Indonesia – Eye Care

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

Locating an eye care professional in Indonesia is generally straightforward, with a range of options suited to different needs and budgets. The sector can be understood across three broad tiers: high-street optical outlets for everyday vision correction, dedicated private eye clinics for more thorough diagnostic work, and hospital ophthalmology departments for complex conditions or surgical intervention.

Retail optometrists are a common sight throughout Indonesia, providing eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses on a pay-per-visit basis. Well-established national chains such as Optik Melawai and Optik Seis have branches spread across major shopping centres and department stores throughout the archipelago. Optik Melawai, for instance, is known for having trained staff — including multilingual team members — and is represented in department stores across Jakarta and Bali.

For more involved eye health issues, specialist eye hospitals and clinics are the preferred choice. The Jakarta Eye Center (JEC) evolved into a full-service eye hospital in 1992 and concentrates on delivering advanced diagnostic and surgical care. KMN EyeCare is a significant multi-city network with ophthalmologists catering to patients across several urban centres. Beyond Jakarta, specialist ophthalmology departments can be found within major general hospitals in cities including Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Makassar.

Two national professional bodies can help you identify a suitably qualified practitioner. The Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association — widely known as Perdami — represents the country’s ophthalmologists and offers a searchable member directory, allowing searches by location and area of expertise. The Indonesian Optometrist Association similarly maintains a directory of registered optometrists that can be browsed by location and specialty. Alternatively, your primary care doctor or health insurance provider can point you towards a suitable referral.

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists practising in Indonesia are required to hold a valid licence, and professional bodies oversee standards in the field. Perdami is dedicated to advancing eye health and the development of ophthalmology across the country, working to raise the clinical competency of Indonesian ophthalmologists in step with scientific and technological progress. Practitioner registration can be confirmed through Perdami’s official website or through Indonesia’s Ministry of Health at kemkes.go.id.

How is eye care paid for in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s approach to funding healthcare differs markedly from fully state-funded models such as the NHS in the United Kingdom or Medicare in Australia. Rather than eye care being freely accessible to all residents as a universal entitlement, what you can access and how much you pay depends substantially on your enrolment status in the national insurance scheme and whether you use public or private facilities.

The national health insurance programme is called BPJS Kesehatan (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial Kesehatan). As of February 2024, the scheme had approximately 268 million enrolled members under the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) umbrella. Enrolment is compulsory for Indonesian citizens and permanent residents employed in the formal sector; certain categories of long-term foreign residents may also qualify, but expats on short-term or work visas are generally excluded. Contact BPJS Kesehatan directly to establish your eligibility based on your specific visa and residency situation.

BPJS members seeking eye care must begin the process at their registered primary health facility (FKTP) for an initial assessment, after which they are referred to an eye specialist if further care is needed. This gatekeeping structure is broadly comparable to how GP referrals operate within the NHS — patients cannot ordinarily self-refer to a specialist under the public system. Coverage through BPJS Kesehatan applies to eye conditions with a confirmed medical indication, provided the correct referral procedures are followed.

Covered conditions include glaucoma and eye disease resulting from hypertension, alongside any other medically indicated eye conditions managed through the proper referral route. It is worth noting that while BPJS subsidises prescription glasses, contact lenses used as a vision aid are explicitly excluded from coverage under Ministry of Health Regulation No. 3 of 2023.

Expats who are not enrolled in BPJS must consider alternative arrangements. The main payment routes include out-of-pocket payments, private or international health insurance, high-street optometrists, public hospitals, and private eye clinics. Newly arrived expats will usually need to rely on personal funds or an international health insurance policy until longer-term residency documentation is in place. Always confirm your current entitlements with BPJS Kesehatan and the Ministry of Health.

What does a routine eye examination cost in Indonesia?

At a private optometrist or clinic in Jakarta, a standard eye examination typically falls in the range of IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000 (as of 2023–2024). By comparison, cataract surgery at a private hospital can range from IDR 10,000,000 to IDR 25,000,000. At the more affordable end, some optical chains bundle a basic vision assessment into the purchase of eyewear at no extra charge, while dedicated private clinics levy consultation fees at the upper end of the scale.

