Eyeglasses in Germany: Eye Tests, Costs, and Insurance (2026)
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Getting glasses in Germany starts with a free eye test — almost every Optiker (optician's shop) offers one. But that free test won't get you a cent from health insurance: adults pay for glasses out of pocket as a rule, and reimbursement only kicks in for severe vision problems with a prescription (Verordnung) from an Augenarzt (eye doctor). This guide walks through eye tests, lens and frame choices, where to buy, and how to score a cheap spare pair.
Getting your eyes tested: Optiker vs. Augenarzt
Germany has two different people who check your eyes, and the distinction matters for your wallet.
- Optiker — the optician at the glasses shop. Chains like Fielmann and Apollo do a free in-store Sehtest (sight test) that is perfectly good for ordering glasses at that shop. But an Optiker cannot issue a Verordnung that health insurance will accept.
- Augenarzt — the ophthalmologist, a medical doctor. If you want the public health insurance (GKV) to reimburse anything, you need a Verordnung from an Augenarzt.
A Verordnung has no fixed legal expiry, but shops generally want a recent one — shops generally want a recent one, so ask the shop what it accepts before you order.
Lenses: single vision, progressive, blue-light, photochromic
- Single vision (Einstärkenbrille) — one strength across the whole lens, for distance or for reading. The cheapest option.
- Progressive (Gleitsichtbrille) — distance, intermediate, and near vision in one lens, for presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing up close). Takes some getting used to.
- Blue-light filter (Blaulichtfilter) — a coating that filters part of the blue light from screens. A comfort choice, not a medical necessity.
- Photochromic (selbsttönende Gläser) — lenses that darken automatically in sunlight, so you don't need separate sunglasses.
- High-index lenses for strong prescriptions — standard plastic is index 1.5; for higher prescriptions, 1.67 or 1.74 index lenses are noticeably thinner and lighter. Worth considering from about −4 diopters upward.
Frames: acetate, titanium, memory metal
- Acetate (Kunststoff) — the classic colorful plastic; sturdy and stylish, with limited adjustability.
- Titanium (Titan) — extremely light and hypoallergenic; the premium option.
- Memory metal (Memory-Metall) — flexible frames that spring back into shape; forgiving if your glasses take a beating.
Fit matters more than material: the frame should sit comfortably on your nose without sliding, and the lenses should center on your pupils. Any decent Optiker adjusts a new frame for free.
Contact lenses: daily, monthly, toric
- Daily disposables (Tageslinsen) — wear once, throw away. The most hygienic and convenient option; best for occasional wearers.
- Monthly lenses (Monatslinsen) — cheaper per day if you wear contacts every day, but they need daily cleaning and a lens case.
- Toric lenses (torische Linsen) — for astigmatism (Hornhautverkrümmung); they need a proper fitting because they must sit at the right angle on your eye.
- You can buy contacts at Optiker shops, drugstores like dm and Rossmann, and online — but get a professional contact-lens fitting (Kontaktlinsenanpassung) first, especially for toric lenses or if you've never worn contacts. The fitter will also walk you through handling and hygiene basics.
Where to buy: local shops vs. online
- Local chains — Fielmann (the biggest), Apollo: try on in person, free Sehtest, free adjustments and minor repairs for the life of the glasses.
- Online shops — Mister Spex, Brille24, Robin Look: often much cheaper, especially for single-vision glasses. You type in your prescription values (SPH, CYL, AX) and your pupillary distance (PD / Pupillendistanz).
- Measuring your PD — ask your Optiker to write it on your prescription; otherwise most online shops offer a step-by-step self-measurement tool (ruler + mirror or webcam).
- Delivery typically takes a few days to two weeks; check each shop's return policy — many online opticians offer free returns within about 30 days.
Small accessories that solve big annoyances
- Slipping down your nose? Silicone anti-slip nose pads (Antirutschnasenpads) or an eyeglass chain (Brillenkette).
- Sports? A sports strap (Sportbrillenband) keeps glasses on during running or cycling.
