Arranging eye care is a part of the to-do list for most expats who move to Spain. For many, eye care is an essential part of daily life, although finding the right information is not always easy — especially with the added language barrier. To help you get started, we’ve put together some useful information on arranging eye care for expats in Spain.

Arranging expat eye care in Spain

Arranging eye care cover in Spain can be confusing for British expats who are used to the NHS system — from using your prescription abroad to finding an expat-friendly optician.

Using your prescription in Spain

Before moving, it’s worth obtaining an up-to-date copy of your prescription, as well as any medical notes, from your UK optician. These details can help your new optician in Spain to gain a complete overview of your eye care history. Don’t worry if you don’t have this, at Specsavers you can have a free eye test including digital retinal photography, if recommended by your optometrist.

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Eye care cover for British expats in Spain

There are a number of healthcare cover options for expats in Spain. From NHS and Spanish state healthcare to private health insurance, it’s important to understand the range of cover options available, and which cover best suits your needs.

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Finding an expat-friendly optician

If you’re not yet comfortable with the language in Spain — that’s ok. It’s well worth taking a bit of extra time to find an English-speaking optician who makes your eye care experience as easy as possible. To help, we’ve compiled a few factors to consider when looking for an expat-friendly optician in Spain.

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Sun damage and protection in Spain

While you’re enjoying the sunnier climate in Spain, it’s important to keep your eyes protected from UV rays and sun damage.

UV rays and sun damage

Increased hours of sunshine and UV ray exposure can make your eyes more sensitive to light and even place specific parts of your eyes, such as the retina, at risk of damage. British expats who are used to the drizzly UK might be more likely to develop common eye conditions such as photophobia (light sensitivity) or dry eye syndrome as a result of the additional sunshine.

Sun protection

There are a number of steps that expats can take to protect their eyes from the sun. From coloured and polarising lenses, to choosing a high-quality pair of UV400 sunglasses, your local optician will be able to advise on the best option for you.

Your Specsavers opticians experience in Spain

At Specsavers Opticas, we believe that the quality of eye care you receive should remain the same, wherever you live. That’s why each optician in our Spanish stores is trained to deliver the same service you’ve come to know in the UK.

Eye tests at Specsavers Opticas

Eye tests at a Specsavers store in Spain won’t be too different from what you’d expect in the UK. From friendly English-speaking staff and great range of frames to choose from, we’ll ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.

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Buying glasses and contact lenses in Spain

You may have a number of questions when it comes to buying a new pair of glasses (gafas), contact lenses (lentillas) or sunglasses (gafas de sol) in Spain. Do I need a Spanish prescription, for example? And will I have access to the same great frames as I do back home?