Starting June 19, 2025, Spain has officially launched a government program to support families with children who need vision correction. Parents and guardians of minors under 16 can now receive partial reimbursement for the purchase of glasses or contact lenses. The maximum amount is 100 euros per child, and this benefit will be available until the end of 2026.
The program covers all regions of the country and aims to make vision correction aids more accessible for families with limited budgets. Authorities note that optical expenses often become a significant financial burden, especially for families with several children who have vision problems. Now, part of these costs will be covered by the government.
Who is eligible for assistance
All families with children under the age of 16 who require vision correction are eligible for compensation. To apply for the benefit, a prescription from an ophthalmologist confirming the need for glasses or lenses is required. You will also need to provide identification documents for the child and their legal representative.
The payment is provided for each child individually, regardless of the number of children in the family. The main requirement is that the child is under the age of 16 and has a medical indication. The program is available to both Spanish citizens and legal foreign residents in the country.
What can be purchased
The compensation covers the purchase of basic frames with organic lenses featuring anti-reflective coating, as well as contact lenses and the necessary solutions for their care. Each year, up to €100 per child can be obtained, which will partially or fully offset the cost of selected products. If the price of the item exceeds the limit, the family is responsible for paying the difference.
More than 2,300 optical stores across Spain participate in the program. All locations where compensation can be used are specially marked. When making a purchase, a prescription and documents confirming eligibility must be presented.
Why is this needed?
According to experts, in Spain, vision problems—such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism—affect 10–30% of children. Without timely correction, these issues can lead to lower academic performance and even social difficulties. The government emphasizes that the new program will help bridge the gap between families with different income levels and ensure equal access to quality eye care.
More than €47 million has been allocated to support families as part of this initiative. It is expected that over 500,000 children across the country will benefit from the program. Authorities believe this will not only improve the health of the younger generation but also ease the financial burden on families.
How to apply for the benefit
To receive compensation, you must visit one of the optical shops participating in the program and provide all required documents. After verifying the paperwork and your prescription, the compensation amount will be deducted when you pay for the product. If the purchase is less than 100 euros, the state will cover the full amount. If it exceeds 100 euros, you will need to pay the difference.
Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2026. It is important to note that compensation is only available for products purchased through the program and does not apply to additional services or accessories.
