Croatia – Eye Care

How do I find an optometrist or eye care professional in Croatia?

There are several routes to locating an eye care professional in Croatia. A sensible first step is to consult a general practitioner (GP), who can issue a referral to an ophthalmologist when clinically appropriate. Online searches and local directories also list registered practitioners across the country, making it easy to find someone in your area.

High-street optometrists are readily available throughout Croatia. These practitioners carry out comprehensive vision assessments and prescribe corrective lenses for refractive conditions including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, while also identifying and managing common problems such as dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, and ocular allergies.

Croatia has approximately 400 ophthalmology specialists and 35 residents, the majority of whom work within hospital and clinic settings in the public sector, offering services such as refraction testing and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Understanding the distinction between practitioners is useful: optometrists handle routine vision testing and prescription work; ophthalmologists are medically trained doctors qualified to diagnose eye disease and carry out surgery; and opticians are responsible for dispensing and fitting prescription eyewear.

Trained opticians across Croatia work with prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists to supply spectacles, contact lenses, and other optical devices. You will find optical shops in most towns and within shopping centres throughout the country.

To verify a professional’s credentials, the HZZO website offers a searchable directory of contracted healthcare providers. The Croatian Ophthalmological and Optometric Society serves as the professional body for ophthalmologists and optometrists, while the Croatian Ministry of Health regulates health professions nationally. Recommendations from fellow expats and online expat communities are also a practical means of identifying providers with experience treating international patients.

How is eye care paid for in Croatia?

Croatia operates a universal healthcare system underpinned by compulsory public insurance for all residents. This mandatory cover — known as obvezno — is administered by the Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje, or HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund). The system is broadly comparable to Medicare in Australia or the NHS in the United Kingdom in that it establishes a publicly funded healthcare baseline, though its co-payment structure differs considerably from those models.

HZZO coverage extends to basic eye care; however, in many cases only 80% of treatment costs are met by the fund, leaving the patient responsible for a 20% co-payment. Insured individuals are obliged to contribute to the cost of healthcare services that are not fully covered by the fund. The minimum co-payment is €1.32, while the maximum cannot exceed €530.88 per invoice (as of 2025).

An optional supplementary plan called dopunsko insurance is available from both HZZO and private insurers. This top-up policy eliminates most co-payments across prescriptions, GP visits, diagnostic procedures, and hospital admissions. Dopunsko plans are relatively affordable — typically no more than around €10 per month for most options (as of 2024) — and most long-term residents and expats regard this supplement as a worthwhile investment.

A further tier of private supplemental cover called dodatno insurance is also on offer, available exclusively from banks and private insurers. This level of coverage includes specialist consultations, a broader range of treatments, preventive care, laboratory investigations, and extended hospital stays. Holders of this type of policy can access leading private clinics across Croatia without the need for referrals or enduring waiting lists.

Publicly funded optical care, as in many healthcare systems, is associated with notable waiting periods, which is why many expats elect to use private services instead. While some private providers were previously contracted into the national insurance scheme, this is generally no longer the arrangement. Visits to most private eye clinics therefore require direct payment or cover through private insurance, rather than reimbursement via HZZO.

For the most up-to-date information on covered services, refer to the official HZZO website or the Croatian Ministry of Health, as entitlements and co-payment thresholds are revised periodically.

What does a routine eye examination cost in Croatia?

For HZZO-registered patients accessing eye care through public channels, a routine ophthalmology consultation at a contracted facility is subsidised, with the patient covering only the applicable co-payment. A standard fee of €1.32 per consultation applies at contracted providers (as of 2025). This route typically requires a GP referral and may involve waiting times before an appointment is available.

For those opting for private care — as many expats prefer — the cost varies according to location and clinic type. Private specialist visits in Croatia generally fall in the range of €40 to €65 (based on recent pricing data). A standard eye examination at a high-street optometrist tends to sit at the lower end of this scale, while a consultation at a specialist ophthalmic clinic incorporating more advanced diagnostic assessments will typically cost more.

The quality of healthcare provision varies across the country: major cities and tourist-frequented areas generally maintain high standards, while more remote regions may have limited access to advanced specialist care. This geographic variation is also reflected in pricing, with private clinic fees in Zagreb tending to be higher than in smaller towns — though still substantially more affordable than equivalent care in much of Western Europe.