Geographic variation plays a meaningful role in pricing. In major urban centres such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali, private clinic fees are generally highest, reflecting elevated operating costs and internationally oriented facilities. In smaller cities and towns, fees at local clinics and optical shops tend to be lower, though the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment may also be more limited.

Public hospitals and clinics do offer eye care — including eye examinations — to all residents, at fees that are generally lower than those charged by private providers. For BPJS members who have obtained a referral through the appropriate pathway, the consultation itself is covered once the administrative process is complete. Expats paying privately at public facilities will typically find the cost considerably less than at international-standard private clinics, though waiting times may be longer and the range of facilities less comprehensive.

There is no nationally standardised fee schedule for private optometrists in Indonesia, so charges can differ considerably from one provider to the next. Always enquire about fees upfront, particularly at hospital-based eye departments where the consultation, diagnostic investigations, and any prescribed treatment may each be invoiced separately. For the most up-to-date guidance on costs, consult the Indonesian Ministry of Health or the Perdami website.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Indonesia?

Indonesia is widely regarded as a cost-effective place to obtain prescription eyewear, especially for straightforward single-vision lenses. High-street optometrists are plentiful and offer eye examinations, glasses, and contact lenses at prices that are generally lower than those charged by private specialists; some practices also offer reductions on eyewear when it is purchased directly from them.

BPJS Kesehatan members who satisfy the relevant medical criteria are entitled to a subsidy towards prescription glasses. The amount varies according to membership class: Class I members receive IDR 300,000; Class II members receive IDR 200,000; and Class III members receive IDR 150,000 (based on 2022–2024 figures). This is a capped contribution rather than full reimbursement — if the glasses exceed the subsidy amount, the member covers the remaining balance. The subsidy may be claimed no more than once every two years per member.

The minimum prescription level required to access the BPJS glasses subsidy is a spherical correction of at least 0.5 dioptres or a cylindrical correction of at least 0.25 dioptres. As noted, contact lenses as a vision correction aid are specifically excluded from BPJS Kesehatan coverage.

For those paying privately, the market offers considerable variety. A basic pair of single-vision glasses from a high-street chain can be had for a few hundred thousand rupiah — roughly USD 20–40 — while premium international designer frames, progressive lenses, and specialist lens coatings can bring the total to several million rupiah. Lenses in Indonesia are typically inexpensive, whereas designer frames may be priced comparably to those in other countries. Bifocal and progressive lenses for complex prescriptions are available at larger optical retailers and private clinics, though production may take longer where work is sent to a central laboratory.

Contact lenses are readily stocked at optical chains and private clinics in city locations. Major international brands of daily disposable, monthly, and toric lenses are generally available, though less common parameters can be difficult to find in smaller towns. If you have an unusual prescription, it is advisable to bring extra supplies — particularly when first arriving in the country.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Indonesia?

The majority of expatriates in Indonesia turn to private health insurance to meet their eye care costs, as BPJS Kesehatan access is limited for foreign nationals and the public system involves a referral process that can be difficult to navigate without established long-term residency documentation.

International private medical insurance (IPMI) policies — designed specifically for people living away from their home country — are the most widely used solution among the expat community. Eye care coverage varies considerably across policies and insurers. Comprehensive IPMI plans commonly include:

• Consultations with an ophthalmologist
• Diagnostic investigations such as visual field testing, retinal photography, or optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Medical management of conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration
• Surgical procedures such as cataract surgery

Routine vision correction — a standard eye test plus prescription glasses or contact lenses — is frequently treated as a separate “optical benefit” and may only be available as an optional add-on to a core medical plan, subject to an annual monetary cap. Some employer-arranged group policies include optical benefits as standard; it is always worth reading your policy schedule thoroughly to understand exactly what is and is not covered.

Elective procedures such as LASIK refractive surgery are typically excluded from standard health insurance policies, though a small number of premium plans may offer a partial contribution. If such a procedure is a priority for you, confirm coverage explicitly with your insurer before making any commitment. When comparing policies, look for those that have direct billing arrangements with leading private hospitals and eye clinics in your city of residence, as this removes the need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.

Some employers in Indonesia include private health insurance in their expatriate remuneration packages. If this applies to you, confirm whether the cover extends to specialist eye consultations and surgical procedures, and whether your dependants are also included.

