Greece – Eye Care

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

Optometrists and ophthalmologists practise throughout Greece, and locating an eye care professional is generally not difficult, with a number of useful resources at your disposal. As with most healthcare disciplines, services are most densely concentrated in the major urban centres, especially Athens and Thessaloniki.

As is the case across most of the Greek healthcare landscape, city-based provision is considerably more robust than what is available in rural areas. If you plan to settle in a smaller community or on an island, it is sensible to investigate local options in advance, since both waiting times and the availability of specialists can differ markedly from the capital.

Greece draws a clear distinction between optometrists — professionals trained to test vision and supply corrective eyewear — and ophthalmologists, who are fully qualified medical doctors able to diagnose and treat diseases of the eye. If you have concerns about your ocular health rather than simply your vision, an ophthalmologist is the appropriate person to consult, as only they can diagnose medical conditions and prescribe clinical treatments.

Since 2018, optometry has been a formally regulated profession in Greece. Practitioners may only work as opticians once they have obtained the requisite qualifications, and they are required to register with the appropriate Regional Department of the Panhellenic Association of Optical Optometrists and hold a degree from the Optics Departments of TEI or equivalent institutions. Patients can therefore rely on a consistent baseline of professional competence.

The Greek Society of Ophthalmology plays a central role in advancing the discipline and upholding standards among ophthalmologists across the country. You can also search for EOPYY-contracted practitioners — including ophthalmologists — through the provider search function on the official website at eopyy.gov.gr, where you can identify healthcare professionals who hold a contract with EOPYY.

Greek business directories including vrisko.gr and xo.gr list ophthalmology clinics throughout Greece along with their contact details and addresses. Online booking platforms such as doctoranytime.gr enable you to browse verified specialists and reserve appointments at your convenience, which is particularly handy when you are newly arrived and still finding your feet.

How is eye care paid for in Greece?

Greece’s principal statutory health insurance body is EOPYY (National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services), which extends coverage to more than 95% of the population. EOPYY acts as the primary gateway to publicly funded or subsidised healthcare, including certain elements of eye care — although the level of coverage you receive depends substantially on how and where you choose to access services.

EOPYY underwrites health insurance for all residents of Greece and meets some or all of the cost of ophthalmic services — including eye examinations, glasses or contact lenses, and cataract procedures — but only when these are obtained through EOPYY-contracted providers or the public hospital network. This differs considerably from systems such as Australia’s Medicare, which offers universal rebates regardless of provider; in Greece, whether your chosen practitioner holds an EOPYY contract is of central importance.

Should you consult a private doctor or attend a clinic without an EOPYY contract, you will bear the entire cost yourself. This is a critical point for expats who might naturally gravitate toward a conveniently located private clinic without first verifying its contract status. Unlike the UK’s NHS model, where care is largely delivered through a directly operated public infrastructure, Greece depends heavily on a contracted private sector working alongside its public hospitals.

Fundamental ophthalmology consultations are available at no charge through the public health system, though the boundary between what is deemed clinically necessary and what is regarded as an optional extra can sometimes be unclear. It is worth establishing precisely what your eye care will involve before committing to any procedures.

In most circumstances, patients contribute 25% of the cost of prescribed medications. For diagnostic procedures carried out at EOPYY-contracted private clinics or private health providers, a 15% patient co-payment applies to the cost of those examinations.

Additional out-of-pocket spending is common in primary care settings. Expats who have not yet enrolled with EOPYY — for instance, those who have recently arrived or are self-employed — will generally pay the full private rate for any eye care until their registration is completed. You should verify your eligibility status directly with EOPYY at eopyy.gov.gr or via the national healthcare contact point at eu-healthcare.eopyy.gov.gr.

What does a routine eye examination cost in Greece?

Ophthalmic service costs in Greece depend on the nature of the service and the area in which it is delivered. A private optometrist appointment in Athens, for example, typically falls in the range of €30 to €70, as of 2023. Beyond the capital, fees at independent opticians can be somewhat lower, though specialist private clinics equipped with advanced diagnostic technology may charge more.

Routine check-ups tend not to be prohibitively expensive, and eyeglass frames are generally cheaper than in many comparable European countries. This makes day-to-day eye care reasonably accessible on a self-pay basis, even for those who have not yet secured EOPYY coverage — though it is always advisable to confirm whether a provider holds an EOPYY contract if you want to benefit from any public health entitlement.