Paediatric eye health is a priority within the HZZO framework, with dedicated ophthalmology services available through the public sector. The Ophthalmology Clinic of the Clinical Hospital “Sveti Duh” in Zagreb holds recognition from the World Health Organization and serves as the Reference Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. For current fee information, contact the relevant clinic directly or consult the HZZO or Croatian Ministry of Health websites, as costs are subject to periodic revision.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Croatia?

Prescription eyewear in Croatia is widely accessible and is generally regarded as reasonably priced when compared with Western European markets. With a good number of optometrists operating across the country, patients typically wait no more than a week to receive new contact lenses or spectacles. Optical retailers can be found in all major urban centres, within shopping malls, and along high streets throughout Croatia.

The price of prescription spectacles spans a broad range depending on frame brand, lens specification, and the optical retailer chosen. Basic single-vision prescription glasses can be purchased for well under €100 at budget-oriented opticians, while designer frames with progressive or premium lenses can reach several hundred euros. Contact lens pricing is competitive and broadly in line with — or slightly below — rates elsewhere in Central Europe, with popular monthly disposable brands available at similar costs to those found in Western European markets.

HZZO does not generally subsidise routine prescription eyewear such as everyday spectacles or contact lenses for adults. Some provision may exist for children or individuals with specific clinical requirements — check with your local HZZO branch or the Ministry of Health for current eligibility details, as these are subject to change. Residents also have the option of accessing optical services from providers outside the HZZO network, either by paying directly or through supplemental private insurance.

A combination of domestic and international optical retail chains operates throughout Croatia, offering products at varied price points. Budget-conscious shoppers will find well-priced frames and lenses without difficulty, while those seeking premium optics will discover specialist clinics and upmarket opticians — particularly in Zagreb and other major cities — stocking a wide array of international brands.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Croatia?

While Croatia’s public health system provides fundamental coverage, waiting times for certain treatments can be considerable and the availability of some specialist services is limited. For these reasons, many expats choose to supplement their public cover with private health insurance, which can offer broader optical benefits and considerably faster access to specialist consultations.

The mandatory HZZO insurance (obvezno) covers medically necessary ophthalmological consultations and treatments at contracted public facilities. It encompasses core medical services including primary care, specialist referrals, emergency treatment, hospital care, and medications listed on the HZZO formulary. Routine vision tests at private optometrists, prescription eyewear, and most elective procedures are not included within this coverage.

Typical exclusions in international health insurance policies can include pre-existing conditions, routine dental and vision care, and treatment related to high-risk activities. Cosmetic procedures and treatments considered medically unnecessary are also commonly excluded. It is therefore essential to read policy terms closely before purchasing cover, particularly with regard to optical benefits.

Before incurring costs, confirm with your insurer whether optical care is included in your policy; you may need to pay upfront and submit a reimbursement claim afterwards. Some surgical procedures may also require pre-approval from your insurer, so if you are considering elective eye treatment, it is prudent to contact your provider before booking.

Beyond HZZO, many expats supplement their cover with international or expat-specific health insurance plans. When comparing options, look for specific information on: routine eye examination coverage, eyewear allowances, ophthalmology specialist consultations, management of chronic conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, and coverage for surgical interventions including cataract removal. Annual optical allowances and sub-limits for spectacles and contact lenses differ considerably between providers, so careful comparison is worthwhile.

How do I access specialist or hospital-based eye care in Croatia?

Primary healthcare in Croatia is delivered through a network of general practitioners and other primary care specialists based in health centres (dom zdravlja) or private practices contracted with HZZO. Patients must register with a primary care physician, who acts as the gateway to specialist services. This arrangement helps direct healthcare resources appropriately and ensures orderly referrals to secondary and tertiary facilities.

Accessing an ophthalmologist through the public system generally requires a referral from your registered GP. A family doctor determines whether a patient requires further care at secondary or tertiary level, and an appropriate referral then grants the patient access to contracted hospitals and polyclinics under the mandatory insurance scheme. As is the case in many healthcare systems, public provision in Croatia can be hampered by extended waiting periods for specialist appointments and surgical procedures.

Private specialist care, by contrast, is accessible without a referral. Holders of private additional health insurance can book specialist examinations and receive care at private clinics without referrals or waiting lists — a significant advantage for expats managing ongoing conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or age-related macular degeneration, where timely review is clinically important.

