Medical card holders book through their local primary care centre, not a high-street optician. If you have diabetes and are 12 or over, you get free retinal screening too.
Quick facts
- Medical card
- Free exam every 2 years + standard glasses
- Book through
- Local primary care centre
- Children under 12
- Free glasses if needed
- PRSI workers
- Treatment Benefit eye test
- Diabetes, 12+
- Free retinal screening
With a medical card
"If you have a medical card , you can get a free eye examination every 2 years from the HSE." "If you need glasses or spectacles, you can get free standard spectacles." More frequent exams are free if a condition needs them.
"You must apply to your local primary care centre for all eye exams and dispensing."
Children
Eyes are checked at birth, at developmental checks and in school screening, with free referral for treatment. "Your child is entitled to a free pair of glasses, if they are aged under 12."
"If your child is under 16 and they are treated at the outpatient department of a public hospital, you do not have to pay any hospital charges ."
Without a medical card
"If you do not qualify for free eye care from the HSE, you and your dependent spouse or partner may get free optical services under Treatment Benefit Scheme ." That depends on your PRSI record.
"If you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over, you can get a free, regular screening for diabetic retinopathy from the National Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme ."
Common questions
Are eye tests free with a medical card?
Yes, a free HSE eye examination every 2 years, plus free standard glasses if you need them.
Do children get free glasses in Ireland?
Children under 12 are entitled to a free pair of glasses.
Can I get a free eye test without a medical card?
Possibly, under the Treatment Benefit Scheme if you have enough PRSI contributions.
Where do medical card holders get eye tests?
Apply to your local primary care centre for all eye exams and dispensing.