Morocco – Eye Care

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

Morocco has three principal categories of eye care professional, each fulfilling a distinct role within the system. Knowing which type of practitioner you need will help you reach the appropriate level of care without wasted time or unnecessary expense.

• Ophthalmologists — fully qualified medical doctors specialising in eye health who carry out comprehensive eye examinations, diagnose and manage eye disease, and perform surgical procedures. A directory of ophthalmologists in Morocco can be found through the Moroccan Society of Ophthalmology at smo.ma.
• Optometrists — eye care practitioners who perform vision assessments, issue prescriptions for spectacles and contact lenses, and identify and manage certain eye conditions. Details of registered optometrists in Morocco are available through the Moroccan Association of Optometrists and Opticians at maoo.ma.
• Opticians — specialists who manufacture, fit, and supply spectacles and contact lenses in accordance with prescriptions issued by ophthalmologists or optometrists. They can also be located through the Moroccan Association of Optometrists and Opticians at maoo.ma.

Eye care in Morocco is accessible through a range of settings, including private clinics, public hospitals, and high street optical outlets. Known locally as opticiens, these street-level shops are widely spread across the city centres of Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fès, and Agadir. In smaller towns and rural regions, the range of options narrows considerably, and a trip to a larger urban centre may be required for specialist assessment.

Optical Center is an established optometry chain operating multiple branches across Morocco, providing eye examinations, contact lens fittings, and an extensive range of frames and lenses. Independently run, family-owned opticians are also widely found and have built longstanding relationships with their local communities over many years.

Morocco’s ophthalmology profession is well-organised and continues to develop. Several scientific societies contribute to the field, including SAMIR (the Moroccan Society of Refractive Surgery and Implantology), AMSOP (the Moroccan Association of Strabology and Ophthalmic Pediatrics), SMR (the Moroccan Society of Retina), SMOC (the Moroccan Society of Contactology), and SMG (the Moroccan Glaucoma Society). These bodies play an active part in professional training and in strengthening links with Arab and European ophthalmological organisations.

For straightforward vision correction needs, beginning with a high street optometrist is usually both the most practical and cost-effective approach. If your condition calls for surgical intervention, your optometrist can refer you on to an ophthalmologist for further assessment and treatment.

How is eye care paid for in Morocco?

Morocco does not operate a fully universal, tax-funded healthcare system of the kind found in the UK through the NHS or in Australia through Medicare, where comprehensive coverage is provided at no upfront cost to patients. Instead, the country operates a contributory mandatory health insurance framework called AMO, and a substantial proportion of healthcare costs — including much of eye care — is met directly by patients.

Morocco’s Mandatory Health Insurance (AMO) covers salaried workers and their dependants in both the public and private sectors. It is divided into two branches: CNSS, which serves private sector employees, and CNOPS, which covers public sector workers. Both branches fall under the supervision of the national health insurance authority, the Agence Nationale d’Assurance Maladie (ANAM).

In contrast to a system such as the NHS — which draws on general taxation to provide care free at the point of use — AMO is funded through contributions made by employees and employers in proportion to earnings. The scheme also incorporates an element of solidarity, with the state stepping in to partially or fully cover premiums for those who are unable to afford them.

In terms of what AMO reimburses, CNSS members receive coverage at 70% of the National Reference Rate for standard treatments, rising to 90% for serious, disabling, or long-term conditions when care is provided in public hospitals or state health services. Fixed reimbursement amounts defined in the National Reference Tariff apply to prescription glasses and certain medical devices. However, routine eye examinations and everyday optical products are often only partially subsidised, leaving patients to meet the remaining cost themselves.

The bulk of eye care spending in Morocco is therefore out of pocket. For expats who are not formally employed in Morocco and consequently cannot access AMO through an employer, arranging private international health insurance is essentially indispensable. Always confirm the scope of your coverage with your insurer prior to seeking treatment, and check the latest policy rules with CNSS, ANAM, or ACAPS (the Insurance and Social Security Supervisory Authority).

What does a routine eye examination cost in Morocco?

The price of a routine eye examination in Morocco varies considerably depending on whether you attend a high street optician, a private ophthalmology clinic, or a public hospital outpatient department. The exact cost will also depend on the specific services required and the practitioner you choose.