Croatia’s hospital-based ophthalmology sector is particularly strong in Zagreb. The Svjetlost Eye Hospital in Zagreb, for example, is affiliated with the local university and employs more than 40 ophthalmologists. Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital in Zagreb has been a WHO collaborating centre since 2019 and was the first centre of excellence in the region to offer gene therapy for hereditary eye conditions, placing Croatia among only six countries worldwide to use this treatment approach in ophthalmology.

Cataract surgery — a procedure that can dramatically restore clarity of vision — is available within both the public and private sectors. Advances in surgical technique and equipment have made the procedure quicker and more comfortable than ever, allowing patients to return to everyday activities with relative ease. Those seeking cataract surgery through the public system will typically require a GP referral and should expect to wait. For current waiting time information, contact the Croatian Ministry of Health or your regional HZZO office directly.

Step-by-step: accessing specialist eye care in Croatia through the public system

1. Register with HZZO: Ensure your mandatory health insurance (obvezno) is active. Visit your regional HZZO office with your OIB (Croatian personal identification number), proof of residence, and any required employment documentation.
2. Register with a GP: Choose and register with a family doctor (GP) at a local health centre (dom zdravlja) or contracted private practice. Your GP is your entry point to specialist referrals.
3. Obtain a GP referral: Describe your eye symptoms or concerns to your GP. If specialist care is warranted, they will issue a referral to an ophthalmologist at a contracted hospital or clinic.
4. Attend the ophthalmology appointment: Present your HZZO health insurance card and referral at the ophthalmology department. Be prepared for potential waiting times, especially for non-urgent cases.
5. Co-payment: Pay any applicable co-payment (minimum €1.32 as of 2025) unless you hold dopunsko supplementary insurance, which covers this cost.
6. Follow-up treatment: If further investigations, surgery, or ongoing management are required, your ophthalmologist will coordinate next steps within the public system or advise on private options if preferred.

Is laser eye surgery or cosmetic eye treatment available in Croatia?

Croatia has a well-established market for elective refractive surgery, with LASIK and related procedures widely available. Zagreb in particular has built a strong reputation for ophthalmic excellence that draws patients from across Europe. The city’s ophthalmological offering is both extensive and consistently high in quality, with notable clients including professional athletes, performers, and public figures.

Numerous facilities across Croatia offer LASIK procedures, with prices beginning at around $1,442 (approximately €1,300) in Zagreb (as of 2025). These figures are generally well below equivalent procedure costs in Western Europe, making Croatia an attractive destination for refractive surgery tourism as well as for resident expats. Pricing varies depending on the technique employed (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or SMILE), whether femtosecond laser technology is used, and the complexity of the prescription being treated — so always confirm current fees directly with your chosen clinic.

Elective laser eye surgery is not included within HZZO public insurance and is treated as a self-funded private procedure. Despite its strong track record of success, most statutory health insurers classify it as elective and therefore not medically necessary, given that spectacles and contact lenses represent less expensive corrective alternatives. Some private insurance policies may offer a partial contribution towards refractive surgery costs — confirm this with your insurer before proceeding.

Clinics providing refractive surgery in Croatia operate under Croatian Ministry of Health oversight and are subject to EU standards for medical practice. Surgeons should hold board certification in ophthalmology, and facilities should comply with EU medical standards and relevant ISO certification requirements. When evaluating a clinic for elective surgery, enquire about the technology in use, the operating surgeon’s qualifications and experience, and what aftercare is included within the quoted fee. Internationally recognised centres such as Svjetlost Eye Hospital and Bilic Vision Clinic in Zagreb represent examples of well-regarded providers. The Croatian Ministry of Health and the Croatian Ophthalmological and Optometric Society can provide guidance on regulated providers.

What should I do about my existing prescriptions or eye records when moving to Croatia?

Before departing your current country of residence, obtain copies of your most recent eye prescription along with any pertinent clinical records — including specialist test results such as visual field assessments, OCT imaging, or documentation relating to ongoing conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Prescriptions are typically expressed in a standardised international format (sphere, cylinder, axis, and addition values) that Croatian opticians and ophthalmologists can interpret without difficulty.

Croatian optical shops and opticians will accept a valid foreign prescription for the purpose of supplying glasses or contact lenses, provided it remains current — usually within one to two years of issue. If your prescription has lapsed, or if you simply wish to establish a relationship with a local provider, booking a new eye examination with a private optometrist or ophthalmologist is straightforward and does not require a GP referral. Optical stores and optometrists can be located easily throughout the country, with referrals to ophthalmologists arranged where clinically necessary.

