In February 2023, I had an eye exam and got fitted for prescription eyeglasses in Västerås, Sweden, and below I share my costs and photos of my receipts. Since I am a mother, I also researched what potential costs I may need to pay if and when my children need eye exams and eyeglasses.
I was pleasantly surprised with the freedom of information I found, and feel relieved with what I’ve learned.
My family moved to Sweden from the USA in 2021, and I’ve found it interesting to document medical expenses costs and the differences between Sweden and the United States. My children and I are Swedish citizens and my husband is a permanent resident, so we are all entitled to Sweden’s universal healthcare.
How much does an eye exam cost in Sweden?
An eye exam for adults (20 years and up) will cost close to 600 SEK in Sweden at the chain stores, like Synoptik and Synsam. I went to Synoptik in February 2023 and my eye exam cost 598 SEK. In Tampa, Florida, USA, I would expect to pay between $50-$100 for an eye exam, without insurance, at a chain store or local eye clinic.
A children’s eye exam costs less, and that information can be found in other paragraphs.
How much do prescription eyeglasses cost in Sweden?
Expect to pay about 5,026 SEK for adult prescription eyeglasses, including the lenses and frames in Sweden. Purchasing name-brand frames (båge) will be about 2,000 SEK and then the (optional) costs for lens upgrades.
For example, I purchased a set of Tommy Hilfiger frames (1,998 SEK), two “silver level” lenses [stronger yet thinner glass] (1,350 SEK per lens, not including a 10% discount), and an eye exam (598 SEK) from Synoptik in Västerås, Sweden in February 2023. Included with that purchase were the frames case and a 90-day change warranty if my glasses didn’t suit me in that time period. My frames were ready for pickup within two weeks of purchase.
Had I purchased less expensive frames or brought my own to reuse, then I would have saved some money there. I feel like the price was reasonable and a little less than I would pay for the same frames in the United States. I also could have purchased cheaper lenses, but I felt like the stronger glass was a good investment for something I wear every day.
The Synopik store also offered a payment plan and frame change program, so you could swap out your current frames for a new set after the first year. I declined that offer though.
Finally, I was also offered a 25% coupon on a purchase of prescription sunglasses within 60 or 90 days of my glasses purchase. I would expect to pay about the same for sunglasses as I do for regular eyeglasses.
How was my eye exam experience in Västerås, Sweden?
I found the staff to be friendly and knowledgeable at the Synoptik branch I visited at Stora Gatan 34, Västerås. They greeted me warmly when I came in and assisted me in trying on frames when I needed help or support. They clearly explained everything that I was paying for and what I was going to experience in the eye exam in Sweden and in English, upon request. I recommend this location and will go back again for future eye exams.
Is eye care free for children in Sweden?
No; however, many of the eye clinics and local government agencies make it so eye exams and frames are free or very inexpensive. For example, Synsam stores offer free eye exams and Synoptik costs 198 SEK for children ages 8-19. Local government agencies offer free frames valued up to 450 SEK for kids. The amount of the eyeglass contribution (bidrag) may vary according to the child’s age, city, and region. It is worth mentioning that if your child’s eye doctor refers them to an eye specialist, that will be cost-free.
Synoptik and Synsam advertise that their junior frames range in price from 298 to 1298 SEK.
From ages 0-7, children will see their primary doctor who performs eye tests during an annual physical exam. Unless requested by school or the primary doctor, you wouldn’t otherwise take them to an eye clinic for an exam.
According to Synoptik’s website, there is an eyeglass allowance for youth under the age of 19:
Children and young people can get free glasses with the county council’s eyeglass allowance. Since March 1, 2016, a new law has been in effect which means that children and young people between the ages of 8-19 are entitled to subsidies from the county council for glasses or contact lenses. The size and conditions of the grant vary between different county councils. On your county council’s website, you can read more about the glasses allowance where you live.
Synsam further elaborates on the eyeglass allowance for children on their website. You should check with your local municipality if it’s decided your child needs glasses and call Försäkringskassan (Sweden Universal Insurance Agency) for the best support.
Is eye care free for adults in Sweden?
Eye care is not covered under Sweden’s universal healthcare. A regular eye exam and new eyeglass frames are not free; however, if you receive a referral to an eye specialist, that service would be free.
If you cannot afford to pay for an eye exam and new frames, you should contact your local government or Försäkringskassan to see if they offer any subsidies for new frames and lenses.
Final thoughts
What are your experiences with the Swedish or American healthcare system for eye care? Leave a comment.
I often feel a sense of relief surrounding the medical process and medical expenses in Sweden. As an American citizen and mom of three, I found it incredibly stressful and confusing to navigate insurance, and costly to pay for medical coverage and general costs, even with insurance. I feel very fortunate to live in Sweden where this is essentially a non-issue for us now.
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