How to Find an Ophthalmologist (Eye Doctor) in Prague

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Finding a reliable ophthalmologist in Prague — whether you need a routine eye exam, a prescription update, or urgent treatment for a sudden eye condition — can feel overwhelming when you’re new to the Czech healthcare system. The good news is that Prague has a well-developed network of eye doctors (oční lékaři), both within the public health system and in private clinics catering specifically to English-speaking expats and tourists. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find, book, and afford quality eye care in Prague, no matter your insurance situation.

Understanding the Czech Healthcare System for Eye Care

Before booking an appointment, it helps to understand how ophthalmology fits within the Czech medical landscape. The Czech Republic operates a mandatory public health insurance system (veřejné zdravotní pojištění), which covers a broad range of eye care services — but access depends heavily on your residency status and the type of insurance you hold.

Who Is Covered by Czech Public Health Insurance?

If you are an EU citizen working in the Czech Republic, a registered resident, or an employee whose employer contributes to Czech public insurance (e.g., through providers like VZP, OZP, ČPZP, or Zdravotní pojišťovna MV), you are entitled to visit an ophthalmologist covered by public insurance at little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Under the public system, you typically do not need a referral to see a specialist ophthalmologist — unlike in some other European countries. You can contact an eye clinic directly, as long as they are contracted with your specific insurance provider.

What About Tourists and Short-Term Visitors?

If you are visiting Prague as a tourist or are on a short-term stay, your options include:

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/EHIC-equivalent): EU citizens with a valid EHIC card are entitled to medically necessary treatment at Czech public facilities under the same conditions as Czech residents. However, ophthalmology visits for non-urgent matters (like a routine eye exam or new glasses prescription) may not be covered.
• Travel insurance: Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover emergency and urgent eye care — for example, sudden vision loss, eye infections, or injuries. Always check your policy’s terms before traveling.
• Self-pay (private clinics): For routine care without insurance coverage, private ophthalmology clinics in Prague offer transparent pricing and are often significantly more affordable than Western Europe or the US.

Types of Eye Care Services Available in Prague

Prague’s ophthalmology sector is remarkably comprehensive. Here is what you can realistically access as an expat or visitor:

Routine Eye Examinations and Vision Tests

Standard eye exams for vision correction needs (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) are widely available. Czech optometrists (optometristé) work in optical shops (oční optiky), while ophthalmologists (oční lékaři) are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat eye diseases in addition to prescribing lenses.

Important distinction: In the Czech Republic, optometrists in optical shops can conduct refractions and fit glasses or contact lenses, but a full medical eye exam requires seeing a certified ophthalmologist.

Contact Lens Prescriptions

Contact lens fittings and prescription renewals are handled either at optical shops or at ophthalmology clinics. If you need a prescription specifically for contact lenses (rather than glasses), explicitly request a “předpis na kontaktní čočky” — the two prescriptions are separate documents in Czech medical practice.

Specialist Treatments: Glaucoma, Cataracts, Retinal Conditions

Prague’s university hospitals — particularly Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice (VFN) and the Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady (FNKV) — house ophthalmology departments capable of treating complex conditions. These are accessible to public insurance holders and, in urgent cases, to EHIC cardholders.

Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK / LASEK / PRK)

Prague is a popular destination for medical tourism specifically for laser eye surgery. Clinics such as Lexum, NeoVize, and Gemini Eye Clinic offer internationally accredited procedures at prices 30–50% lower than in the UK, Germany, or Scandinavia. These are typically self-pay procedures not covered by public insurance.

How to Find an English-Speaking Ophthalmologist in Prague

Language barriers are one of the most common concerns for expats seeking medical care in Prague. Here is how to navigate this effectively.

Use a Dedicated Expat Medical Platform

Services like PragueDoctors.com specialize in connecting English-speaking patients with vetted, English-fluent medical professionals across all specialties — including ophthalmology. This eliminates the guesswork of cold-calling clinics and hoping someone speaks English.

Ask Your General Practitioner (Praktický lékař) for a Referral

Although a GP referral is not legally mandatory to see an ophthalmologist in the Czech public system, having one significantly speeds up the process. Many public clinics prioritize referred patients and your GP can direct you to a contracted ophthalmologist within your insurance network.

Check Your Insurance Provider’s Website

Each Czech public insurance company maintains an online database of contracted specialists. For example:

• VZP: vzp.cz → “Hledat lékaře” (Find a doctor) → select “Oční” under specialty
• OZP: ozp.cz → “Smluvní lékaři”
• ČPZP: cpzp.cz → “Smluvní zdravotnická zařízení”

Filter by your Prague district (Praha 1, Praha 2, etc.) and look for notes indicating “anglicky” or “English” — not all listings specify language capability, so a follow-up phone call or email may be needed.

