Saudi Arabia – Eye Care

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

Saudi Arabia maintains an extensive network of eye care practitioners across its principal urban centres. The profession encompasses ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, ophthalmic technicians, dispensing opticians, and ophthalmic nursing staff. Knowing which professional to approach is essential: optometrists provide primary-level eye care, carry out refractions, and identify common visual problems, while ophthalmologists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in the surgical and clinical management of eye diseases.

As of January 2023, there were 2,608 licensed ophthalmologists registered in Saudi Arabia — roughly 81 per million inhabitants. Although this figure broadly satisfies international benchmarks, the distribution of ophthalmologists across the country is uneven, and access to specialist care can be more limited in outlying regions. Expatriates based in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam will find the broadest selection of eye care providers.

Optical retailers are plentiful in shopping malls and on main commercial streets throughout major cities, and many employ qualified optometrists who can perform vision assessments and dispense prescriptions. For more advanced diagnostic work or the management of eye disease, private specialist eye clinics and hospital-based ophthalmology units are the appropriate route. Among the most prominent institutions is King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, which is one of the largest dedicated ophthalmic centres in the entire region.

Professional licensing and registration in Saudi Arabia falls under the authority of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS). You can confirm that any practitioner you consult holds a valid licence by searching the SCHS website at schs.med.sa. The Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO), founded in 2007 under the auspices of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, is the principal scientific body dedicated to advancing optometry and vision science in the Kingdom. Its website at sso.org.sa is a valuable resource for locating qualified optometry professionals and keeping abreast of professional standards.

The Ministry of Health’s unified digital platform, Sehhaty, enables secure information sharing and provides access to a range of health sector entities across Saudi Arabia. The Sehhaty app, available on both iOS and Android, can be used to locate healthcare providers and schedule appointments, including at eye care facilities.

How is eye care paid for in Saudi Arabia?

Healthcare is provided free of charge to Saudi citizens and those employed in the public sector. The vast majority of non-nationals must arrange private health cover. This stands in sharp contrast to systems such as the NHS in the United Kingdom or Medicare in Australia, where residents — irrespective of nationality — become entitled to subsidised healthcare upon meeting certain residency or contribution criteria. In Saudi Arabia, no such universal entitlement exists for expatriates from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The public healthcare system is inaccessible to residents from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE). For these individuals, all medical treatment — including eye care — must be obtained through private health insurance or financed personally.

Saudi Arabia introduced compulsory employment-based health insurance (CEBHI) initially for all expatriates in the private sector, subsequently extending this obligation to cover all private-sector employees and their dependents. The Council for Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) governs the insurance framework and requires private-sector employers to arrange health cover for their staff and families. As a result, most expatriates working in the private sector should be covered through their employer, although the breadth and quality of that cover can vary considerably.

CCHI-regulated policies place a ceiling on reimbursement for dental treatment, renal dialysis, optical services, and medications. While optical services are included within the policy framework, these caps mean you should not assume your insurer will meet the full cost of spectacles, contact lenses, or all eye-related consultations without first reviewing your policy schedule carefully.

For current information on the CCHI benefit framework, visit the official CCHI website at cchi.gov.sa. The Saudi Ministry of Health website at moh.gov.sa also provides guidance on healthcare entitlements and the facilities available across the Kingdom.

What does a routine eye examination cost in Saudi Arabia?

Unlike countries with state-funded optical programmes — such as the NHS in the United Kingdom, which provides free eye examinations to eligible groups — routine vision assessments in Saudi Arabia are almost always a private, self-funded expense for expatriates. No national scheme exists to subsidise sight tests for the general expatriate population.

A standard vision assessment at a private optical retailer or outpatient clinic typically falls between SAR 100 and SAR 300 (approximately USD 27–80), depending on the type of provider and the city in question, as of 2024. Specialist clinics in Riyadh and Jeddah may charge above this range, particularly when additional diagnostic equipment such as retinal imaging or optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning is employed. Fees at hospital-based ophthalmology departments tend to exceed those at independent optical retailers.

