Sorting out eye care was one of the first practical things I had to do when I moved to the Netherlands. My glasses prescription was expiring, I had no idea which optician chains were reliable, and I was unsure what my new Dutch insurance would cover. It turned out to be much simpler than I expected — but the coverage situation for glasses is surprisingly different from what many expats assume.
This guide covers everything you need to know about eye care in the Netherlands: the difference between an opticien and an oogarts, how the insurance works, what things cost, and how to find English-speaking care.
The Dutch Eye Care System: Who Does What
Understanding the different types of eye care providers in the Netherlands saves confusion:
| Provider | Dutch Term | Role | Referral Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optician | Opticien | Measures vision, fits glasses/contacts | No |
| Optometrist | Optometrist | Extended vision + basic eye health screening | No |
| Ophthalmologist | Oogarts | Medical specialist, diagnoses/treats eye disease | Yes (from GP) |
| GP | Huisarts | First point of contact for medical eye concerns | No |
The Opticien (Optician)
Your first port of call for routine vision correction. Dutch opticians:
- Perform refraction tests (measuring your prescription)
- Fit and sell glasses (brillen) and contact lenses
- Carry out basic screening for common conditions
- Do not charge for eye tests if you buy from them (in most cases)
The major chains in the Netherlands include:
- Specsavers: UK-origin chain, widely familiar to British expats, English-speaking staff common
- Hans Anders: Large Dutch discount chain with nationwide presence
- ECI Optiek: Another budget-friendly chain
- GrandOptical: Mid-range to premium, good service
- Pearle: Mid-range nationwide chain
Independent opticians are also common and often provide more personal service.
The Optometrist
Optometrists in the Netherlands have more training than standard opticians. They can perform more detailed eye health assessments, including screening for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions. They cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery. Some larger optician chains employ optometrists for enhanced check-ups.
The Oogarts (Ophthalmologist)
A fully qualified medical specialist. You need a GP referral to see an oogarts. They treat conditions like:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachments
- Inflammatory eye conditions
Ophthalmologist appointments are covered by the basisverzekering, subject to the eigen risico (EUR 385 in 2026).
Health Insurance and Eye Care: What Is (and Is Not) Covered
This is the area that surprises most expats most.
Basic Insurance (Basisverzekering)
The basic insurance does not cover:
- Glasses frames
- Prescription lenses
- Contact lenses
- Routine eye tests at an opticien
The basic insurance does cover:
- Medical eye care at an oogarts (with GP referral, eigen risico applies)
- Glasses for children under 18 when medically necessary
- Medical devices such as low-vision aids in certain circumstances
- Treatment of eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
Supplementary Insurance (Aanvullende Verzekering)
Supplementary packages include a glasses/contact lens contribution:
| Package Level | Typical Glasses/Contacts Contribution |
|---|---|
| Aanvullend 1 (basic) | EUR 50 every 2 years |
| Aanvullend 2 (mid) | EUR 75 every 2 years |
| Aanvullend 3 / Plus | EUR 100-150 every 1-2 years |
This contribution applies to the purchase of prescription glasses or contact lenses. It does not cover sunglasses, cosmetic lenses, or frames without a prescription.
Important: The contribution is typically triggered by a purchase, not by the eye test itself. Keep your receipt (factuur) from the optician and submit it through your insurer’s portal.
Children’s Eye Care
For children under 18, the basic insurance covers medically necessary glasses and contact lenses. The eigen risico does not apply to children’s care. If your child needs glasses, get a referral letter from your GP (or via the school’s vision screening programme) to trigger basic insurance coverage.
What Does Eye Care Cost in the Netherlands?
Eye Tests
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic refraction at an optician chain | Free (with glasses purchase) |
| Standalone refraction test | EUR 0-40 |
| Extended optometrist examination | EUR 40-80 |
| Oogarts consultation (via basic insurance) | Covered by eigen risico |
Glasses
Glasses prices vary enormously depending on frame and lens quality:
| Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget single vision glasses (Hans Anders / ECI) | EUR 49-99 |
| Mid-range single vision glasses | EUR 100-200 |
| Progressive (varifocal) lenses + frames | EUR 200-600 |
| Premium brand frames with high-quality lenses | EUR 300-800+ |
Dutch optical chains regularly have promotions — 2-for-1 deals, student discounts, and seasonal offers. Hans Anders in particular is known for very affordable entry-level options (from EUR 49 complete).
