Andorra – Eye Care

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

Although the principality is geographically compact, Andorra supports a reasonable number of eye care providers serving both its permanent residents and the substantial tourist population that passes through each year. Depending on whether your requirements are routine or more clinically complex, you can choose between high-street optical retailers and dedicated ophthalmology centres.

Several well-known international optical chains operate in Andorra, among them Opticalia, GrandVision, and Afflelou. Expats arriving from other European countries will likely be familiar with these names, which makes securing an appointment relatively straightforward. These outlets offer frames, prescription lenses, and contact lenses across a range of price points.

Those with more involved eye health concerns will find specialist ophthalmology facilities available in the country. The Andorran branch of IMO Grupo Miranza is housed within the Vallmedic clinic, an institution that has dedicated more than a decade to diagnosing and treating ocular diseases and provides wide-ranging ophthalmological care. Among the most prominent eye care destinations in the principality is the Centre Oftalmològic Andorrà, which carries out eye examinations, cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and laser vision correction. The Clinique de la Vision offers a comparable range of services.

There is no centralised national directory for optometrists equivalent to, for example, the GOC register in the UK. The most effective approaches are to ask your registered general practitioner — referred to in Andorra as your “referring doctor” — for a personal recommendation, to consult the Servei Andorrà d’Atenció Sanitària (SAAS) website, or to contact one of the high-street chains directly. For referrals to an ophthalmologist, the standard pathway under CASS runs through your GP.

A distinctive feature of healthcare in Andorra is the “referring doctor” arrangement. Every resident must select a general practitioner who acts as the primary point of contact for health concerns and coordinates referrals to specialists. If you notice symptoms that might indicate a serious eye condition, consulting your referring doctor first will help ensure that any specialist appointment is correctly integrated into the system.

How is eye care paid for in Andorra?

Andorra’s healthcare is structured around a social insurance model administered by the Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social (CASS). Health and social security matters in the principality operate through a streamlined, centralised framework, with CASS acting as the sole body responsible for overseeing all social and health insurance arrangements in the country. That said, CASS coverage is not uniform across all health services, and eye care is an area where residents tend to shoulder a comparatively high share of costs personally.

Although Andorra maintains a public healthcare system, it does not extend coverage to routine optical services such as sight tests or corrective lenses. Certain surgical or therapeutic eye treatments may be partially funded depending on the individual’s circumstances. This stands in contrast to systems like Medicare in Australia, which subsidises eye examinations for eligible patients, or the NHS in the UK, which provides free tests for specific groups. In Andorra, ordinary optical care is largely the financial responsibility of the individual.

Under the CASS model, patients contribute a share of medical costs, with CASS reimbursing between 75% and 90% depending on the service. For clinically necessary eye procedures — such as cataract or glaucoma surgery — CASS may contribute provided the treatment has been authorised through the correct referral pathway. Accessing care through the preferential route, meaning via the referring doctor, is essential: patients who bypass this route face reduced reimbursement, with CASS covering only 33% or 40% of costs.

Foreign nationals residing in Andorra who are employed or self-employed typically make contributions to CASS and gain entitlement to public healthcare benefits. Passive residents, however, are legally obliged to arrange private health insurance and do not qualify for CASS coverage — a distinction with significant implications for those planning to retire to the principality.

It is equally important to note that neither the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nor the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) carries any validity in Andorra. New arrivals should confirm that they have CASS registration or adequate private insurance in place from the moment they take up residence, rather than assuming that cards issued in other countries will provide protection. Refer to the official CASS website for details on current contribution rates and covered services.

What does a routine eye examination cost in Andorra?

For the majority of residents and expats, a standard sight test at a high-street optometrist in Andorra represents an out-of-pocket expense unless a supplementary private insurance policy provides cover. Prices are broadly similar to those charged by private opticians in neighbouring France and Spain, though Andorra’s low-tax environment can occasionally lend certain retail purchases a competitive edge.

A routine eye examination at one of these high-street providers typically falls in the range of €30 to €80, with the final figure depending on the scope of the assessment and any additional services included — this does not account for corrective lenses or frames, which are priced separately. (Figures are indicative as of 2023–2025; always verify current charges directly with the provider, as fees may have changed.)