Private Clinics with English-Speaking Ophthalmologists

Several well-established private clinics in Prague serve the international community and employ English-speaking eye doctors:

• Canadian Medical Care (CMC): A comprehensive private clinic network with ophthalmology services, widely used by expats and diplomatic staff.
• Medicover Prague: International private clinic with English-speaking specialists.
• EUC Clinic Praha: Larger private network with ophthalmology departments across multiple Prague locations.
• Lexum Oční Klinika: Specializes in refractive surgery but also offers comprehensive eye exams.

How to Book an Appointment with an Ophthalmologist in Prague

Booking by Phone

Most Czech clinics accept appointments by phone. If your Czech is limited, prepare a short script: “Dobrý den, chtěl/a bych si domluvit termín k očnímu lékaři. Mluvíte anglicky?” (“Hello, I would like to make an appointment with an eye doctor. Do you speak English?”). At private and expat-focused clinics, English-speaking receptionists are standard.

Online Booking Systems

An increasing number of Czech medical facilities use online booking platforms. The most widely used is ZnámýLékař.cz (similar to Zocdoc), where you can search for “oční lékař Praha” and book directly. Some profiles indicate the languages spoken by the doctor.

Walk-In Urgent Eye Care

For sudden eye emergencies — severe pain, sudden vision changes, chemical splashes, or eye injuries — go directly to the emergency ophthalmology department (oční pohotovost). The main 24/7 eye emergency unit in Prague is located at:

Oční klinika – Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice (VFN)
U Nemocnice 2, Praha 2 (Nové Město)
This is the primary teaching hospital and handles urgent cases around the clock.

Costs and What to Expect at Your Appointment

Public Insurance Patients

With valid Czech public health insurance, a standard ophthalmologist visit is free of charge. You may pay a small fee for certain procedures not fully covered (e.g., specific diagnostic tests or premium lens measurements for cataract surgery). Always ask upfront: “Je to hrazeno pojišťovnou?” (“Is this covered by insurance?”)

Private / Self-Pay Pricing

Approximate private market rates in Prague (as of 2026):

• Comprehensive eye exam: CZK 800 – 1,800 (approx. €30 – €70)
• Contact lens fitting and prescription: CZK 500 – 1,200 (approx. €20 – €45)
• Glaucoma screening (tonometry + OCT): CZK 1,500 – 3,500 (approx. €58 – €135)
• LASIK laser eye surgery (per eye): CZK 18,000 – 35,000 (approx. €700 – €1,350)

These prices represent significant savings compared to most Western European countries, making Prague an attractive destination for elective eye procedures.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Your insurance card (průkaz pojištěnce) — public or private
• Your passport or Czech ID (průkaz totožnosti)
• Your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one
• A list of any medications you are taking (some medications affect eye pressure or pupil dilation)
• Sunglasses — if dilation drops are used, your vision will be light-sensitive for several hours afterward

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist in Prague under Czech public health insurance?

In most cases, no — you do not need a formal referral (doporučení) to visit a specialist ophthalmologist in the Czech Republic. Unlike some EU healthcare systems, Czech patients can generally contact a contracted specialist directly. However, some clinics — particularly heavily booked public departments — may have internal policies that prioritize referred patients or restrict non-referred walk-ins. It is always worth calling ahead. If you have a GP (praktický lékař) registered in Czech insurance, asking them for a referral can smooth the process and ensure you are directed to a provider within your insurance network.

Will my travel insurance cover an eye exam or new glasses prescription in Prague?

Standard travel insurance policies typically do not cover routine or elective eye care, such as vision tests, new prescription glasses, or contact lens fittings. These are considered non-urgent and pre-existing needs. However, if you experience a sudden, unexpected eye problem during your stay — such as an acute infection (conjunctivitis with complications), a retinal detachment, a corneal injury, or sudden vision loss — this would generally qualify as a medical emergency and should be covered. Always read your policy’s exclusion clauses carefully before traveling, and consider purchasing a policy with explicitly enhanced medical coverage if you have known eye conditions.

Are there English-speaking ophthalmologists in Prague outside of expensive private clinics?

Yes, though they require more effort to locate. English-speaking ophthalmologists do exist within the Czech public insurance system, particularly in Prague. Many Czech doctors — especially those who trained or did research abroad, or those working in university hospital environments — speak good to excellent English. Your best approach is to use platforms like PragueDoctors.com, ZnámýLékař.cz (which lists language skills on some profiles), or to ask in expat community groups (Facebook groups such as “Expats in Prague” frequently have verified personal recommendations). Do not assume that a clinic’s lack of an English website means no English is spoken — always call or email to ask directly.

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