At a high street optical shop, a basic vision test to generate a prescription typically falls in the range of approximately 100–300 MAD (as of 2024). A consultation with a private ophthalmologist — who carries out a more thorough medical assessment of the eyes — generally costs more, commonly falling in the range of 200–500 MAD or higher depending on the clinic and its location. Casablanca and Rabat, as the principal urban centres, offer both the greatest density of providers and the widest variation in pricing. Always verify current fees directly with the clinic before booking, as these figures are subject to change.

Public hospitals provide outpatient consultations at subsidised rates for those enrolled in the public system, though waiting times tend to be longer and the quality of facilities varies. Even patients without AMO coverage may incur fees at public facilities. Paediatric eye examinations are generally handled through children’s ophthalmology departments in public hospitals, and some NGO-supported screening initiatives also exist. The Ministère de la Santé et de la Protection Sociale is the best source of current information on publicly available paediatric eye care services.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, contact individual clinics directly or consult the Société Marocaine d’Ophtalmologie or the Moroccan Association of Optometrists and Opticians.

Are prescription glasses and contact lenses affordable in Morocco?

Prescription eyewear in Morocco is generally less expensive than in Western Europe or North America, though prices span a wide range depending on the brand, the country of origin of the frames, and the type of lenses selected. Locally sourced and independent opticians offer budget-friendly options, while imported designer frames carry a notable price premium.

At the more affordable end of the spectrum, a complete pair of prescription glasses — basic frames combined with single-vision lenses — can be found from approximately 200–500 MAD (as of 2024) at budget shops. A mid-range complete pair from a reputable optician typically costs between 500–1,500 MAD, and premium or branded frames paired with high-index or anti-reflective lenses can cost considerably more. Always confirm prices with the optician before placing an order, as these figures are indicative only.

Optical Center, which has several outlets across Morocco, provides a broad selection of frames, lenses, and contact lens fitting services. Independent opticians located in medinas and city-centre streets are equally plentiful and can frequently offer competitive pricing, particularly on locally manufactured frames. The widest selection of optical retailers is found in major cities including Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.

For contact lenses, well-known international brands such as Acuvue, Air Optix, and Dailies are carried by larger optical chains in urban centres. However, the availability of less common lens types, including high-prescription toric or multifocal lenses, may be limited. It is sensible to arrive with a sufficient supply of your regular lenses until you have confirmed that your preferred brand is stocked locally.

Under the AMO system, fixed amounts set out in the National Reference Tariff apply to medical glasses and certain medical devices. This means that workers enrolled in CNSS or CNOPS may be able to claim a defined contribution toward the cost of prescription spectacles. Check your specific entitlement directly with CNSS or CNOPS, as the applicable amounts are established by decree and may be revised periodically.

Does health insurance cover eye care in Morocco?

The extent to which health insurance covers eye care in Morocco depends on the type of plan you hold — whether that is the state AMO scheme, a supplementary Moroccan private policy, or an international expat health insurance plan.

Under AMO, the proportion of costs reimbursed depends on whether care is sought in the public or private sector. Patients are required to meet a percentage of their medical bills directly for each consultation and treatment under the public scheme. Routine optical care receives only partial subsidisation, and purely cosmetic eye procedures are not covered at all. The AMO explicitly excludes cosmetic surgery, spa treatments, acupuncture, mesotherapy, thalassotherapy, homeopathy, and alternative medicine from its scope of benefits.

Given the limited level of social benefits available under CNSS, some employers choose to provide supplementary private health insurance alongside the mandatory public scheme. This additional cover may include protection against death, disability, illness, or retirement. If your employer in Morocco offers such a plan, it is worth examining whether it provides enhanced optical benefits, such as contributions toward glasses, contact lenses, or specialist ophthalmology appointments.

Expats who are self-employed, retired, or working remotely may not be able to access AMO through formal employment. In such circumstances, an international health insurance policy is strongly recommended. When evaluating policies, pay particular attention to coverage of: routine eye examinations; annual optical allowances for prescription eyewear; specialist ophthalmology consultations; and surgical procedures such as cataract operations. Bear in mind that LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery are almost universally classified as elective and excluded from standard insurance coverage — always read your policy terms in full before purchasing.

Coverage for eye examinations and prescription glasses or contact lenses varies considerably between plans, so it is essential to query optical benefits directly with your insurer before committing. For current guidance on AMO entitlements, consult ANAM or ACAPS.