- Fogging up when you come in from the cold? Anti-fog cloths (Antibeschlagtücher) help for a few hours per wipe.
- All of these cost a few euros at any Optiker — and Amazon.de sells every variant; just search the German terms (no link needed).
Insurance and reimbursement
- Under 18: the GKV covers lenses in full under the Festbetrag (fixed-amount) system; if the child picks a designer frame, the family pays the difference.
- Adults: as a rule, you pay everything yourself. GKV only contributes for severe vision impairment — more than 6 diopters, astigmatism of 4 diopters or more, or corrected vision of 0.3 or less. Then the Kasse pays the Festbetrag for the lenses (roughly €10–112 per lens); frames are never covered.
- Since the March 2025 Festbetrag reform, each Kasse sets its own amounts — ask your own Kasse what it currently pays before you buy.
- Zusatzversicherung (supplementary insurance) or an employer subsidy (Arbeitgeberzuschuss) can cover part of the cost — check your policy or ask HR what yours includes.
Why you need a spare pair (and how to get one cheap)
Glasses break at the worst moment — stepped on, sat on, lost on a trip. A spare pair means a broken frame is an annoyance, not an emergency, and you avoid paying rush-order premiums.
The cheapest spare: order your prescription online (Mister Spex, Brille24, Robin Look) with a basic frame and standard lenses — often well under €50. Keep it in your bag or desk drawer and forget about it until you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Do adults really get zero reimbursement from German health insurance for glasses?
In principle, yes. The GKV treats glasses for adults as a private expense — except for severe vision impairment (over 6 diopters, astigmatism of 4+ diopters, or corrected vision of 0.3 or less). If you might qualify, see an Augenarzt first for a Verordnung, then ask your Kasse exactly what it reimburses. An Optiker's free Sehtest is not enough for reimbursement.
Is the free eye test at the Optiker enough to order glasses?
For ordering at that shop, yes — the in-store Sehtest gives them everything they need. It is not a Verordnung, so it unlocks no insurance money. If you need reimbursement, go to an Augenarzt.
How much do glasses cost in Germany?
Prices vary enormously. Online single-vision pairs are usually the cheapest entry point (exact prices change constantly), while progressive lenses with high-index glass in a titanium frame at a high-street Optiker can run into the hundreds of euros. Online is usually cheapest for simple prescriptions; complex ones (progressive, high astigmatism) are often worth buying locally for the fitting.
Can I order online with a prescription from another country?
Online shops generally accept any prescription with standard values (SPH, CYL, AX) plus your PD — the numbers are universal. A local Optiker may still prefer to re-test you in store.
Are blue-light filter lenses worth paying extra for?
They are a comfort coating, not a medical treatment. If you stare at screens all day and feel more comfortable with them, fine — but don't buy them out of fear for your eyes. No lens replaces regular breaks and good lighting.
Do I need a prescription to buy contact lenses in Germany?
Shops don't always demand a written prescription, but you should still get a professional fitting (Kontaktlinsenanpassung) — especially for toric lenses. An ill-fitting lens is uncomfortable at best.