For patients accessing care through EOPYY-contracted ophthalmologists at public hospitals or health centres, the examination may be available at little or no direct cost, depending on any applicable co-payments. When you book an appointment at a PEDY health centre, a rural health centre, or a hospital outpatient clinic, you gain direct entry to outpatient healthcare services. The treating doctor can then issue an electronic prescription for medicines or investigations, or a referral onward to a specialist.

Children and elderly patients may be entitled to additional subsidies or expedited pathways through the public system — particularly for conditions such as amblyopia in children or age-related eye disease in older adults — but the precise details of any such entitlements should be confirmed with the Hellenic Ministry of Health (moh.gov.gr) or EOPYY directly, as the rules are subject to change. Always seek up-to-date guidance from the relevant authority.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Greece?

By European standards, prescription eyewear in Greece is widely regarded as good value. Frames tend to be priced more competitively than in many other European nations. Naturally, opting for designer frames or having a particularly complex prescription will push costs higher. Standard single-vision lenses paired with mid-range frames are plentiful at high-street opticians in cities and larger towns, at prices that most people find reasonable.

Both monthly and daily disposable contact lenses are readily stocked at opticians and selected pharmacies. Pricing is broadly in line with other EU member states, though specialist lenses — such as toric or multifocal varieties — and branded lens solutions carry a premium. Ordering online from European suppliers is a common and practical way to reduce costs, provided you hold a valid, current prescription.

Residents insured through EOPYY have access to a partial subsidy for prescription glasses. The process involves visiting an EOPYY-contracted ophthalmologist to have your prescription issued, then arranging an appointment at your local EOPYY office for the prescription to be reviewed and approved by the auditing physician. You then submit the required documentation to EOPYY — either online or in person at your local office. Since the ophthalmologist’s prescription is already recorded within the EOPYY system, you will additionally need to provide a retail receipt from the optical store clearly showing your full name and details of the prescription lenses purchased. This procedure enables eligible insured residents to receive a partial reimbursement toward the total cost of their eyewear.

Expats who have not yet enrolled with EOPYY will pay the full retail price for any eyewear they purchase. Major optical retail chains are present in Greece, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, alongside a wide variety of independent opticians. Prices at opticians in island communities or tourist-oriented locations can be elevated, so it is worth visiting a city-based provider or comparing prices if expense is a consideration.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Greece?

How much private health insurance covers in terms of eye care depends heavily on the individual policy you hold. Many entry-level private insurance products available in Greece will include specialist consultations (ophthalmology among them), diagnostic investigations, and medically necessary procedures such as cataract surgery — but standard eye examinations and corrective eyewear are routinely excluded unless you select a more comprehensive plan or add an optical extension.

Expats are generally required to hold private health insurance before they can register with a doctor in Greece, and even once public healthcare entitlements have been confirmed, most people find that ophthalmic care still involves some direct payment or requires explicit optical cover within their private policy. This reflects a wider characteristic of the Greek system, whereby dental and optical services receive less comprehensive public funding than hospital-based treatment.

International health insurance products — such as those offered by providers including Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or Bupa Global — frequently include more generous optical benefits than policies purchased locally in Greece. When evaluating plans, pay particular attention to the following features: whether routine eye examinations are included; the existence of a defined annual optical allowance toward glasses or contact lenses; cover for specialist ophthalmology consultations; and coverage for surgical procedures such as cataract extraction or retinal treatment. Laser vision correction and other elective refractive interventions are almost invariably excluded from standard insurance policies, in Greece as elsewhere.

EU citizens temporarily present in Greece who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may access public healthcare at no cost at PEDY health centres and ESY public hospitals. However, the EHIC is designed to cover medically necessary treatment during a visit, not routine or ongoing care for people who have taken up residence — so it is not an adequate substitute for EOPYY registration once you are actually living in the country.

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

To obtain specialist treatment, you have the option of consulting an ophthalmologist who holds an EOPYY contract, a specialist attached to an ESY public hospital, or a private clinic that has entered into a contract with EOPYY. It is also possible to attend a private specialist directly without a GP referral, though you will bear the full cost unless the provider is EOPYY-contracted.

In rural and semi-urban areas, ambulatory care is delivered largely through a network of PEDY health centres staffed by both GPs and specialists, including ophthalmologists. This means that access to specialist eye care is not entirely restricted to major cities — though the breadth of conditions that can be managed and the diagnostic technology on hand may be more limited than at large urban hospital eye departments.

Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can be treated at both ESY public hospitals and private specialist clinics. Cataract surgery at a private hospital typically costs between €1,500 and €3,000, as of 2023. Within the public system, medically necessary cataract surgery is available to eligible insured patients through EOPYY at substantially reduced cost, or free of charge. Waiting times at public hospitals can be extended, while private specialist clinics — which frequently employ the latest diagnostic and surgical technology — generally offer a high standard of care.

