Eye Care in Japan for Foreigners: Glasses, Contacts, and Eye Clinics (2025)
Eye care in Japan is fast, affordable, and technically impressive — glasses are often ready in an hour and contact lenses are widely available. But the system has some quirks that foreigners consistently find surprising. Here’s what you need to know. 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: ...