and documents list cover what to ask for and bring.

Choosing between options

Do you stay with the optician or see a doctor after your eye test?

• Stay with the optician: Your test shows only a change in prescription and no sign of disease; you can order glasses or lenses right away.

• See an ophthalmologist: The optician finds signs of eye disease, such as raised eye pressure, cataract or retina changes, or you have sudden vision loss, flashes, floaters, eye pain, redness, double vision or a marked drop in sight that lenses do not fix.

An optician handles routine tests and prescriptions; if they see signs of disease or a general health problem, they send you on to a doctor.

Timeline and deadlines

• Get a new eye test if your vision changes: as soon as you notice a change, even within the first year

• Use your glasses prescription at an optician: usually accepted for 1 to 2 years after the test

• Renew a contact lens prescription: usually about every year

• Book a new test if an optician refuses an old prescription: when the shop will not use it, as some redo the test

There is no national expiry date for a glasses prescription, so confirm with your optician whether they will accept an older one.

Documents you need

• A written copy of your eye test result, such as a prescription or printed refraction values. Ask the optician for it after the test; many hand it over free.

• A prescription from an ophthalmologist, if you have one. It belongs to you and any optician can use it to make your glasses.

Checklist

• Ask the óptica for the price of an eye test before you book; it is often free or around 10 to 30 euros.

• Ask whether the fee is refunded or waived if you buy glasses there.

• Check that an óptico-optometrista, a university-trained eye-test professional, does your test.

• Ask for a written copy of your prescription or refraction values after the test.

• Ask when your prescription should be renewed; 1 to 2 years is usual for glasses and about 1 year for contact lenses.

• Book an ophthalmologist if the optician finds signs of eye disease, as an optician cannot diagnose or treat it.

Eye care in Spain quick answers

How long is a glasses prescription valid in Spain?

No single national expiry date applies to a glasses prescription in Spain, but most opticians accept one for about 1 to 2 years. Contact lens prescriptions are often treated as valid for about 1 year.

Can I buy contact lenses online in Spain?

Yes, you can buy contact lenses online in Spain, but only from a seller with a health authorisation and a qualified optician or optometrist in charge. The seller may ask for a valid prescription or fitting details. Check the seller's licence before you order.

Does my employer have to give me an eye exam if I work at a screen?

Yes, your employer must offer you a free eye exam during working hours if you use a screen 4 or more hours a day or 20 or more hours a week. It is offered before you start screen work, then periodically, and whenever vision problems appear. The doctor sets how often, commonly every 2 to 5 years.

Must my employer pay for glasses for screen work?

Only in part: your employer must provide corrective glasses made specifically for screen work when the exam shows you need them. Ordinary prescription glasses for general use are not covered. How much is paid depends on your collective agreement, so ask your employer's prevention doctor or HR.