Starting tomorrow, children under 16 can apply for assistance to buy glasses and contact lenses.

Starting this Wednesday, people can apply for government assistance to buy glasses and contact lenses. announced more than a year agoThis Tuesday, the Ministry of Health detailed that, under the so-called "Veo Plan," subsidies of up to €100 will be available for minors under 16 to purchase glasses and contact lenses until December 31, 2026. The Minister of Health, Mónica García, stated that this project is one of the government's "most ambitious." According to the Ministry, the subsidies should cover the cost of essential optical products, such as basic frames with organic prescription lenses with anti-reflective coating, or contact lenses and maintenance solutions for one year. However, to access the Plan Veo will require a prescription for the visual aid system Depending on the child's age and circumstances, the appropriate authority will issue the prescription. For children aged 5 or younger who are accessing the plan for the first time, a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist at an ophthalmology service within the National Health System or the private sector will be required. For children aged six or older, a prescription from an optometrist at a participating healthcare facility may also be required. Finally, for those accessing the plan for the second time, a review performed by any of these professionals will suffice, provided that 365 days have passed since the previous review. Up to 30% of students have vision problems.

The Ministry of Health has noted that refractive errors (such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) affect between 10 and 30 percent of the school-age population in Spain, with prevalence rates on the rise, especially in contexts of intensive screen use and indoor living. "Without proper correction, these problems not only affect children's physical well-being, but also their academic performance, psychosocial development, and quality of life," the ministry emphasized in a statement, describing the measure as "exceptional" and reiterating that it "responds to a public health need" and the desire to reduce the number of refractive errors.