Dedicated ophthalmology hospitals also operate in Greece. The Athens Eye Hospital, for example, is recognised as a leading ophthalmology facility with modern infrastructure and a comprehensive range of services extending across Greece and Southeast Europe. Such specialist institutions typically provide the full spectrum of treatments for complex conditions, from vitreoretinal surgery to corneal transplantation.

It is worth bearing in mind that even where eye procedures are provided without charge at the point of delivery, this is only the case at public hospitals. Occasionally a doctor will refer you to a specialist who practises exclusively in the private sector, or who divides their time between public and private settings. Always establish in advance whether you are being directed to a public or private practitioner, so you are not confronted by unexpected bills.

For the most current information on waiting times and public hospital ophthalmology services, consult the Hellenic Ministry of Health at moh.gov.gr or contact EOPYY directly at eopyy.gov.gr.

How to access specialist eye care in Greece: a step-by-step guide

1. Register with EOPYY — Once you are a legal resident contributing to the Greek social security system (IKA/EFKA) or covered through another qualifying route, register with EOPYY at eopyy.gov.gr to access subsidised care.
2. Visit a PEDY health centre or public hospital outpatient clinic — For non-emergency eye concerns, start at primary care level. Booking an appointment at a PEDY health centre, a rural health centre, or a hospital outpatient clinic gives you direct access to outpatient healthcare services.
3. Obtain a referral or electronic prescription — Your doctor can issue an electronic prescription for the required medicines or investigations, or a referral directing you to a specialist.
4. Choose a contracted specialist — Select a specialist holding an EOPYY contract, a specialist at an ESY hospital, or an EOPYY-contracted private clinic. Use the EOPYY provider directory to confirm contract status before booking.
5. Attend your specialist appointment — Bring your AMKA (social security number), EOPYY registration documents, and any referral letter or electronic referral code.
6. Pay any applicable co-payments — For diagnostic tests carried out at EOPYY-contracted private clinics, a 15% patient contribution applies to the cost of those examinations.
7. Follow up or claim eyewear subsidy — If glasses are prescribed, follow the EOPYY reimbursement procedure at eopyy.gov.gr to claim any optical benefit to which you are entitled.

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

Laser eye surgery enjoys strong demand in Greece, attracting patients from across Europe who travel specifically to undergo the procedure. The country has built a solid reputation in refractive surgery, with a number of specialist centres in Athens and other cities offering LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and more sophisticated techniques such as Femto-LASIK and SMILE.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery in Greece begins at approximately $950 (roughly €880–€900), as of 2024–2025, based on verified clinic pricing data. More broadly, the cost of LASIK treatment in Greece typically falls in the range of $800 to $2,100, with an average of around $1,450, and the price varies according to the clinic’s standing, location, the expertise of the surgeon, and the range of services bundled into the package. Always request a comprehensive, itemised quotation from the clinic and establish precisely what is covered — pre-operative assessments, post-operative follow-up appointments, and retreatment guarantees can differ considerably between providers.

Laser eye surgery is almost never available at no cost through the public health system, save in highly exceptional medical circumstances. That said, although you will be required to fund the procedure privately, costs in Greece are likely to be lower than you might encounter in many other countries — a factor that has contributed to the country’s growing profile as a destination for refractive surgery medical tourism.

Elective refractive surgery in Greece is regulated through the medical licensing framework governing all surgical specialties. Ophthalmologists performing laser procedures must hold full medical qualifications and be registered with the relevant medical association. Specialist laser eye clinics in Athens operate under both Greek and EU medical regulations. When selecting a clinic, look for surgeons who hold the FEBO (Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology) qualification or comparable international credentials, and enquire about the technology in use — contemporary bladeless Femto-LASIK platforms offer enhanced precision. The Greek Ministry of Health is responsible for licensing healthcare facilities; refer to moh.gov.gr for guidance on licensed establishments.

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

Before departing your current country of residence, request a copy of your most recent spectacle or contact lens prescription from your optometrist. In most jurisdictions, opticians are legally required to supply this on request. It is also worthwhile asking for a concise summary of any diagnosed eye conditions, recent procedures, or specialist reports — particularly if you have ongoing conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or a history of retinal surgery.

