German for getting glasses

Eye test at the eye doctor or optician

You can have an eye test at the eye doctor (covered by insurance with a referral) or directly at the optician. The eye doctor's prescription is valid for twelve months.

Health insurance only covers under certain conditions

Statutory health insurance pays subsidies for glasses only at certain prescription strengths or for children. Ask the optician beforehand what is reimbursed.

Progressive lenses need an adjustment period

If you buy progressive lenses, allow one to two weeks for adjustment. Anyone having trouble during this time can go back to the optician and have the grinding values corrected.

Varifocal lenses: plan for an adjustment period

Varifocal lenses have three vision zones (distance, near, intermediate) and usually need one to two weeks to get used to. Turn your head rather than just moving your eyes, and avoid stairs at first. If dizziness or headaches persist after two weeks, have the grinding values corrected at the optician free of charge.

Asking for an eye test and prescription

Choosing a frame

Picking up and adjusting glasses

Enquiring about and getting contact lenses fitted

How do I ask whether the health insurer covers the glasses?

Ask: Will my health insurer cover all or part of the costs for these glasses? The optician or the insurer can clarify that directly.

What is the difference between an optician and an eye doctor?

The eye doctor is a medical specialist who makes medical diagnoses, for example for eye diseases. The optician carries out eye tests and makes glasses, but is not a doctor.

How do I say the glasses do not fit properly?

Say: The glasses do not fit properly. They press on the bridge of my nose or keep slipping. Could you please adjust them? This is a completely normal customer request at the optician.

What do the abbreviations 'sph', 'cyl' and 'add' on the glasses prescription mean?

'sph' (sphere) gives the short- or long-sightedness in dioptres. 'cyl' (cylinder) stands for astigmatism (irregular corneal curvature). 'add' (addition) is the near-vision addition for varifocal lenses. It is completely normal to ask the optician to explain the values.

How long does it take until new glasses are ready?

For simple single-vision lenses from stock, glasses are sometimes ready on the same day or the next. Varifocal lenses or special coatings usually take five to ten working days. The optician will give you a precise estimate when you order.

Can I use my glasses prescription at a different optician?

Yes. A glasses prescription from an eye doctor is valid for twelve months in Germany and can be used at any optician. If the optician themselves performed the eye test, they usually keep the values in-house — but you can always ask for a written copy.