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

Private eye clinics in Indonesia provide a wide array of specialist services — including cataract surgery, LASIK, and other ophthalmic procedures — at fees that are generally higher than those at public providers. Within the private sector, self-referral is uncomplicated: you can contact institutions such as the Jakarta Eye Center or KMN EyeCare and arrange a consultation directly, without needing a referral from a general practitioner.

The typical process for accessing specialist care at a private eye hospital or clinic is as follows:

1. Reach out to the clinic directly — by telephone, through their website, or in person — to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist.
2. Attend your initial appointment, during which the ophthalmologist will evaluate your overall eye health and address any specific concerns you raise.
3. Complete any further diagnostic tests that are recommended — these may be carried out during the same visit or at a follow-up appointment.
4. Receive a proposed treatment plan. Where surgery is involved, a dedicated pre-operative assessment will be arranged before any procedure takes place.
5. Proceed with the agreed course of treatment, which may involve medication management, a surgical operation, or a structured monitoring programme.
6. Attend all follow-up appointments as advised by your ophthalmologist.

Leading specialist eye hospitals in Indonesia aim to deliver comprehensive sub-specialist care, with ophthalmologists who hold fellowships in specific disciplines and demonstrate advanced proficiency in their particular areas of practice. Subspecialties offered at centres such as JEC and KMN EyeCare include vitreoretinal surgery, paediatric ophthalmology, corneal surgery, glaucoma management, and oculoplastics.

For BPJS members accessing the public system, the pathway is different. Members must first attend their registered primary health facility for an initial review and, if specialist treatment is indicated, receive a referral to an ophthalmologist at a secondary or tertiary facility. Perdami has coordinated charitable cataract surgery campaigns nationwide since 1996 through its Cataract Blindness Prevention Section, acknowledging the substantial burden of avoidable blindness in parts of the country.

Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration can all be managed at major private hospitals and eye centres in Jakarta and other large cities. As with any surgical intervention, costs vary according to the complexity of the case, the technology employed, and the institution chosen. Always request a written cost estimate before giving consent to proceed. The Perdami website and individual hospital websites are useful starting points for current fee information.

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

Indonesia’s leading eye hospitals are at the forefront of refractive surgery, offering procedures including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK. LASIK and its variants — including SMILE and bladeless LASIK — are performed at specialist eye centres in Jakarta and other major cities by internationally trained surgeons using modern equipment that is broadly comparable to facilities elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

LASIK in Indonesia can be more competitively priced than many people anticipate, with providers such as KMN EyeCare committed to delivering high-standard eye care at accessible price points. Exact costs are both procedure- and patient-specific — suitability depends on factors including corneal thickness, prescription strength, and other individual considerations — but LASIK at a reputable Jakarta clinic is generally considerably more affordable than equivalent procedures in Western Europe or Australia. Always obtain a comprehensive written quote following a full pre-operative assessment. For current pricing, contact providers such as Jakarta Eye Center or KMN EyeCare directly.

The regulation of medical procedures in Indonesia falls under the authority of the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian Medical Council (Konsil Kedokteran Indonesia, or KKI). Ophthalmologists performing surgical procedures must hold a current specialist licence registered with the KKI. Applicable regulations and professional standards govern eye care practitioners, and both ophthalmologists and optometrists are required to be licensed before they may practise. Prior to undergoing any elective surgical procedure, confirm that your surgeon is board-certified through Perdami and holds a valid KKI registration. Credentials can be verified via the Ministry of Health website and the KKI.

Cosmetic eye procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and ptosis correction are available at private plastic surgery and ophthalmology clinics, most notably in Jakarta and Bali. These are entirely self-funded procedures and are not covered by BPJS Kesehatan or standard health insurance plans.

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

Before relocating, ensure your glasses prescription is current and that you have a written copy to hand, so that eyewear can be replaced quickly if needed after you arrive. Optical prescriptions in Indonesia follow the same international dioptric notation — sphere, cylinder, axis, and addition for reading — as those issued in Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, meaning your existing prescription will be readily understood by local opticians.

Most high-street opticians and private eye clinics in Indonesia will accept a foreign prescription when making up glasses or supplying contact lenses, provided it is clearly legible and still within its validity period. That said, many opticians will suggest — or may insist on — conducting their own in-store verification test before producing eyewear. This is standard professional practice and is particularly sensible if your prescription is more than a year old or was issued specifically for contact lenses rather than glasses.