More involved assessments at specialist ophthalmology clinics — for instance, those incorporating imaging, intraocular pressure monitoring for glaucoma, or evaluation of suspected macular degeneration — are likely to attract considerably higher fees than a basic refractive test. Pricing at private ophthalmology practices is not standardised across the sector and can differ substantially by provider and the diagnostic technology employed. Always request a written cost estimate prior to proceeding.

There is no publicly available indication of fee reductions specifically for children or older patients at Andorra’s high-street opticians, though CASS may apply differing reimbursement arrangements where a consultation is clinically indicated. For the most reliable and current pricing information, contact the Servei Andorrà d’Atenció Sanitària (SAAS) or individual clinics directly, as each provider sets its own charges independently.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Andorra?

Prescription eyewear is readily available through the international optical chains already established in the principality, with retail pricing broadly consistent with what one would encounter elsewhere in Western Europe for privately purchased products. Andorra’s substantially lower value-added tax rate — considerably reduced compared to France or Spain — can make certain higher-value purchases somewhat more attractively priced, including premium frames and lenses.

Corrective lenses at high-street optometrists are priced in a range of approximately €50 to €300, reflecting the considerable variation between basic single-vision lenses in economy frames and high-specification varifocal or designer alternatives. (Figures are indicative as of 2023–2025; confirm current prices with your chosen provider before purchasing.)

Contact lenses are similarly available through these retailers, with a box of six lenses typically costing between €30 and €100. Daily disposables, monthly wear lenses, and toric designs for astigmatism are all stocked as standard. As with spectacles, the final price depends on the brand, lens type, and the retailer you choose.

Prescription eyewear is not routinely subsidised by CASS for standard optical needs, and there is no equivalent to the optical voucher or subsidy schemes that operate in some other European countries. That said, certain local private insurance products do incorporate optical benefits — the AndSalut Óptima plan from Andbank Assegurances, for example, covers events not included in CASS, including optics — which illustrates that coverage for routine eyewear is available if you select the right supplementary policy. Reviewing the details of any insurance policy carefully before committing is advisable.

Both major international brands and smaller independent opticians operate within the principality, giving residents a reasonable spread of styles and price levels to choose from. For more specialist lens requirements — such as high-index lenses, prism lenses, or scleral contact lenses — clinics such as IMO Andorra are better equipped to assist, although the associated costs will be correspondingly greater.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Andorra?

Because standard CASS public coverage does not ordinarily extend to routine optical services, supplementary private insurance is an important consideration for expats who want more comprehensive protection. Private health insurance in Andorra offers faster access to specialist care, shorter waiting periods, and greater comfort in private settings; it also broadens coverage to include services outside the public system, such as dental and optical care, and can encompass international treatment.

Private insurance is widely recommended to bridge the gap left by the public plan in areas such as dental, optical care, and treatment abroad. When evaluating policies, look explicitly for optical benefits that address routine sight tests, prescription eyewear, and ophthalmology consultations — not every plan encompasses all three of these elements.

Several Andorran banks and insurers market products designed to complement CASS membership. The AndSalut plan from Andbank Assegurances, for instance, covers costs up to 100% of CASS liability rates; its Óptima tier extends this to events not included within CASS, such as optical care; while AndSalut Plus covers 100% of actual expenses not met by CASS, with unrestricted freedom of choice of doctors and hospitals and no geographical or specialist limitations.

Private insurance premiums in Andorra generally fall in the region of €30–€110 per person per month (as of 2024–2025; contact insurers for current quotes). Passive residents — who are ineligible for CASS — should confirm that any private policy they take out explicitly includes ophthalmological consultations and surgical procedures, not merely routine retail optical purchases. International health insurance products from providers such as Cigna Global or comparable companies are also used by expats in Andorra and can provide wider coverage, including treatment overseas. Scrutinise policy exclusions carefully, particularly in relation to pre-existing eye conditions.

Insurance in Andorra is offered by all major banks, domestic insurance companies, and representatives of certain Spanish insurers. Compare what each policy provides specifically for vision and ophthalmology, as optical coverage is frequently presented as an optional add-on rather than a standard component of the plan.

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

Gaining access to an ophthalmologist in Andorra generally follows one of two pathways: a referral through the GP within the CASS system, or direct self-referral to a private ophthalmology clinic. Which route you take will affect both what you pay and the level of reimbursement you can expect.