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

Accessing specialist ophthalmology care in Morocco is relatively straightforward in major cities. In most cases, you can book directly with a private ophthalmologist without first obtaining a referral from a general practitioner — an approach more akin to the French or Spanish system than the UK’s NHS, where a GP referral is typically required before a specialist appointment can be arranged.

Morocco’s healthcare system encompasses both public and private sectors. The public sector includes over 150 hospitals, while a more developed private sector of 375 hospitals operates primarily in urban areas and in the northern regions of the country. Ophthalmology departments are found within public university hospitals in cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, and Marrakech. Morocco’s postgraduate medical training infrastructure has expanded considerably over the decades, growing from two university hospitals in the 1970s to ten by 2020, two of which are international institutions that accept students from African and Arab countries.

Conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy can all be treated within Morocco’s hospital system. Cataract surgery is routinely performed at both public and private facilities. International medical missions have operated at sites including Hassan II Hospital in Agadir, carrying out cataract, glaucoma, plastics, corneal, and refractive procedures — a demonstration of Morocco’s healthcare infrastructure capacity to support complex ophthalmic surgery.

Waiting times at public hospitals can be considerable, and equipment standards and aftercare quality may differ between facilities. Private clinics in urban centres generally offer shorter waits and more modern equipment. If you experience a sudden or alarming eye symptom — such as unexplained vision loss, new floaters, or severe eye pain — seek immediate assessment at a private ophthalmology clinic or hospital emergency department, as these may indicate a medical emergency.

Patients managing ongoing conditions will typically need to attend follow-up appointments, usually on an annual basis, with their local eye doctor or ophthalmologist in Morocco. For current information on hospital-based services and waiting times, consult the Ministère de la Santé et de la Protection Sociale.

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

LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures are offered in Morocco, primarily through private clinics in the country’s major cities. The field has its own dedicated professional body: SAMIR, the Moroccan Society of Refractive Surgery and Implantology, is one of the scientific societies actively engaged in professional training and the advancement of ophthalmology in Morocco.

Private eye clinics in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech offer LASIK, PRK, and in some cases newer techniques such as SMILE and ICL (implantable collamer lens) surgery. The capabilities and technological standards of individual clinics vary considerably, making it essential to thoroughly research the qualifications of your intended surgeon and the equipment available before proceeding. A reputable clinic will always carry out a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation — including corneal mapping and thickness measurement — before confirming whether you are a suitable candidate.

Precise current pricing for LASIK in Morocco was not independently verifiable at the time of writing — individual clinics should be contacted directly for up-to-date quotes, as costs differ by procedure type, clinic, and surgeon. As a broad indication, refractive surgery in Morocco is typically more affordable than equivalent procedures in Western Europe, though cost alone should never be the deciding factor when choosing a surgical provider. Always clarify what post-operative follow-up care is included in any quoted price.

Most health insurance plans classify laser eye surgery as an elective procedure and therefore do not cover it. The AMO explicitly excludes cosmetic procedures from its benefits. The regulation of private clinics falls under the oversight of the Ministère de la Santé; confirm a clinic’s accreditation through the Ministry’s official portal before agreeing to any treatment.

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

Organising your eye health documentation before leaving your home country is well worth the effort. Taking a few straightforward steps in advance can prevent unnecessary delays and additional expense once you arrive in Morocco.

1. Obtain a copy of your current eyeglass or contact lens prescription. Request this from your optometrist or ophthalmologist before you travel. Most practices issue written prescriptions as a matter of course, but you may need to ask specifically. Ensure the document includes all relevant measurements: sphere, cylinder, axis, and pupillary distance (PD).
2. Gather any relevant medical records. If you have a diagnosed eye condition — such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, keratoconus, or a history of retinal disease — ask your current specialist to provide a summary letter along with copies of key test results, such as OCT scans and visual field tests. Moroccan ophthalmologists will find this documentation highly valuable when assuming responsibility for your ongoing care.
3. Check whether your prescription is accepted locally. Foreign prescriptions are widely recognised by opticians in Morocco’s major cities, as the international notation system for optical prescriptions is globally standardised. In most cases, a prescription issued abroad can be taken directly to a Moroccan optician to have glasses or contact lenses made up. Some opticians may choose to conduct a brief verification check before dispensing.
4. Stock up on contact lenses before you move. Bring at least a two-to-three month supply of your usual lenses. Although common brands are available through urban optical chains in Morocco, less common or speciality lens types — such as high-toric, multifocal, or scleral lenses — may not be routinely stocked.
5. Register with a new eye care provider. Once you are settled in Morocco, arrange a fresh eye examination with a local optometrist or ophthalmologist to establish a new baseline record. This step is especially important if you have an ongoing condition that requires regular monitoring.
6. Organise your medications. If you use prescription eye drops — for example, for glaucoma or dry eye — bring an adequate supply and a copy of your prescription. On arrival, check with a local pharmacist or ophthalmologist to confirm whether your specific medication is available, as brand names and formulations may differ from those used in your home country.

