Japan has excellent, affordable eye care. Getting glasses or contacts in Japan is often faster and cheaper than in Western countries — even without knowing Japanese.
Eye Exams
At an Eye Clinic (眼科, Ganka)
For a proper comprehensive eye exam, visit an 眼科 (ophthalmologist) — not just an optician.
- Cost with Japanese health insurance: ¥1,000–2,000 for a standard exam
- Japanese public health insurance (国保 or 社保) covers most eye exams
- Bring your insurance card (保険証) and My Number card
Finding an English-speaking eye clinic:
- Search “English eye doctor [your city]” or “英語対応 眼科”
- In Tokyo: Keio University Hospital, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, and many private clinics in central wards have English speakers
At Glasses Shops
Most major glasses shops (JINS, Zoff) do basic vision tests for free — but this is to fit glasses, not a medical examination.
Getting Glasses in Japan
Japan is one of the best countries in the world for affordable, quality glasses.
Major Chains
JINS (ジンズ)
- Frames + standard lenses: ¥5,500–15,000 all-inclusive
- Ready in 30–60 minutes in-store
- English staff available at some locations; easy process
- jins.com
Zoff (ゾフ)
- Similar to JINS — frames + lenses from ¥5,500
- Wide selection of frames
- 30-minute service
Owndays
- Slightly higher price point (¥6,600–20,000)
- International friendly; operated across Asia
- English website available
Premium Options
- Independent opticians (眼鏡店) in shopping districts
- 999.9, Masunaga — Japanese luxury frames ¥30,000–80,000
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses require a prescription from an eye doctor — you cannot buy without one in Japan.
Prescription Requirements
- Get an exam at an 眼科 (¥1,000–2,000)
- Receive a prescription (処方箋)
- Buy contacts at the clinic, a glasses shop, or online
Online Contact Lens Stores
Once you have a prescription, online is significantly cheaper:
- Contactlens-Japan.com — English friendly
- Lenszero, Mycon — popular Japanese online stores
- Amazon Japan — carries major brands (Acuvue, Dailies, etc.)
Costs
| Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Daily disposables (30 days) | ¥1,500–3,000 |
| 2-week disposables | ¥1,000–2,500 |
| Monthly disposables | ¥800–2,000 |
Insurance: Contact lenses are generally NOT covered by Japanese health insurance (considered cosmetic/elective).
Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK / LASEK)
Japan has many experienced LASIK clinics, particularly in major cities:
- Cost: ¥200,000–500,000 per eye (Tokyo/Osaka clinics)
- Quality: High — Japanese surgical standards are excellent
- Not covered by insurance
- Some clinics have English-speaking staff; check in advance
Popular clinics: Shinagawa Lasik Center, Omotesando Eye Clinic, Ikebukuro LASIK Center
Is Eye Care Covered by Insurance?
| Service | Covered by National Health Insurance? |
|---|---|
| Eye exam at 眼科 | ✅ Yes (standard conditions) |
| Treatment for eye disease | ✅ Yes |
| Prescription glasses for correction | ❌ No (unless medical necessity for children) |
| Contact lenses | ❌ No |
| LASIK surgery | ❌ No |