1. Register with CASS and select a referring doctor. Under Andorra’s healthcare arrangements, all CASS enrollees must designate a GP — or a paediatrician where a child is involved — as their referring doctor. This individual serves as your first point of contact for all non-emergency health matters, including concerns about your eyesight.
2. Raise your symptoms with your referring doctor. As your initial port of call, your referring doctor can carry out a preliminary assessment and, where appropriate, direct you to a specialist for further investigation. For conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, or unexplained changes in vision, this GP-led referral is the recommended first step.
3. Receive a specialist referral. Your GP will point you toward a suitable ophthalmologist within the CASS-affiliated network. Where specific treatments or specialities are not available within Andorra, arrangements exist with hospitals and medical centres in Spain and France; in such circumstances, the resident is referred by their GP, the appointment is coordinated through CASS, and the corresponding proportion of expenses is reimbursed.
4. Attend your ophthalmology appointment. When seen via the CASS-linked pathway, you pay your co-payment (typically 25% of the cost for specialist consultations) and retain all receipts for the reimbursement process. After treatment, patients receive a stamped form along with their receipts; these are submitted to a local CASS office and reimbursement is made by bank transfer.
5. For urgent needs or private self-referral. You may approach a private ophthalmology clinic such as IMO Grupo Miranza Andorra or the Centre Oftalmològic Andorrà directly, without a GP referral. Be aware that fees will be higher and that CASS reimbursement will be calculated at the non-preferential rate — typically 33% — unless supplementary insurance covers the remainder.

Andorra’s principal public hospital is Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, a 200-bed state-owned facility. Surgical eye procedures such as cataract operations may be performed there, while more complex cases may be transferred to partner hospitals in Spain or France. The limited population of the principality means that certain subspecialties are not available domestically. Waiting times for elective procedures are not publicly benchmarked in the same way as in larger national health services; contact the SAAS or your local CASS office for up-to-date waiting list information before making arrangements.

Some procedures may be subject to waiting periods or prior authorisation requirements, particularly those classified as non-urgent surgery. Planning ahead and ensuring that your insurance policy covers cross-border specialist treatment is especially important for conditions such as advanced glaucoma or retinal disease, which may demand equipment or expertise not routinely accessible in a country of Andorra’s scale.

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

Elective refractive procedures including LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and related treatments can be accessed in Andorra through private specialist clinics. The Centre Oftalmològic Andorrà, for example, offers laser vision correction as part of its range of ophthalmic services. IMO Grupo Miranza Andorra, affiliated with a well-established ophthalmology network spanning Spain and Portugal, similarly provides refractive surgery.

Because Andorra is not a member of the European Union, it is not formally bound by EU medical device regulations; in practice, however, the country’s healthcare standards align closely with those of its immediate neighbours. Surgeons performing refractive procedures in Andorra are expected to hold appropriate medical qualifications, with most having received their training in Spain or France. Before proceeding with any elective procedure, take time to verify the surgeon’s credentials and the accreditation status of the clinic.

Laser eye surgery is classified as an elective, non-medically necessary procedure and is consequently not covered by CASS. It is also typically excluded from standard supplementary insurance policies, although certain premium international plans may make a contribution toward costs. Consult the official SAAS website or speak to your insurer before drawing up a budget. Out-of-pocket costs for specialist elective procedures such as laser vision correction can be substantial (as of 2023–2025); request a fully itemised quote from the clinic covering the initial consultation, pre-operative assessment, the procedure itself, and all follow-up appointments. A number of patients based in Andorra also choose to travel to Barcelona or Toulouse for elective eye surgery, where a broader selection of specialist centres and more competitive pricing can be found.

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

Relocating to a new country presents an ideal opportunity to collate and organise your eye health documentation before you depart. Opticians and ophthalmologists in Andorra are accustomed to treating patients who have moved from abroad, and most will be able to work from a current foreign prescription — but a little advance preparation will smooth the transition considerably.

Compile your records before you leave. Request a copy of your most recent prescription from your current optometrist or ophthalmologist, together with any clinical notes pertaining to conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal problems. Ask for the documentation in a format that can be shared electronically. Most European prescriptions follow a broadly standardised layout, and Andorran opticians familiar with Spanish and French conventions will generally have no difficulty reading them.

Carry sufficient eyewear and contact lenses to cover the transition period. Give yourself enough lead time to identify a new provider and schedule an appointment before your current supply runs low. Contact lens prescriptions ordinarily expire after one to two years and must be refreshed following a new examination, so do not assume your existing script will be dispensed indefinitely once you arrive.

