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Financing and Payment Methods

At Optical Express, it's easy to understand how to cover the cost of your eye care

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Plan with Clinics all across Ireland

We are Europe's number one provider, with Clinics all across Ireland.

You could experience the joy of being able to see clearly in the morning from the moment you wake up. You could read or watch television without any effort. Or go for a drive without searching for your glasses – and wear any sunglasses you like at the same time!

Eligibility

There are a number of eye conditions associated with older age, that are preventable or easily treated if detected in time. The most common of these are cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. If you are undergoing eye surgery and want to know if you are covered we advise you contact your medical insurance provider as part of your cost assessment. If you do not hold a Medical Card, you may be eligible for optical benefit under the Treatment Benefit Scheme, which is operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Benefits and Providers

Laser eye surgery is now considered a common procedure with about 100,000 people undergoing some variation of the treatment in Ireland each year. Nevertheless, the concept of undergoing laser surgery to correct vision problems can still be a bit of a mystery and concern to many, especially as it was once deemed risky and expensive.

If you’re looking into the possibility of undergoing laser eye surgery, chances are, the cost is most likely one of your main concerns. From cover by your medical insurance provider to looking at loans and financing options we can explain how it all works to suit you. 

  • The difference after laser eye surgery is awe-inspiring, but it only takes a few minutes to perform
  • No company in Europe is more experienced at laser eye surgery than Optical Express
  • Imagine how you would feel with clear vision without needing glasses or contact lenses
  • Fully comprehensive aftercare programme for complete peace of mind

Get in touch with us for a no obligation discussion on how we can help you

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Why choose Optical Express?

More than 99% of patients achieve 20|20 vision or better following treatment¹ and said it was one of the best decisions that they have made in their life. 

Forms & Applications

The Med 1 is no longer available. Health expenses are claimed through your tax return form. You can claim for Health Expenses depending on your eligibility using PAYE Anytime. 

If you're a UK posted worker, the UK and Ireland are working to agree continued reciprocal healthcare arrangements. But you may also want to take out private healthcare insurance. The NHS website discusses your options including what costs to expect in Ireland. 

People who hold a valid full medical card (not a GP visit card) and those with a Health Amendment Act Card- are entitled to an eye examination once every two years, or more often if there is a clinical reason requiring this. Elective and Cosmetic Surgeries are not covered by the medical card. 

There is also an allowance towards the cost of spectacles that is designed to cover the cost of the most basic spectacles.

For those qualified PRSI entitled persons, the benefit allows a free eye examination once every two years, or more often if there is a clinical reason requiring this. 

Tax Refunds & Exceptions

If you have recently undergone laser eye surgery, you may be relieved to know that you can probably claim tax back on the procedure; even if you didn’t have the operation carried out in Ireland. This is because it’s classed as a general medical expense, which is one of the many allowances you are given when calculating your tax liabilities.

You can claim up to 20% tax back on medical expenses incurred over the past four years, just remember you cannot claim for medical expenses that you have got a refund for already i.e. by way of medical insurance etc. The transformative impact laser-eye surgery can have on a person’s life is undeniable, yet many people don’t realise the added benefits it has in terms of their tax liabilities. Make sure you aren’t overpaying tax by not taking advantage of your medical tax allowances.

Still have questions?

Below you can find the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

  • What are the financing options and payment plans?

    The short answer is: It depends

    Lens surgery provides our patients with excellent vision and reduces the ongoing costs associated with continued purchases of glasses and contact lenses. Each patient undergoing lens surgery is different and as a result, costs vary. We offer a number of payment options and finance plans which can help to spread the cost of this life-changing treatment. Depending on your clinic of choice we may be able to offer 0% APR for 10 or 12 months.

     

  • Can I receive a discount with my bank or credit union?

    The short answer is: Possibly not

    If you are a member of your local credit union or bank, it is recommended that you check with us directly to discuss if any percentage of routine eye care, laser eye or eye treatments costs are valid. 

  • Will I need to pay for aftercare?

    Short Answer: after your aftercare programme is complete, further appointments are chargeable.

    Our clinics offer a comprehensive aftercare programme that is tailored specifically for you, we offer aftercare appointments within the recommended healing timeframe, Beyond you're three month check up time period there may be a cost associated as you will have completed your aftercare programme, we aim to have every patient complete their aftercare and recovery programme successfully.