Once you have registered with a new GP in Croatia, your previous general medical documentation should be transferred to your new doctor within three days of HZZO processing the change. Eye-specific records from abroad, however, will not transfer automatically — you will need to bring copies with you or request them from your former provider before departing. If you have a complex or longstanding eye condition, it is especially important to arrive with comprehensive clinical documentation so that your new ophthalmologist in Croatia can build a thorough understanding of your history.

If you rely on prescription eye drops or other medication to manage a chronic eye condition, bring a sufficient supply to cover the transition period and carry a copy of your prescription so that a Croatian prescriber can continue your treatment without interruption. Medications in Croatia may be marketed under different brand names than those you are familiar with, but the same active ingredients are generally available. Your new GP or ophthalmologist will be able to advise on local equivalents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be enrolled with HZZO to access eye care in Croatia?

All residents and expatriates living legally in Croatia are required to register with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) and make the appropriate insurance contributions. HZZO membership grants access to subsidised care at contracted public providers, which includes ophthalmology services. Those without registration will be required to pay the full cost of all healthcare privately, including any eye care. Enrolling with HZZO should therefore be among your earliest priorities upon establishing legal residence in Croatia.

Can I visit a private eye clinic without a GP referral in Croatia?

Yes. Private ophthalmology clinics and optometrists can be accessed directly without a referral from a GP. Holders of private additional health insurance can book specialist eye examinations at private facilities in Croatia without needing a referral or facing a waiting list. Fees must be settled out of pocket or reclaimed through private insurance, but appointments can typically be secured much sooner than through the public route.

Is eye care in Croatia free under the public system?

HZZO covers the cost of basic eye care, but treatment is not entirely free unless you also hold dopunsko supplementary insurance. In most cases, 80% of treatment costs are met by the fund, with the patient responsible for the remaining 20% as a co-payment. Dopunsko insurance eliminates most of these co-payments across doctor visits, prescriptions, and diagnostic tests.

How long are waiting times for eye appointments in Croatia’s public system?

As with many national healthcare systems, the public sector in Croatia is associated with extended waiting times for optical care. Patients can sometimes wait several months for specialist consultations, surgical procedures, or diagnostic imaging. For urgent eye conditions, presenting at a hospital emergency department or choosing private care will generally result in much faster access to treatment. Contact the Croatian Ministry of Health or your regional HZZO office for current information on waiting periods.

Are LASIK and other elective eye surgeries available in Croatia, and how much do they cost?

Multiple facilities across Croatia offer LASIK procedures, with prices starting from around $1,442 (approximately €1,300) in Zagreb as of 2025. This represents a significant saving compared with equivalent procedures in many Western European countries. These treatments are not covered by HZZO and must be funded privately. Always confirm the exact cost and what is included — such as pre-operative assessments and follow-up appointments — directly with the clinic before making a commitment.

Will a foreign eye prescription be accepted by Croatian opticians?

Yes. International prescriptions expressed in the standard format (sphere, cylinder, axis, and addition values) are recognised and accepted by Croatian opticians when dispensing spectacles and contact lenses. If a prescription is more than one to two years old, most providers will advise a fresh examination before dispensing new eyewear. With a good number of optometrists operating across Croatia, patients typically wait no longer than a week for new glasses or contact lenses.

Does private health insurance in Croatia cover routine eye tests and glasses?

Many international and private health insurance policies exclude routine vision care and prescription eyewear as standard, alongside pre-existing conditions and similar items. This means that standard policies may not cover routine eye examinations or the cost of spectacles and contact lenses. Review your policy terms carefully and ask your insurer directly about optical benefits, annual eyewear allowances, and cover for specialist ophthalmology consultations. The scope of vision care coverage varies widely between insurers and plan types.

Where can I find official information about eye care entitlements in Croatia?

The principal official sources are the HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund), which administers compulsory health insurance and publishes details of covered services, and the Croatian Ministry of Health, which is responsible for the oversight of all healthcare regulation and policy. HZZO operates through a Directorate and 20 regional branch offices, with full contact details available on hzzo.hr. The Croatian Ophthalmological and Optometric Society is the relevant professional body for registered eye care practitioners.