Register with a referring doctor (GP) without delay. To make full use of the Andorran health service, you must hold legal residency; once resident and contributing to CASS, you become eligible for public healthcare. Your referring doctor can then arrange appropriate ophthalmology referrals if your records indicate that specialist follow-up would be beneficial after you settle in.

To locate an eye care professional in Andorra, consider searching for private clinics that provide ophthalmic services, seeking recommendations from your GP, or asking acquaintances who have already received eye care in the country. High-street chains such as GrandVision and Afflelou can also carry out a new refraction test relatively promptly, making them a convenient starting point for updating your prescription once you have established yourself in the principality.

Useful official contacts for verifying current information:

• Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social (CASS) — for social security registration, reimbursement eligibility, and coverage queries
• Servei Andorrà d’Atenció Sanitària (SAAS) — the national health service, for information on hospitals, health centres, and specialist services
• Ministeri de Salut, Govern d’Andorra — the Ministry of Health, for official health policy and public health information

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CASS public health system cover eye tests in Andorra?

Routine optical services such as sight tests and corrective lenses are not included within Andorra’s public healthcare system. CASS may contribute toward the cost of medically necessary eye treatments or surgery when these are accessed through the correct referral route, but standard eye examinations and prescription eyewear represent an out-of-pocket cost for the vast majority of residents.

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for eye care in Andorra?

Neither the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nor the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is valid in Andorra. The principality is not a member of the European Union and operates its own independent social security system. From the moment you arrive, you will need either CASS coverage or a valid private health insurance policy to be adequately protected.

How much does a standard eye test cost in Andorra?

A routine eye examination at a high-street optometrist in Andorra generally costs between €30 and €80, with the final figure depending on the complexity of the test and the services provided (as of 2023–2025). More comprehensive diagnostic assessments at specialist ophthalmology clinics will attract higher fees. Always check current charges with your chosen provider before your appointment, as pricing may have changed.

Are glasses and contact lenses cheaper in Andorra than in neighbouring countries?

Andorra’s considerably lower sales tax rate relative to France and Spain can give certain retail purchases a price advantage, and optical products are no exception. However, costs still vary by provider and product. Corrective lenses are priced at roughly €50 to €300 depending on type and frames selected, while contact lenses typically cost €30 to €100 per box of six (as of 2023–2025). Shopping around at several providers once you have settled in is worthwhile.

Do I need private health insurance for eye care as an expat in Andorra?

Taking out private health insurance is strongly advisable for expats in Andorra as a means of covering eye care expenses not included under the public plan, such as routine optical services. Passive residents are legally required to hold private insurance and are ineligible for CASS coverage. Active residents who contribute to CASS should nonetheless consider supplementary insurance to fill the gaps that the public system leaves in optical and ophthalmic care.

Is laser eye surgery available in Andorra?

Yes, elective refractive procedures such as LASIK are offered by private specialist clinics in Andorra, including IMO Grupo Miranza Andorra. These procedures fall outside CASS coverage and are typically excluded from standard insurance policies. Request a fully itemised quote — covering the consultation, procedure, and post-operative follow-up — before making any commitment. Some residents also opt to travel to specialist centres in Barcelona or Toulouse for elective eye surgery, where a wider range of providers and pricing options exists.

Will my existing eye prescription be accepted by opticians in Andorra?

In most cases, yes. Andorra’s opticians regularly handle prescriptions issued in Spain and France, and international prescription formats generally conform to a recognisable standard. Bring a copy of your most recent prescription with you when you relocate. Bear in mind that contact lens prescriptions typically require renewal within one to two years, so arrange a fresh examination if yours is approaching or has passed its expiry date.

How do I access an ophthalmologist in Andorra for a serious eye condition?

Andorra’s healthcare system requires all residents to nominate a referring doctor (GP), who coordinates specialist referrals and oversees the patient’s overall health. If you are experiencing a serious eye condition, your GP should be your first point of contact. Where treatments are not available within the principality, arrangements with hospitals in Spain and France allow residents to be seen elsewhere; the GP organises the referral through CASS, which then reimburses the applicable proportion of expenses. Direct self-referral to a private ophthalmology clinic is also possible, but reimbursement will be at the lower non-preferential CASS rate unless you have supplementary insurance in place.