Contact Lenses
| Type | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily disposables (standard prescription) | EUR 25-50/month |
| Monthly lenses + solution | EUR 20-40/month |
| Toric/multifocal or other specialist lenses | EUR 40-80+/month |
Contact lens prices in the Netherlands are broadly in line with UK prices. You can also buy lenses online from European suppliers using a valid Dutch or foreign prescription.
Finding English-Speaking Eye Care
Optician Chains with English Service
Specsavers is my go-to recommendation for expats. The chain is well established in the Netherlands, staff at most branches speak English, the format (separate examination room, independent optician assessment) is familiar to British and Irish expats, and pricing is transparent. Book online at specsavers.nl.
GrandOptical also has good English-language service, particularly in larger cities.
Hans Anders staff generally speak English in major cities, though service quality is more variable.
The Hague: Expat Eye Care Hub
The Hague has a particularly well-developed English-speaking eye care sector due to the large international community around the European Parliament, embassies, and multinational organisations. Several independent opticians in The Hague specifically serve the expat community.
Finding an English-Speaking Oogarts
If you are referred to an ophthalmologist and want an English-speaking specialist:
- Ask your GP specifically to refer to an English-speaking oogarts
- Look at university hospitals (UMC) in larger cities, which tend to have international patients and English-speaking specialists
- Expat community forums often have recommendations for specific ophthalmologists
Eye Tests for Driving in the Netherlands
If you are applying for a Dutch driving licence or renewing one, a vision test is required. In some cases your GP or an optician can provide the certificate; in others, a specialist assessment via BNMO (Rijksoverheid driving medical) is needed. Your optician can advise whether your vision meets Dutch driving standards (6/12 corrected vision is the minimum).
Practical Tips for Expats
Bring your prescription with you when you move: Your foreign prescription is valid in the Netherlands (typically for up to 2 years). Having it means you can order contacts or glasses without waiting for an eye test.
Ask your optician about direct billing: Some opticians can bill your supplementary insurance directly so you do not need to pay upfront and claim back. Ask before you order.
Check the aanvullend contribution cycle: Many supplementary policies reset the glasses contribution every 1-2 years from the date of last claim, not from 1 January. Keep a note of when you last claimed to know when you are eligible again.
Children’s vision screening at school: Dutch schools (basisschool) participate in JGZ (Jeugdgezondheidszorg) youth health care screening. Children are typically screened for vision problems around age 5 and again later. If concerns are raised, you will be contacted.
Laser eye surgery: Laser correction (LASIK, LASEK) is available in the Netherlands at specialist refractive surgery clinics. It is not covered by standard health insurance. Prices typically range from EUR 800-1,500 per eye depending on technology and clinic.
Internal Links
- Dutch health insurance for expats: complete guide 2026
- What Dutch health insurance covers (and what it doesn’t)
- Best health insurance add-ons for expats
- DSW health insurance review for expats
- CZ health insurance review for expats
- Physiotherapy in the Netherlands: expat guide
- English-speaking dentist in the Netherlands
- Finding an English-speaking doctor in the Netherlands
- Dutch healthcare system explained
Summary
Eye care in the Netherlands is well-organised, accessible, and generally affordable. Opticians are easy to find, direct access means no GP referral for routine care, and English-speaking service is available in most major cities.
The main thing to get right is insurance: basic insurance does not cover glasses for adults, so make sure your supplementary package includes a glasses/contact lens contribution if you need it. Claim the contribution as soon as you make a purchase — it does not roll over automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dutch health insurance cover glasses and contact lenses?
Standard Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) does not cover glasses or contact lenses for adults. For children under 18, the basisverzekering covers glasses and lenses when medically necessary. Adults can get a partial contribution towards glasses or contact lenses through supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering), which typically provides EUR 50-150 every one or two years depending on the package. If you have a medical eye condition that causes your vision impairment, your GP may be able to arrange a referral to an ophthalmologist, whose care is covered by basic insurance.
Do I need a referral to see an optician in the Netherlands?
No. You can visit an optician (opticien) directly without a referral for routine eye tests and prescription glasses or contact lenses. Opticians in the Netherlands also perform basic eye examinations as part of their service — often at no charge, particularly if you buy glasses from them. If the optician identifies a medical problem (such as glaucoma, cataracts, or signs of retinal disease), they will refer you to an ophthalmologist (oogarts). To see an ophthalmologist you do need a GP referral.
