Vietnam – Eye Care

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

Those seeking eye care services in Vietnam will find a range of options, from neighbourhood optical shops to dedicated ophthalmology centres. In contrast to countries that maintain formal national registers for optometrists — such as the General Optical Council in the UK or AHPRA in Australia — Vietnam has no single publicly searchable directory specifically for optometry practitioners. The most practical ways to locate a qualified provider are through recommendations from fellow expats, international clinic networks, and online searches.

High street optometrists offer convenient and affordable access to basic eye care, including vision testing, prescription glasses, and contact lenses, and are typically found in busy commercial areas. Optik Vietnam is one of the largest such chains in the country, with more than 100 outlets across major urban centres. Other well-known names on the high street include Viet Han Optical and OWNDAYS.

It is worth bearing in mind that high street optometrists, while suitable for everyday needs, may not possess the specialist expertise or advanced diagnostic equipment found at dedicated eye clinics. Anyone with a serious or complex eye condition should seek care at a specialist facility rather than a standard optical shop. For conditions requiring more involved intervention, dedicated eye hospitals and private ophthalmology departments are the appropriate choice.

Vietnam’s ophthalmology sector spans public teaching hospitals with well-established training programmes through to premium private facilities. One notable institution holds continuous JCI accreditation dating back to 2009 — a mark of internationally recognised patient safety and quality. Vinmec, operating branches in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, offers high-end eye surgery services with modern equipment and ophthalmologists who have trained internationally. The Optometry Vietnam website is a helpful starting point, and the Vietnam Ministry of Health website provides a directory of officially licensed medical facilities across the country.

How is eye care paid for in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s healthcare system is divided between a predominantly publicly owned sector and a growing private one. The national health insurance scheme — Bảo hiểm Y tế (BHYT) — is administered by Vietnam Social Security (VSS). Unlike the NHS in the UK or Medicare in Australia, which provide broad automatic coverage for all residents, BHYT is primarily intended for Vietnamese nationals and permanent residents, meaning access for people arriving from abroad is restricted.

Under Vietnamese social health policy, certain groups receive full coverage: those living in poverty, specific ethnic minority communities, children under the age of six, elderly people aged 80 and above, and other socially vulnerable individuals. Lower-income households, students, and regular working households receive partial funding through government subsidies or employer contributions. The national scheme covers basic services through public facilities, including some inpatient and outpatient treatment, pathology, medicines, antenatal check-ups, and eye care for children below the age of six.

People relocating from abroad are not eligible to enrol in Vietnam’s public health insurance. They may, however, attend public clinics and hospitals and pay the standard unsubsidised rate. Foreign nationals in legal employment in Vietnam — those holding a valid work permit, for instance — may participate in Vietnamese Social Security, though it is important to understand the limitations: social security cover is restricted to treatment in public hospitals, which significantly narrows the choice of medical provider.

The Health Insurance Fund, supported through general taxation, subsidises 80% of hospital fees for those at or near the poverty threshold and covers 100% of costs for the most disadvantaged individuals and ethnic minorities in underserved regions. People arriving from overseas who do not qualify for these benefits will generally pay for eye care either directly out of pocket or through private insurance. Always consult the most current eligibility information via the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) website or the Ministry of Health, as rules are subject to change.

What does a routine eye examination cost in Vietnam?

Eye care in Vietnam is both affordable and reasonably accessible. What you pay will depend on the nature of the service and the type of provider you choose. As a general rule, services at high street optometrists cost less than those at specialist eye clinics or internationally accredited hospitals.

A consultation with an ophthalmologist at a private clinic in Vietnam typically falls between 500,000 and 2,000,000 VND (as of 2025). At current exchange rates, this translates to roughly USD 20–80, which is substantially lower than equivalent consultations in most high-income countries. High street opticians tend to cluster at the cheaper end of this range, while private hospitals with international accreditation and specialist eye centres command higher fees.

Pricing also varies by geography. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer the broadest selection of providers and generally the most competitive rates. Da Nang and other cities have a smaller but expanding number of reputable clinics. In rural and remote areas, specialist facilities are often scarce, and travelling to a major city is frequently necessary for anything beyond a basic visual acuity check.

Vietnamese government policy provides free or subsidised eye care to certain categories of the population, including children under six, people with disabilities, and individuals on low incomes, delivered through public hospitals and clinics. Those arriving from abroad who fall outside these groups should expect to cover costs privately. For the most current fee information, contact clinics directly or refer to the Ministry of Health, as charges are updated regularly.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Vietnam?

Prescription eyewear in Vietnam is considerably cheaper than in most other countries, and the market stretches from low-cost market stalls to boutiques stocking international designer labels. Prescription glasses generally range from 500,000 to 10,000,000 VND (approximately €18–€360 as of 2025), while annual contact lens costs typically fall between 1,000,000 and 3,500,000 VND.

Basic single-vision glasses at local shops usually cost between USD 15 and 50, while branded chains may charge USD 30–120 (as of May 2024). Progressive or multifocal lenses — the equivalent of varifocals available in optical shops elsewhere — are widely stocked but come at a higher price point. Premium international designer frames are available in larger cities at rates that, while closer to international prices, are often still competitive by comparison.

