Discover Trusted Eye Care Specialists for Exceptional Vision Care

An optometrist provides eye tests, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, and screens for disease. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats eye conditions, including surgery such as cataracts, glaucoma, retina and laser vision correction. In Lisbon, use an optometrist for routine vision; see an ophthalmologist for symptoms, complex cases or surgery.

Check independent reviews, ask about language fluency, subspecialty experience (cataract, glaucoma, retina), and the technology used (OCT, corneal topography, modern lasers). Confirm transparent pricing and follow‑up policy. Ophthalmologists should be registered with the Ordem dos Médicos; for optometry, choose university‑trained professionals and established clinics.

Yes. Many private eye clinics and hospital units in central Lisbon provide English‑speaking doctors and staff, with documentation and prescriptions often available in English. Always confirm language support when booking and request translated aftercare instructions if you’re unfamiliar with Portuguese.

A routine optometrist eye test typically costs €35–€80, while an ophthalmologist consultation is usually €80–€150. Contact lens fitting €40–€90, LASIK €900–€1,500 per eye, and private cataract surgery €1,800–€3,000 per eye. Prices are set by each provider and paid directly; always request a written, itemised quote.

In private clinics, you generally don’t need a GP referral to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. For public SNS hospitals, a referral from a family doctor is standard and waiting times can be longer. Insurance may require pre‑authorisation or referral for reimbursement, so check your policy first.

Private providers in Lisbon often offer appointments within 24–72 hours, and some have same‑day slots for urgent problems. Public services can involve longer waits. For red eye, flashes or floaters, sudden vision loss, chemical injuries or trauma, seek immediate care via hospital emergency or call 112.

For sight‑threatening emergencies, call 112 or go directly to a hospital with ophthalmology emergency services. Some private clinics accept urgent walk‑ins or rapid bookings, but availability varies. Seek immediate help for sudden severe pain, vision loss, chemical exposure, new flashes with floaters, or eye injuries.

Many Lisbon opticians and clinics accept recent glasses or contact lens prescriptions in English if measurements are clear, but they may recheck to confirm accuracy. Contact lens brands and parameters can differ, so bring packaging or previous records. For children or complex prescriptions, a local exam is often advised.

Yes. Lisbon has paediatric ophthalmologists and optometrists experienced in amblyopia, strabismus and children’s vision screening. Ask about child‑friendly facilities, language support and appointment length, and bring any previous reports. First visits may involve dilation, which can blur near vision and light sensitivity for several hours.

Many private clinics work with major international insurers, but benefits vary by policy and procedure. Elective services like LASIK are often excluded, while medical consultations, diagnostics and cataract surgery may be covered with pre‑authorisation. Keep itemised invoices and medical reports to support direct billing or pay‑and‑claim reimbursement.