The Spanish government has confirmed that it will provide a grant of up to 100 euro per person annually for the purchase of glasses or contact lenses. The measure is part of a new initiative known as “Plan VEO”, which aims to reduce the financial burden of visual healthcare, particularly for families with children.
As anyone who wears glasses or contact lenses knows, maintaining clear vision is expensive. Between frames, prescription lenses, regular check-ups, and maintenance solutions, the annual cost can be significant. Furthermore, eyesight often changes over time, requiring frequent updates to prescriptions. In many instances, families delay these essential changes due to the costs involved.
The Plan VEO is a project launched by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Council of Optical Optometrists. The financial aid covers up to 100 euro per year for the acquisition of glasses or contact lenses. In the case of lenses, the grant also includes the necessary maintenance fluids for the entire year. If the total cost of the eyewear is less than 100 euro, the family will pay nothing. If the cost exceeds this amount, they must pay the difference.
While the government admits this is not a total solution, it is a significant support measure for renewing eyewear. The Ministry of Health stated that protecting visual health is fundamental to ensuring people enjoy the highest possible standard of health. The primary objective is to ensure that no minor has their development limited by uncorrected vision problems.
The aid is specifically aimed at children and adolescents up to the age of 16 who have diagnosed refractive errors and are entitled to public healthcare. It is also available to those covered by mutual insurance schemes such as MUFACE, MUGEJU, or ISFAS.
The application window for this aid will remain open until 31st December 2026. Applications must be made in person at opticians that are participating in the programme. The initiative follows concerning data suggesting that one in ten minors has uncorrected vision problems due to economic reasons. With a budget of 48 million euro, the Plan VEO intends to close this gap, as glasses and contact lenses remain some of the most expensive health products not currently covered by the standard public system.