The Community of Madrid’s subsidies continue, and on this occasion, they are not aimed at retirees or parents, but at children who wear glasses or contact lenses. Specifically, it is aimed at children under 14 with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, with a maximum subsidy of €55.
For the second consecutive year, the Madrid Health Service and the National College of Opticians-Optometrists have signed an agreement to facilitate access to the aid. Various opticians throughout the region have joined this initiative, which seeks to guarantee the visual health of children.
Aimed at minors and residents
To receive the subsidy, you must have a public health card from the Community. | Editorial credit: Shutterstock and Community of Madrid
To be eligible for this benefit, the recipient of the glasses or contact lenses must be under 14 years of age, reside in the Community of Madrid, and have a public health card from the Community.
It can be requested once a year per person and, if it was already obtained in the previous year, more than 12 months must have elapsed between one subsidy and another, as explained by the Community of Madrid.
Where to apply for assistance
General Optica in Madrid, affiliated with the agreement. | Editorial credit: Shutterstock
If the minor already has glasses or contact lenses, the subsidy can be requested directly through the opticians participating in the agreement. This search engine can be used to find the establishments available in the different municipalities of the Community of Madrid.
Those who detect vision problems for the first time during their check-ups should go to the ophthalmology service of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS). Professionals will perform a visual examination to assess the need for glasses and issue a report to parents or guardians so that they can go to the optician and obtain the subsidy.
Up to €55
Subsidy of up to €55, including VAT. | Editorial credit: Shutterstock
The subsidy for glasses and contact lenses is a maximum of €55, including VAT. If the cost exceeds the subsidized amount, the child’s guardians must complete Annex III of the agreement.
This document is a transparency and acceptance of conditions form. By signing it, guardians agree to accept the budget provided by the Community of Madrid and to pay the remaining cost of the chosen product.
According to data from the Community, more than 135,000 minors benefited from this aid last year, and with this second edition, the commitment to the visual health of minors and accessibility to glasses and contact lenses is maintained.