If you require ongoing specialist care, the Société Marocaine d’Ophtalmologie can assist you in locating qualified ophthalmologists in your area. For questions about insurance coverage of continuing treatment, contact ANAM or your private insurer directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a routine eye test at a high street optician in Morocco?

Yes. High street optometrists have been a fixture of communities across Morocco for many years, offering vision examinations, contact lens fittings, and a broad selection of frames and lenses. Optical chains such as Optical Center have multiple outlets in major cities. For a standard vision check or prescription update, visiting a high street optician is generally the most convenient and cost-effective option.

Do I need to be enrolled in the Moroccan public health insurance (AMO) to access eye care?

No. Eye care services in Morocco are accessible to anyone on a private, fee-paying basis. AMO enrolment is ordinarily tied to formal employment and covers salaried workers and their dependants in both the public and private sectors. If you are not formally employed in Morocco, you will generally need to pay for eye care out of pocket or through a private international health insurance policy.

Will my foreign eyeglass prescription be accepted by opticians in Morocco?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. The notation system used for optical prescriptions is standardised internationally, meaning a prescription issued abroad is generally understood and accepted by Moroccan opticians, particularly in urban areas. Some shops may prefer to carry out a brief verification check before dispensing lenses. Always bring a complete written copy of your prescription, including sphere, cylinder, axis, and pupillary distance measurements.

Is it possible to see an ophthalmologist without a GP referral in Morocco?

Yes. Unlike certain systems — such as the NHS in the UK — Morocco does not require you to obtain a GP referral before consulting a private ophthalmologist. You can arrange an appointment directly with a specialist clinic. If you are seeking care through AMO at a public facility, some administrative procedures may require prior registration, so it is advisable to check requirements with your insurer or the facility beforehand.

What serious eye conditions can be treated in Morocco?

Ophthalmologists in Morocco carry out comprehensive eye examinations and specialised investigations such as optical coherence tomography, as well as refractive surgery including LASIK, cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal transplantation, and surgical repair of torn or detached retinas. University hospitals and private specialist clinics in Casablanca, Rabat, and other major cities are equipped to manage complex ophthalmic conditions.

Is LASIK eye surgery regulated in Morocco?

Refractive surgery in Morocco is performed at licensed private clinics and is subject to regulatory oversight by the Ministère de la Santé et de la Protection Sociale. The professional body SAMIR (the Moroccan Society of Refractive Surgery and Implantology) is actively involved in medical training and the promotion of ophthalmology in Morocco. Before committing to any elective procedure, verify the accreditation of the clinic and the credentials of your surgeon through the relevant professional body or the Ministry of Health.

Does private health insurance typically cover prescription glasses in Morocco?

Coverage varies between plans. Under AMO, fixed amounts established in the National Reference Tariff apply to medical glasses and certain medical devices. International expat insurance policies differ considerably — some include an annual optical allowance, while others limit coverage to medically necessary eyewear only. Always review your policy documents in detail and raise questions about optical benefits specifically with your insurer before taking out a plan.

Where can I verify current information on eye care and health insurance in Morocco?

The following official sources provide the most reliable and up-to-date guidance: the Ministère de la Santé et de la Protection Sociale for healthcare regulation and public hospital services; ANAM (Agence Nationale d’Assurance Maladie) for health insurance rules and entitlements; ACAPS for insurance regulatory guidance; SMO (Société Marocaine d’Ophtalmologie) for ophthalmologist directories; and MAOO (Moroccan Association of Optometrists and Opticians) for information on registered optometrists and opticians.