Eye Tests in Cyprus: Opticians, Ophthalmologists and What GESY Covers

For a routine eye test and glasses in Cyprus, go straight to an optician and pay privately. For a medical eye problem, ask your GESY personal doctor for a referral to an ophthalmologist. Below we explain who does what, what GESY pays for and where to go in each city.

Do I need an optician or an ophthalmologist?

They do different jobs, and Cyprus keeps them separate.

• Optician or optometrist: tests your sight, prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses, and can spot signs that you need a doctor. No referral is needed, and you pay the shop.
• Ophthalmologist: a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease and performs surgery, such as cataract operations. This is the route GESY covers.

As a rule, book an optician for blurred reading, headaches or an out-of-date prescription. Book an ophthalmologist for pain, redness that does not clear, flashes or floaters, sudden loss of vision, diabetes or a family history of glaucoma.

Can I see an ophthalmologist under GESY without a referral?

Normally you need a referral, and direct visits cost more. GESY's page on accessing specialists says beneficiaries may visit an outpatient specialist of their choice directly. The only exception it names for free direct access is gynaecology for women aged 15 and over. Ophthalmology is not listed as an exception, so we treat it as referral-first.

GESY's outpatient specialists FAQ gives the practical numbers (checked 8 November 2026):

Ask for the right type of referral. A diabetic, for example, should ask for a long-term referral so annual eye checks do not need a new one each time. Our diabetes care guide explains that route, and the GESY guide covers registration and choosing a personal doctor.

The State Health Services Organisation runs a public ophthalmology clinic at Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia, also working at Nicosia General Hospital. Its page (modified 17 July 2026) lists cataract surgery, retinal treatment, eye trauma, cornea and children's ophthalmology, and takes appointment requests online or by phone. It does not state whether a referral is required, so confirm that when you book.

What does GESY not cover for eyes?

GESY covers medical eye conditions treated by an ophthalmologist. It does not cover everyday vision care. A July 2026 insurer guide (Digicare, 14 July 2026) says adult eye tests, glasses and contact lenses are outside GESY. Treat this as the common understanding and ask the clinic before you book.

In practice:

• Glasses and contact lenses: you pay the optician.
• Laser vision correction: private. Dr Ioannides' clinic in Limassol states that it offers only private healthcare.
• Cataract surgery: can be done through GESY or privately. A Paphos ophthalmologist's guide (31 March 2026) says standard cataract surgery may be covered in selected cases, while premium lenses such as toric or trifocal carry private charges.

Many expats keep private insurance partly for optical cover. Read what your policy pays for tests and lenses before you buy; our private hospitals and clinics guide explains how plans work alongside GESY.

Who regulates opticians in Cyprus?

Opticians are registered by the Cyprus Optical Council, which works under the Ministry of Health, under the Regulating the Practice of the Opticians' Profession Law of 1992. The government's Business in Cyprus page says applicants need an accredited degree in optometry or technical optics, a clear criminal record, at least one year of work experience, and that registration is valid for one year and renewed with seminars or workshops every two years. The application fee is €34.17 (checked 8 November 2026).

You can ask any optician whether the person testing you is registered. You can also look for qualifications on the shop's website: the A&A Optical Centre in Nicosia, for instance, says its tests are carried out by UK-qualified optometrists.

Where can I get an eye test or see an eye specialist, city by city?

Contact each place directly to check opening hours and prices.

Nicolaides' website says its shops are in Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca, but its own figures differ (11 or 12 shops), so check the store finder for the nearest one. Its site shows a 2026 centenary offer of prescription glasses from €20, but says to contact the shop for other prices. Contact lens prices vary by brand and prescription, so ask the optician for a quote. Ask for the price per box and the yearly cost before you commit, and whether the fitting appointment is included.

For Paphos and Larnaca, the clinic and chain above are the options listed here. Nicolaides covers Larnaca with three addresses listed on its site.

How do I get my child's eyes checked?

A 2018 EUSCREEN report on vision screening in Cyprus says the Ministry of Health invites children for screening, health visitors check sight in public schools at around age 6, and the school check is free for parents. Private kindergartens may charge families for screening. The report states that it could not be fully verified and is internally inconsistent, so do not rely on it.

If you are new to the island, ask your child's school or paediatric personal doctor whether a check has been done. Squinting, sitting close to the screen, headaches or tilting the head are reasons to book an eye test straight away, and an optician may refer you on to an ophthalmologist. Ask the optician about age limits first: the Limassol optician above lists tests for children aged 8 and up.

Does my driving licence need an eye test?

For a first Cyprus licence you pass a simple eyesight check at the Road Transport Department, as our driving licence guide explains. Drivers aged 70 and over renew every three years with a medical certificate (see our licence exchange guide). Ask your doctor what the certificate must say and check with the Road Transport Department.

What to do next

1. If you need a medical eye review, book your personal doctor and ask for the right referral. See the GESY guide.
2. For glasses or contact lenses, ring an optician from the table, ask what the test costs and whether it is free with a purchase, and ask for the final price in writing.
3. If you are considering laser or cataract surgery, ask the clinic for a written quote and ask what your insurer will pay; see our private hospitals and clinics guide.
4. If you are 70 or over, or exchanging a licence, read the licence exchange guide before you book your medical certificate.