How much does an eye test cost in the Netherlands?
A basic eye test (oogmeting) at an optician is often free, particularly at larger chains like Hans Anders, Specsavers, ECI, or GrandOptical if you intend to buy glasses or contact lenses. Standalone paid eye examinations range from EUR 30-60 at independent practices. A full optometrist examination that includes health screening (beyond just refraction for spectacles) typically costs EUR 40-80. Medical eye examinations at an oogarts (ophthalmologist) via the healthcare system are covered by basic insurance, subject to the eigen risico.
Are there English-speaking opticians in the Netherlands?
Yes. Most optical chains (Specsavers, Hans Anders) have staff who speak English, particularly in larger cities. Specsavers in particular has a strong UK presence and the format is familiar to British expats. In cities with large expat communities — Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht — finding an English-speaking optician is generally not difficult. The Hague has a number of practices specifically serving the expat and diplomatic community.
What is the difference between an opticien and an oogarts in the Netherlands?
An opticien (optician) measures your vision and prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses. They are not medically qualified and cannot diagnose or treat eye disease. An oogarts (ophthalmologist) is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats eye diseases and conditions. You see an opticien for routine vision correction; you see an oogarts for medical problems. There is also an optometrist (optometrist) — some practices employ these, who can perform more detailed health checks than a standard opticien but are not full medical specialists.
Can I bring my existing glasses prescription from another country?
Yes. If you have a valid glasses prescription from another country, Dutch opticians will generally use it to make new glasses or fit contact lenses. However, most Dutch opticians will do a quick check to verify the prescription is current (typically valid for 1-2 years) before making expensive eyewear. If your prescription is more than two years old, they may recommend a new eye test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dutch health insurance cover glasses and contact lenses?
Standard Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) does not cover glasses or contact lenses for adults. For children under 18, the basisverzekering covers glasses and lenses when medically necessary. Adults can get a partial contribution towards glasses or contact lenses through supplementary insurance (aanvullende verzekering), which typically provides EUR 50-150 every one or two years depending on the package. If you have a medical eye condition that causes your vision impairment, your GP may be able to arrange a referral to an ophthalmologist, whose care is covered by basic insurance.
Do I need a referral to see an optician in the Netherlands?
No. You can visit an optician (opticien) directly without a referral for routine eye tests and prescription glasses or contact lenses. Opticians in the Netherlands also perform basic eye examinations as part of their service — often at no charge, particularly if you buy glasses from them. If the optician identifies a medical problem (such as glaucoma, cataracts, or signs of retinal disease), they will refer you to an ophthalmologist (oogarts). To see an ophthalmologist you do need a GP referral.
How much does an eye test cost in the Netherlands?
A basic eye test (oogmeting) at an optician is often free, particularly at larger chains like Hans Anders, Specsavers, ECI, or GrandOptical if you intend to buy glasses or contact lenses. Standalone paid eye examinations range from EUR 30-60 at independent practices. A full optometrist examination that includes health screening (beyond just refraction for spectacles) typically costs EUR 40-80. Medical eye examinations at an oogarts (ophthalmologist) via the healthcare system are covered by basic insurance, subject to the eigen risico.
Are there English-speaking opticians in the Netherlands?
Yes. Most optical chains (Specsavers, Hans Anders) have staff who speak English, particularly in larger cities. Specsavers in particular has a strong UK presence and the format is familiar to British expats. In cities with large expat communities — Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht — finding an English-speaking optician is generally not difficult. The Hague has a number of practices specifically serving the expat and diplomatic community.
What is the difference between an opticien and an oogarts in the Netherlands?
An opticien (optician) measures your vision and prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses. They are not medically qualified and cannot diagnose or treat eye disease. An oogarts (ophthalmologist) is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats eye diseases and conditions. You see an opticien for routine vision correction; you see an oogarts for medical problems. There is also an optometrist (optometrist) — some practices employ these, who can perform more detailed health checks than a standard opticien but are not full medical specialists.
Can I bring my existing glasses prescription from another country?
Yes. If you have a valid glasses prescription from another country, Dutch opticians will generally use it to make new glasses or fit contact lenses. However, most Dutch opticians will do a quick check to verify the prescription is current (typically valid for 1-2 years) before making expensive eyewear. If your prescription is more than two years old, they may recommend a new eye test.