Sources
- Fielmann (in-store eye tests): https://www.fielmann.de
- Mister Spex: https://www.misterspex.de
- Brille24: https://www.brille24.de
- Apollo Optik: https://www.apollo.de
- Robin Look: https://www.robinlook.de
- GKV-Spitzenverband (Festbetrag system): https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de
← Previous
Cost of Living in Germany: Where Your Money Goes
Next →
Germany's Healthcare System: Public GKV vs. Private PKV and Choosing a Krankenkasse
('Disclaimer — please read. This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not tax, accounting, legal, financial, immigration, medical, dental, or health advice, and reading it does not create a professional or client relationship between you and Llandora. Tax and immigration rules change frequently and differ by country, province/state, and personal circumstances; figures, thresholds, and examples in this article may be outdated, incomplete, or incorrect, and may not apply to your situation. Always verify current rules with the official sources (CRA, IRS, IRCC, USCIS) and consult a licensed professional before making any decision. Content about health, medical, or dental topics is general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Llandora makes no warranty of any kind — express or implied — about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of this content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Llandora disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising from errors or omissions in this article or from any action taken or not taken in reliance on it, whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential. You rely on this article entirely at your own risk.', 'Disclaimer — please read. This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not tax, accounting, legal, financial, immigration, medical, dental, or health advice, and reading it does not create a professional or client relationship between you and Llandora. Tax and immigration rules change frequently and differ by country, province/state, and personal circumstances; figures, thresholds, and examples in this article may be outdated, incomplete, or incorrect, and may not apply to your situation. Always verify current rules with the official sources (CRA, IRS, IRCC, USCIS) and consult a licensed professional before making any decision. Content about health, medical, or dental topics is general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Llandora makes no warranty of any kind — express or implied — about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of this content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Llandora disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising from errors or omissions in this article or from any action taken or not taken in reliance on it, whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential. You rely on this article entirely at your own risk.', "Avertissement — à lire attentivement. Cet article est fourni à titre informatif et pédagogique uniquement. Il ne constitue pas un conseil fiscal, comptable, juridique, financier, en immigration, médical, dentaire ou en santé, et sa lecture ne crée aucune relation professionnelle ou client entre vous et Llandora. Les règles fiscales et d'immigration changent fréquemment et varient selon le pays, la province/l'État et la situation personnelle ; les chiffres, seuils et exemples de cet article peuvent être obsolètes, incomplets ou inexacts, et peuvent ne pas s'appliquer à votre situation. Vérifiez toujours les règles en vigueur auprès des sources officielles (CRA, IRS, IRCC, USCIS) et consultez un professionnel agréé avant de prendre toute décision. Les contenus relatifs à la santé, à la médecine ou aux soins dentaires sont fournis à titre informatif uniquement et ne remplacent pas un avis médical professionnel, un diagnostic ou un traitement — consultez toujours un professionnel de la santé qualifié pour toute question d'ordre médical. Llandora n'offre aucune garantie, expresse ou implicite, quant à l'exactitude, l'exhaustivité, la fiabilité ou l'actualité de ce contenu. Dans toute la mesure permise par la loi, Llandora décline toute responsabilité pour toute perte, tout dommage, tout coût ou toute dépense découlant d'erreurs ou d'omissions dans cet article ou de toute action entreprise ou non entreprise sur la foi de son contenu, qu'ils soient directs, indirects, accessoires ou consécutifs. Vous vous fiez à cet article entièrement à vos propres risques.", 'Aviso legal — léalo con atención. Este artículo es solo para fines informativos y educativos. No constituye asesoramiento fiscal, contable, legal, financiero, migratorio, médico, dental ni de salud, y su lectura no crea una relación profesional o de cliente entre usted y Llandora. Las reglas fiscales y migratorias cambian con frecuencia y varían según el país, la provincia/estado y las circunstancias personales; las cifras, umbrales y ejemplos de este artículo pueden estar desactualizados, incompletos o ser incorrectos, y pueden no aplicarse a su situación. Verifique siempre las reglas vigentes con las fuentes oficiales (CRA, IRS, IRCC, USCIS) y consulte a un profesional autorizado antes de tomar cualquier decisión. El contenido sobre temas de salud, médicos o dentales es solo información general y no sustituye el consejo, diagnóstico o tratamiento médico profesional: consulte siempre a un profesional de la salud calificado ante cualquier duda médica. Llandora no ofrece ninguna garantía, expresa o implícita, sobre la exactitud, integridad, fiabilidad u oportunidad de este contenido. En la máxima medida permitida por la ley, Llandora rechaza toda responsabilidad por cualquier pérdida, daño, costo o gasto derivado de errores u omisiones en este artículo o de cualquier acción realizada o no realizada basándose en él, ya sean directos, indirectos, incidentales o consecuentes. Usted confía en este artículo enteramente bajo su propio riesgo.')