When preparing for your move, it is advisable to:

• Obtain a written copy of your current spectacle and/or contact lens prescription from your existing practitioner before you depart.
• Pack at least one spare pair of glasses or a sufficient stock of contact lenses to cover the first few weeks while you are getting settled.
• Request a full copy of your eye health records, especially if you have a diagnosed condition such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or a history of eye surgery — this will save valuable time when registering with a new ophthalmologist in Indonesia.
• Check with your current or Indonesia-based health insurance provider whether the cost of replacement glasses is included under your policy.

Indonesia does not have a formal national patient registration system for eye care comparable to GP registration in countries with universal primary care. When you attend a private clinic or eye hospital for the first time, you will register as a new patient with that specific facility and your records will be maintained there. Consulting your primary care physician or insurance company for a recommendation when you first arrive can be a helpful way to identify a suitable practitioner. For ongoing specialist conditions, bringing a comprehensive referral letter from your previous ophthalmologist — translated into Indonesian where possible — will help ensure continuity of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can expats join BPJS Kesehatan in Indonesia?

Whether you are eligible for BPJS Kesehatan depends on your visa type and residency status. Foreign nationals holding certain long-term work or residency permits may be able to enrol, whereas those on short-term visas are generally excluded. As the rules have been subject to change, it is best to check directly with BPJS Kesehatan or the Ministry of Health for the latest requirements that apply to your particular circumstances.

How much does a routine eye test cost at a private clinic in Indonesia?

A standard eye examination at a private optometrist or clinic in Jakarta typically costs between IDR 150,000 and IDR 300,000 (as of 2023–2024). Fees vary depending on your location and the type of provider; public facilities and certain optical chains charge less, while ophthalmology departments within hospitals may charge more. Always confirm the fee before your appointment.

Does BPJS Kesehatan cover glasses in Indonesia?

Yes — BPJS Kesehatan provides a subsidy towards prescription glasses for eligible members as part of the benefits available through referred eye care facilities. The subsidy is graded by membership class, with the highest class receiving IDR 330,000 based on recent figures. The benefit is available once every two years and must be redeemed at an optical shop holding a partnership agreement with BPJS Kesehatan.

Are contact lenses covered by Indonesian health insurance?

Contact lenses used as a vision aid are not covered by BPJS Kesehatan, as set out in Ministry of Health Regulation No. 3 of 2023. Some private health insurance policies include a modest optical benefit that may extend to contact lenses, though this varies between plans. Review your policy schedule carefully for the specifics.

Is LASIK eye surgery available in Indonesia, and is it safe?

LASIK and related refractive surgery procedures are performed at leading eye hospitals across Indonesia, including institutions such as the Jakarta Eye Center. Surgeons at accredited facilities are required to hold specialist licences registered with the Indonesian Medical Council (KKI). As with any elective surgical procedure, it is important to research your chosen provider thoroughly, verify their credentials through Perdami and KKI, and ensure a complete pre-operative assessment is carried out before proceeding.

Will my foreign eye prescription be accepted in Indonesia?

Yes — prescriptions issued abroad follow the same international notation and will be understood by Indonesian opticians. Most will accept a valid foreign prescription when dispensing glasses, though an in-store verification test is commonly recommended. Carry a written copy of your prescription and any relevant eye health records when you relocate.

What should I do if I have glaucoma or another ongoing eye condition?

Bring a thorough letter from your current ophthalmologist covering your diagnosis, treatment history, current medications, and recent test findings. This will support continuity of care when you register with a specialist in Indonesia. Private eye hospitals such as the Jakarta Eye Center and KMN EyeCare offer dedicated glaucoma and retinal subspecialty services. For BPJS members, glaucoma is among the conditions covered under the national health scheme, provided the standard referral process is followed.

Where can I verify the credentials of an eye doctor in Indonesia?

Perdami, which currently has 24 branches and more than 2,400 members, maintains a searchable directory of registered ophthalmologists on its website. The Indonesian Medical Council (KKI) at kki.go.id holds the national register of licensed medical specialists. For optometrists, the Indonesian Optometrist Association at ioai.or.id lists registered practitioners. Always confirm registration status before undergoing any procedure.