Many optical shops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang can cut and fit single-vision lenses on the same day — typically within two to six hours — provided the stock and equipment are available. More complex prescriptions, including progressive lenses, usually require one to three days or more. This turnaround speed is a practical advantage for newly relocated residents who need glasses without delay.

Prescription eyewear is not subsidised for adults outside Vietnam’s social welfare framework. However, since market prices are already low, most people moving from abroad will find the out-of-pocket expense quite manageable. Major chains including Optik Vietnam, OWNDAYS, and a variety of independent opticians are distributed throughout commercial districts in the main cities. For up-to-date pricing, it is advisable to contact providers directly, as costs reflect both local market conditions and currency fluctuations.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Vietnam?

Although medical treatment in Vietnam is relatively inexpensive by global standards, costs can accumulate rapidly in situations involving emergencies, surgery, or extended care. Crucially, foreigners are not covered under Vietnam’s public health insurance system, which makes private health coverage a practical necessity for the majority of those settling in the country from abroad.

Standard treatment at private healthcare facilities is typically covered under an international health insurance policy. The costs associated with specialist care — including visits to ophthalmologists — can vary considerably, so anyone preparing to move abroad should carefully review which elective treatments their chosen policy includes. Routine eye tests and optical prescriptions are often categorised as outpatient or “vision care” benefits, which may be available only as optional extras rather than being included in a basic plan.

Comprehensive plans combining inpatient and outpatient coverage with additional benefits such as dental, vision, maternity, and health screening are available, and these are typically what long-term residents choose. Vision care components in such plans commonly contribute toward routine eye examinations, a portion of frames and lens costs, and occasionally contact lens fittings. Surgical procedures like cataract removal are generally covered under inpatient or surgical benefits, whereas laser refractive surgery such as LASIK is frequently classified as elective and excluded — reading the policy small print carefully is essential.

Regional insurance plans typically cost USD 600–1,200 per year (as of 2025) and offer solid value for those travelling within Asia; providers in this category include April, LUMA, and XN Global. International plans priced at USD 1,500 or more annually provide premium global coverage through providers such as Cigna, Allianz, and AXA. When comparing policies, pay particular attention to vision care benefits, outpatient and specialist consultation cover, and whether surgical eye procedures are included. Comparison platforms such as Alea or a licensed insurance broker can help you identify the most suitable option.

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

Unlike systems such as the NHS, which typically require a GP referral before you can see a hospital ophthalmologist, Vietnam’s private healthcare sector largely operates on a self-referral basis. You can book an appointment directly with a specialist clinic or hospital ophthalmology department without needing a letter from a general practitioner, making the process faster and more straightforward for those used to navigating healthcare independently.

Leading hospitals make use of advanced equipment such as the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser for SMILE and LASIK procedures, and modern phacoemulsification systems for cataract surgery. Vietnamese ophthalmologists are well qualified, with many having trained or worked internationally — in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Singapore among other places.

Alina Vision, established with support from The Fred Hollows Foundation and Rohto, operates two eye hospitals focused on delivering accessible cataract and refractive care. The organisation recorded over 2,800 cataract surgeries in 2023 and is working toward building a wider network across the country. Public hospitals also have ophthalmology departments, though these facilities are often underfunded and under-equipped, leading to extended waiting times throughout the system.

Choosing private healthcare in Vietnam generally means shorter waiting times, improved access to advanced diagnostic imaging and screening, and better overall patient outcomes. Conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts can all be managed at major private eye hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Contact individual hospitals directly or check with the Ministry of Health for current waiting times and fee information.

Many private hospitals will request evidence of health insurance before admitting you as a patient. Those using public hospitals and clinics will generally be required to pay upfront, after which receipts can be submitted for reimbursement through an insurance provider. Where possible, selecting a facility that has direct billing arrangements with your insurer will help you avoid the need to pay large sums out of pocket.

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

Over the past decade, Vietnam has built a solid reputation as a medical tourism destination, with eye care being one of its strongest areas of growth. Patients are increasingly choosing Vietnam for procedures such as LASIK, cataract removal, presbyopic lens exchange (PRELEX), and treatment for floaters, drawn by the combination of competitive pricing, modern technology, and internationally trained surgeons.

LASIK in the United States can cost between USD 2,000 and 4,000 per eye, whereas in Vietnam the same procedure for both eyes typically ranges from USD 1,800 to 2,200. Published price lists at major facilities give a clearer sense of the range: Femtosecond LASIK at Japan International Eye Hospital is listed at 38,000,000 VND for both eyes, while SBK LASIK is listed at 24,200,000 VND for both eyes (based on recently published rates). Premium options such as ReLEx SMILE or PRELEX lens exchange carry higher costs, and fees differ between clinics, so always request an up-to-date quote before committing.

Vietnam’s leading hospitals adhere to international safety protocols, operating in sterile environments with FDA/CE-approved devices, and success rates for procedures such as LASIK surpass 95%. Elective refractive surgery is regulated under Vietnam’s Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, and clinics offering these procedures must hold a licence from the Ministry of Health. Before undergoing any surgical eye procedure, always confirm that the facility’s licence is current and valid.