In the private sector, there is generally no reduced pricing for children or elderly patients — charges are set at the discretion of each individual provider. However, if your employer’s insurance policy includes optical benefits and the provider belongs to your insurer’s network, you may only be liable for the standard co-payment. Under CCHI-regulated policies, insured co-payments are capped so as not to exceed 20% of healthcare costs or a maximum of SAR 100 (approximately USD 27) per visit. Always confirm whether a clinic or optical shop falls within your insurer’s approved network before attending.

For the most up-to-date fee information, contact providers directly or consult the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Saudi Society of Optometry, which may publish guidance on standard professional fees.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Saudi Arabia?

Prescription eyewear is widely available across Saudi Arabia and, at the more economical end of the market, is competitively priced. The major cities support a robust optical retail sector, with chain stores and independent opticians present in most shopping centres. International designer frames command a premium, while straightforward frames paired with standard single-vision lenses can be obtained for as little as SAR 150–300 including lenses, as of 2024 (verify current prices directly with retailers before purchasing).

Mid-range complete packages — encompassing frames with single-vision or bifocal lenses — typically fall between SAR 400 and SAR 1,200, depending on the frame brand, lens type, and any coatings selected such as anti-reflection or scratch-resistant treatments, as of 2024. Progressive lenses are considerably more expensive, with lenses alone often starting at SAR 800 and above. As in most markets, boutique or premium outlets in central Riyadh or Jeddah will charge noticeably more than standard retailers.

Contact lenses — both daily disposables and monthly variants — are readily stocked in optical shops and selected pharmacies. Pharmacies are conveniently located throughout cities and often trade late into the evening, with some operating around the clock. Monthly soft lenses from leading international brands are generally priced in line with European markets. The range of coloured or specialist lenses may be more limited outside the principal metropolitan areas.

CCHI insurance policies impose maximum reimbursement limits on optical services. Some policies include a fixed annual optical allowance — for instance, SAR 300–500 per year — which can be applied towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, though this figure varies considerably between plans. Consult your policy documentation or speak to your HR department for precise details. No public subsidy exists for prescription eyewear for expatriates.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Saudi Arabia?

The CCHI administers standardised health insurance benefit packages, mandating coverage for essential medical consultations, treatments, medications, and diagnostic procedures. In practice, however, what this means specifically for eye care depends heavily on the tier of insurance your employer provides and whether you have chosen to supplement it with additional cover.

Basic employer-arranged insurance (often categorised as Class C or an equivalent tier under CCHI classifications) typically covers emergency ophthalmic treatment, medical consultations for diagnosed eye conditions such as glaucoma or ocular infections, and surgical interventions where clinically necessary. That said, CCHI policies impose a ceiling on optical service reimbursement. Routine vision assessments, prescription glasses, and contact lenses are frequently subject to an annual cap rather than full reimbursement.

Services and treatments that are commonly excluded or only partially covered include complex dental care, vision and hearing aids, long-term rehabilitation, elective interventions, and cosmetic procedures. LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures are most frequently classified as elective, meaning standard insurance may not cover them at all.

Higher-tier plans — such as Class A, VIP, or Gold designations — grant access to a broader network of healthcare facilities and ensure a higher standard of service. These premium plans are more likely to offer more generous optical allowances and may extend coverage to a wider range of specialist eye care. If eye health is a particular concern — for example, if you have an established condition such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy — it is worth negotiating for an upgraded plan with your employer before relocating.

Many expatriates living in Saudi Arabia prefer to take out international health insurance, especially if they travel regularly or intend to return to their home country for certain treatments. International policies provide comprehensive coverage across multiple countries, offering flexibility and access to high-quality care wherever the policyholder is located. When assessing any plan, look closely at optical benefits, the annual optical allowance, whether pre-authorisation is required for specialist referrals, and whether pre-existing eye conditions are included. The CCHI website at cchi.gov.sa publishes a full list of approved insurers operating within the Kingdom.

