The Spanish government is sending a clear signal for the health of its youngest citizens: Starting next school year, which begins in September, direct aid of 100 euros will be granted to finance glasses and contact lenses for all children under 16 years of age. This groundbreaking announcement was made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday at an event at the headquarters of the Council of Opticians and Optometrists, accompanied by Minister of Health Mónica García.
This new benefit, which can be acquired with a medical prescription and is renewable annually, represents significant relief for Spanish families. Until now, vision aids were not included in the public health system’s portfolio of services, posing a substantial financial burden for many households. The funding for this initiative will come directly from the Ministry of Health, meaning the Autonomous Communities will not have to pay for the service for the time being.
The intention to support families in covering the costs of visual health has been on the executive’s agenda for some time. Minister of Health Mónica García committed to this shortly after taking office and reaffirmed her willingness a year ago to finance glasses and contact lenses from 2025. The overarching goal, according to health sources, is to start with children aged 0 to 16 and gradually move towards “universality,” so that this service ultimately benefits the entire Spanish population.
Parallel to this new aid, another initiative has been under discussion in the Congress of Deputies since April, which provides for free glasses and contact lenses for minors and the adult population with low incomes. These comprehensive measures underline the Spanish government’s commitment to more equitable healthcare and better access to essential medical services for all citizens.