Foreign prescriptions are generally honoured by opticians in Greece when it comes to dispensing glasses or contact lenses. Greek optical professionals use the standard international notation (sphere, cylinder, axis, and addition for presbyopia), so a prescription from any country that follows the standard format will be intelligible. Do bear in mind, however, that prescriptions have a shelf life — typically one to two years — so if yours is older than this, a new eye examination in Greece will be necessary before eyewear can be made up.

If you have an ongoing eye condition that requires treatment, it is wise to arrive with at least a two- to three-month supply of any prescription eye drops or medications to bridge the period while you are getting settled in Greece. Once you are registered with a Greek physician, they can generate the necessary electronic prescription. You can then collect your medication from any pharmacy, provided you present your EHIC or insurance documentation alongside a properly signed and stamped prescription.

If you have an eye condition requiring a prescription, discuss with your local doctor in Greece whether the necessary care is accessible through the national health service. Once you are registered with EOPYY and assigned a personal doctor or specialist, your records will be stored electronically within the Greek national health record system. Bringing translated summaries of key medical history is advisable, particularly if your records are in a language other than Greek or English.

For those arriving from within the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can cover medically necessary care during the transitional period while you are establishing residency. As soon as possible after arriving, apply for your AMKA (social security number) and EOPYY coverage — these form the foundation of your access to the subsidised public health system, including eye care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be registered with EOPYY to access subsidised eye care in Greece?

Yes. EOPYY provides health insurance for all residents of Greece, and enrolment is a prerequisite for accessing subsidised or cost-free eye care — including the eyewear reimbursement scheme. You will also need a valid AMKA (social security number). Without insurance, the full cost of any eye care will fall to you personally. Begin your registration at eopyy.gov.gr.

Can I use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for eye care in Greece?

Holding a European Health Insurance Card entitles you to public healthcare at no charge at PEDY health centres and ESY public hospitals, which includes medically necessary eye treatment. However, the EHIC is designed for people temporarily visiting rather than residing in Greece. Once you are living there, enrolling with EOPYY is the appropriate route to ongoing coverage. Should you attend a private doctor or a clinic without an EOPYY contract, you will be liable for the full cost even if you hold an EHIC.

How much does a routine eye test cost in Greece?

At a private optometrist in Athens, a routine eye examination typically costs between €30 and €70, as of 2023. Costs vary depending on where you are in the country and the type of provider. Accessing care through an EOPYY-contracted ophthalmologist or public health centre may substantially reduce or eliminate this cost, subject to any applicable co-payments. Confirm the fee with your provider before attending.

Are glasses and contact lenses subsidised by the Greek health system?

Yes, in part. The process involves visiting an EOPYY-contracted ophthalmologist to obtain your prescription, then making an appointment at your local EOPYY office so the auditing physician can review and approve it. After purchasing eyewear from a registered optical store, you submit the receipt and supporting documents to EOPYY — either online or in person — to claim reimbursement. The subsidy offsets part of the cost, with the remainder your responsibility. Refer to eopyy.gov.gr for current benefit levels.

Is laser eye surgery covered by insurance or the public health system in Greece?

Public health system funding for laser eye surgery is extremely unlikely except in very exceptional medical circumstances. Standard private and international health insurance policies equally tend to exclude elective refractive procedures. In almost all cases, you will need to fund the surgery yourself. The cost of LASIK in Greece generally ranges from $800 to $2,100, with an average of around $1,450, varying by clinic, location, and surgeon, as of 2024.

Will my foreign eye prescription be accepted at a Greek optician?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. Greek opticians use the internationally recognised prescription format, so a valid prescription from another country should be accepted for dispensing glasses or contact lenses. That said, prescriptions normally expire after one to two years; if yours falls outside this window, a new examination will be required. It is a sensible precaution to obtain a printed or digital copy of your prescription before you leave your home country.

How do I find an EOPYY-contracted ophthalmologist?

The EOPYY website features a provider search tool that allows you to identify healthcare professionals holding a contract with EOPYY. Visit eopyy.gov.gr and use the directory — note that the interface is primarily in Greek. Alternatively, your primary care or PEDY physician can refer you to an EOPYY-contracted ophthalmologist operating in your locality.

What should I do if I have an ongoing eye condition such as glaucoma when I move to Greece?

Bring a comprehensive written record of your diagnosis, treatment history, and current medication prepared by your previous eye specialist or GP. Arrive with at least a two- to three-month supply of any prescription eye drops or medications to avoid a gap in treatment while you get established. Make registering with EOPYY and securing a personal doctor a priority, and ask for a referral to a specialist ophthalmologist promptly. Regular check-ups are especially important for anyone with a history of eye disease, as identifying and treating problems at an early stage is key to protecting your sight and maintaining good eye health.