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

In Saudi Arabia’s private healthcare sector, seeing an ophthalmologist generally does not require a formal referral from a general practitioner — patients may self-refer directly to a specialist clinic or hospital eye department. However, your insurer may require a referral letter to authorise coverage, so it is essential to review your policy terms before making a booking. Attending a provider outside your insurer’s approved network may leave you responsible for the full cost of the appointment.

Optometrists will frequently refer patients to an ophthalmologist when laser or surgical management is indicated. For many patients, a sensible starting point is a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist at a high-street optical retailer; if a condition requiring medical or surgical care is identified, an onward referral to an ophthalmologist can follow.

Saudi Arabia is home to a number of highly specialised tertiary eye care centres. King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) in Riyadh is the country’s largest dedicated eye hospital, treating complex conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and paediatric eye disorders. It treats both Saudi nationals and expatriate patients and carries strong international recognition. Major private hospital groups — among them Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, Saudi German Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare — also operate ophthalmology departments with well-established reputations.

Access to eye care can remain difficult owing to a shortage of skilled ophthalmologists and specialist optometrists at the primary care level, an insufficiently clear referral pathway, and constraints on staffing. These challenges are more pronounced in smaller cities and rural settings. Expatriates living outside major urban centres may benefit from planning ahead for any specialist care they might need in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. The uneven geographical distribution of ophthalmologists can affect the availability of care in peripheral areas.

Waiting times for elective procedures in the private sector are generally short when compared with publicly funded systems, but costs are correspondingly higher. For current information on waiting times, contact the Saudi Ministry of Health or enquire directly with the ophthalmology department of your chosen facility.

Is laser eye surgery or cosmetic eye treatment available in Saudi Arabia?

LASIK and related laser refractive procedures are well established in Saudi Arabia, with dedicated eye surgery centres operating in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other major cities. The sector has expanded considerably over recent decades, and patients can access modern techniques including Femto-LASIK and SMILE at leading private facilities.

In major metropolitan centres such as Riyadh and Jeddah, patients can expect to pay approximately SAR 15,000 to SAR 25,000 (roughly USD 4,000 to USD 6,700) for LASIK, as of 2024. Those in smaller cities may find more affordable options, with costs potentially ranging from SAR 10,000 to SAR 20,000. These figures should be confirmed directly with providers, as pricing varies by clinic, the technology employed, and the complexity of the individual patient’s prescription.

As of 2024, some major health insurance plans in Saudi Arabia have begun offering partial coverage for LASIK procedures, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. However, many plans continue to regard LASIK as an elective procedure and will not contribute to the cost. Always clarify your insurer’s position on refractive surgery before proceeding, and obtain pre-authorisation where your policy requires it.

Regulation of ophthalmic surgical practice sits with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS), which licences all practising ophthalmologists. Before undergoing laser eye surgery, confirm that your surgeon holds a current SCHS licence and that the facility is accredited by the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI). Oculoplastic and cosmetic eye procedures — such as blepharoplasty (surgical correction of the eyelids) — are also available at private clinics and are generally treated as elective, self-funded procedures.

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

Before departing your home country, take concrete steps to safeguard continuity of your eye care. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a copy of your most recent prescription — most practitioners will provide this on request, and in many countries you are legally entitled to it. Request a clinical summary as well, particularly if you have an ongoing eye condition such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or dry eye disease.

1. Obtain your current prescription in writing before you move. Confirm it is clearly dated and specifies whether it applies to glasses, contact lenses, or both, as these prescriptions differ. A contact lens prescription should include the base curve, diameter, and brand details.
2. Bring an adequate supply of contact lenses or spare glasses to last through the period before you register with a new provider. The availability of niche lens brands is generally good in the major Saudi cities, though specialist products may need to be ordered in advance.
3. Request your clinical records if you have any diagnosed eye conditions. An ophthalmology summary letter — translated into English or Arabic if originally written in another language — will enable a new provider to understand your history efficiently.
4. Register with an optometrist or ophthalmologist in Saudi Arabia promptly on arrival. Many private clinics and optical retailers are able to accommodate new patients without a prior appointment for routine examinations.
5. Check whether your prescription will be accepted by local optical shops. Foreign prescriptions — from Europe, North America, or elsewhere — are widely accepted by private optical retailers in Saudi Arabia for dispensing glasses and contact lenses, provided the prescription is current (typically within one to two years) and includes all necessary parameters.
6. Notify your insurer of any pre-existing eye conditions, as these may need to be disclosed when taking out or renewing a CCHI-regulated policy. Failing to declare a condition can jeopardise future claims relating to it.