Many of Vietnam’s most accomplished ophthalmologists received their training abroad — in Europe, the United States, or Japan — and maintain an active commitment to keeping pace with international developments in the field, which sustains a high overall standard of practice. Expats considering elective eye surgery should also check whether their insurance policy covers post-operative follow-up, as most plans exclude the primary cost of LASIK on the grounds that it is elective. The Ministry of Health maintains a list of licensed surgical eye facilities for reference.

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

Before leaving for Vietnam, it is strongly advisable to obtain a complete copy of your optical records. This should include your most recent prescription in a standard format (showing sphere, cylinder, axis, and add values), any diagnoses you have received, and the results of any specialist eye investigations you have undergone. Most opticians and ophthalmologists around the world will provide this documentation on request, and having it available in printed or digital form will save considerable time once you arrive.

Foreign prescriptions are widely accepted by opticians in Vietnam’s major cities, particularly when you are ordering glasses or contact lenses. Ask the optometrist to measure your pupillary distance (PD) if it is not already recorded — this measurement is essential for single-vision lenses and especially critical for progressives, and it is not always included in overseas prescriptions. If your prescription is more than a year or two old, arranging a new eye test in Vietnam is a simple and affordable process.

Vietnam does not have a formal national system for transferring eye care records between providers in the way that, for example, registering with a new GP is required under some national health structures. At private clinics and hospitals, you simply present your existing records at your first appointment. Staff at internationally oriented clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well accustomed to working with overseas patients and handling documentation in several languages. Major international hospitals and private clinics generally have multilingual doctors and support staff available to assist.

If you are managing an ongoing condition such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, bring thorough documentation of your treatment history, current medications, and any monitoring results — for example, visual field test data or OCT scan reports. This enables a new ophthalmologist in Vietnam to continue your care without unnecessary delay. Regarding medication continuity, check with your new clinic whether the eye drops or other treatments you currently use are available in Vietnam before your existing supply runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home country’s eye prescription at a Vietnamese optician?

Yes, the majority of opticians in Vietnam’s main cities will accept a valid overseas prescription when ordering glasses or contact lenses. It helps to have your prescription in a standard format that includes sphere, cylinder, axis, and add values. If your prescription is more than one to two years old, a fresh eye test in Vietnam is quick, inexpensive, and will give you the most accurate starting point for new eyewear.

How much does a routine eye test cost in Vietnam?

A consultation with an ophthalmologist at a private clinic in Vietnam typically costs between 500,000 and 2,000,000 VND (as of 2025). High street opticians generally price their services at the lower end of this range. Costs vary from city to city, with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offering the greatest number of providers to choose from. Always confirm current fees directly with the clinic, as prices change over time.

Is eye care covered by Vietnam’s public health system for people moving from abroad?

People relocating from abroad are not eligible for any form of public health insurance in Vietnam, though they may attend public clinics and hospitals and pay the standard unsubsidised rate. Foreign nationals in legal employment in Vietnam who hold a work permit are eligible to join Vietnamese Social Security, which grants basic access to public hospital care — but this falls well short of comprehensive health insurance and does not extend to private facilities.

Do I need private health insurance to access eye care in Vietnam?

Private health insurance is not legally required for expats in Vietnam, but it is strongly advisable. The Vietnamese healthcare system can be difficult to navigate, and costs — particularly for emergency treatment or serious conditions at private hospitals — can mount quickly. For day-to-day eye care, out-of-pocket expenses are low enough to be manageable, but surgical procedures or ongoing specialist treatment can become significant without insurance cover.

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

LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery are widely available in Vietnam, offering an affordable, high-quality option for those seeking vision correction. Leading hospitals operate under international safety standards, using sterile settings and FDA/CE-approved technology, and success rates for LASIK exceed 95%. Before proceeding with any surgical procedure, always confirm that your chosen facility holds a current, valid licence issued by the Vietnam Ministry of Health.

How do I find an ophthalmologist who speaks languages other than Vietnamese?

Private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are frequently staffed by doctors who trained in the United States, South Korea, Japan, or France, and many speak fluent English and/or French. Expat-oriented private clinics are the most reliable source of multilingual care. Established international hospital networks such as Vinmec, FV Hospital, and Raffles Medical have a well-developed presence in the major cities.

What happens if I need specialist eye care in a rural area of Vietnam?

The gap in healthcare provision between urban and rural Vietnam is considerable. Specialist facilities in rural areas are limited and, where they do exist, tend to offer only basic services. It is not uncommon for expats based outside major cities to hold insurance that covers treatment in neighbouring countries such as Singapore or Thailand for specialist care. If you are living away from a major urban centre, it is prudent to factor medical travel costs into both your budget and your insurance arrangements.

Where can I check official information about eye care providers and regulations in Vietnam?

The main official references are the Vietnam Ministry of Health (moh.gov.vn), which maintains a registry of licensed facilities and oversees medical regulation, and the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) website for information on health insurance entitlements. The Optometry Vietnam website is a valuable professional resource on optometry standards. For internationally accredited facilities, look for those holding Joint Commission International (JCI) status.