From 2025the Social security in Spain it will offer free glasses and contact lenses for hundreds of thousands of people, following a measure that has already been implemented in countries such as France and Germany. This new aid is part of an effort by National Health System (SNS) to include visual care within the country’s basic benefits.
Who will benefit?
This initiative is mainly aimed at most vulnerable people and the childrenwho will have priority to receive the subsidies. According to the Minister of Health, Mónica Garcíathe objective is to guarantee access to this right for those who need it most, focusing on people with less economic capacity and in the youthswho usually have a higher spending on this type of products.
“We want to start with the most vulnerable people and those with the least ability to access this right,” the minister stated. This means that both low income families as adults with severe vision problems could benefit from the measure.
An economic respite for many families
The current cost of prescription and frame glasses in Spain is around 197 euroswhile the price of contact lenses reaches 120 euros. With this new help, many families will be able to save considerably on an expense that, according to studies, affects the 55.3% of young people between 18 and 34 years old and to 62.3% of university students. In older people, vision problems are even more common, which reinforces the need for this measure.
What requirements will be necessary?
Although official details have not yet been published in the Official State Gazette (BOE)it is expected that the requirements follow the line of other European countries. In FranceFor example, minors 16 years can renew their glasses for free every two years, while in Germanyso much glasses as contact lenses They are free for under 18 years old and for adults with severe vision problems.
In Spain, the requirements will probably include criteria related to the agethe economic situation and the severity of vision problems. In addition, it is anticipated that adults who demonstrate that they do not have sufficient income could also be beneficiaries.
A program that will alleviate economic pressure
This measure, which will be official in 2025, will come in a context of high cost of living in Spain. Despite the government’s statements about the good state of the economy, many working families face difficulties in meeting their basic needs, and this visual aid will provide economic relief for many of them.
Once the program is implemented, the Ministry of Health will enable a official channel so that citizens who need it can request this help and receive their glasses or contact lenses for free or with significant discounts. Without a doubt, an initiative that promises to improve the quality of life of thousands of people in the country.