Saudi Arabia has no mandatory centralised registration system for eye care patients equivalent to signing on with a GP in the United Kingdom. You select your provider and attend as required. Nevertheless, if you have an ongoing eye condition, maintaining a consistent relationship with one clinic or hospital department is advisable, as it ensures your records remain coherent within the Saudi system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the public healthcare system for eye care as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia?

The public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia is not open to expatriates from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi nationals and GCC citizens may access subsidised public eye care, but the majority of expatriates must use private providers and rely on health insurance or pay out of pocket. If you are employed in the public sector, your employment contract may grant access to government health facilities — consult your employer to confirm.

Is private health insurance for eye care mandatory in Saudi Arabia?

Under Saudi law, health insurance for expatriates is not optional — it is a statutory obligation. Employers are required to ensure that their employees and dependents are covered. Saudi Arabia has also introduced a requirement for foreign nationals to secure health insurance prior to the issuance of temporary work visas, with insurance to be arranged through a CCHI-registered provider. Eye care falls within the broader health insurance framework, though the degree of optical coverage depends on the tier of plan in place.

What is the CCHI and how does it affect my eye care coverage?

The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) regulates the health insurance market and ensures that expatriates working in the Kingdom have access to essential healthcare services. The CCHI establishes minimum benefit standards for all approved insurers, including caps on optical services. Visit the CCHI website for the current unified benefit schedule and a directory of approved insurers.

How much should I expect to pay for a routine eye test in Saudi Arabia?

A standard vision assessment at a private optical shop generally costs between SAR 100 and SAR 300 (approximately USD 27–80) as of 2024, though fees at specialist clinics may be higher. If your insurance policy includes optical benefits and the provider is within your network, your personal liability may be limited to the standard co-payment. Always confirm fees and insurance entitlements before attending your appointment.

Are there English-language services available at eye clinics in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. In light of the large expatriate community, private hospitals, specialist eye clinics, and many optical shops in the major cities routinely provide services in several languages. The majority of ophthalmologists practising in Saudi Arabia are internationally trained non-Saudi nationals, so consultations in languages other than Arabic are common in the private sector. When scheduling an appointment, it is advisable to confirm language availability in advance.

Will my foreign glasses prescription be accepted by optical shops in Saudi Arabia?

In most instances, yes. Private optical shops in Saudi Arabia will generally dispense glasses or contact lenses from a foreign prescription, as long as it is current (typically within one to two years) and contains all the required parameters. If your prescription is out of date or incomplete, the optometrist will recommend a fresh eye examination before dispensing. Always carry your original prescription document when visiting an optical shop for the first time.

Is LASIK surgery available and regulated in Saudi Arabia?

LASIK and other laser refractive procedures are widely available at private eye surgery centres in the major cities of Saudi Arabia. Fees in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah typically range from SAR 15,000 to SAR 25,000 as of 2024. All ophthalmologists must hold a licence issued by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS). Verify your surgeon’s credentials through the SCHS website and confirm that your chosen facility holds CBAHI accreditation before going ahead.

What should I do if I have an existing eye condition such as glaucoma or macular degeneration?

If you are managing an ongoing eye condition, take the following steps before and after your move: obtain a comprehensive clinical summary from your current ophthalmologist; disclose your condition fully to your insurer, as non-disclosure can invalidate future claims; identify a suitable specialist clinic in Saudi Arabia before you relocate; and arrange an appointment promptly after arrival to maintain care continuity. King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh and the ophthalmology departments of major private hospital groups are equipped to manage complex conditions. The Saudi Ministry of Health and the Saudi Society of Optometry can offer further guidance on locating qualified specialists.