The question is often asked: What is the situation with eye tests in Israel? Are eye examinations covered under the medical aid system (Kupat Cholim)? If not, what exactly are my options?! Those with weaker vision know well the constant need to go for regular eye tests for prescription glasses. Of course – glasses are one thing, and the health of the eye is quite another. If it’s an actual eye test for the purpose of the health of the eye you require, you’re going to need to contact an ophthalmic surgeon / ophthalmologist. If it’s new glasses or contact lenses you’re in need of, you’ll need to make an appointment with the optometrist! In this post, we’re going to show you your low cost choices as well as an option that will give you free testing for glasses and offer frames and lenses at practically cost prices!
If you’ll be in need of consulting with an ophthalmologist, you need to know that the Kupat Cholim will give you the opportunity to visit a professional at the ordinary standard consultation fee (current about ₪25 for an appointment.) As usual, you will be able to see the same professional for the particular quarter of the year you find yourself in. After that, it means having to pay once again. The surgeon will offer a completely professional service checking the health of the eye. This is usually done with drops and the standard testing for pressure / Glaucoma. It’s quite straight forward.
The Kupat Cholim offers no assistance to those in need of glasses! Let’s clarify: If one is going for a test only, one will be required to pay a fee – usually around ₪250. If, however, one actually purchases glasses, the test will be done for free. It’s best of course to know in advance if you are actually going to purchase your glasses. It is also best to know that you feel comfortable with the frames available (and prices!) of the store you’ll be having your test at first. If you are not happy – don’t do the test! You’ll end up paying for the test, not buying any glasses, and then doing another test elsewhere! Then you’ll need to purchase glasses (anyway) from the next optometrist! Remember, prices for lenses and frames vary radically from one optometrist to another. Sales pitch and marketing may end up costing you a lot more than you really need to pay. Don’t be swayed. Be sure to ask for the facts and all the options available.
A few years ago, we had the opportunity to benefit from the thorough eye / vision examinations offered by the Department of Optometry at the Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem. We were so impressed with our experience that we decided to find out a little more information and to share our findings in a blog post for our readers and fellow or potential Olim. In fact, we have been to them on a few occasions now and have been quite satisfied with what they offer.
The Department of Optometry has several services that are offered to the community as a service as part of the clinical training that their students undergo. The Head of Department is Professor Ariela Gordon-Shaag who oversees this special program. Students are supervised by the best instructors available in Israel.
The services available to the community are part of an NGO and as such, costs are very low and prices for spectacles or contact lenses are at almost cost price.
The first step is a general intake which is a very thorough examination including obtaining a history and testing both vision and the ability of the person’s eyes to work effectively. After this intake, clients are referred to any of the following:
- Low Vision Clinic
- Vision Therapy
- Contact Lenses
- Optical Store
Those who are aware they require vision therapy can bring a letter of referral and book an appointment.
Costs involved include:
- ₪30 for the family per year for testing
- ₪100 for the series of 8-10 sessions of Vision Therapy, per person requiring the vision therapy
- Contact Lenses and Glasses at virtually cost price
There are currently 200 students in the Optometry program. Hadassah Academic College recently added a special program for Observant Jewish women which has increased their numbers.
These services are currently offered in the following languages:
Hebrew, English, French, Russian and Arabic. Please note: Requests for languages other than Hebrew need to be made at the time of making the appointment.
Should you be in need of a vision test, spectacles, contact lenses, vision therapy or low vision clinic, I highly recommend making an appointment with the Department of Optometry. They are easily located in Down-Town Jerusalem – an easy bus ride via the number 1 bus from Tachanah Mercazit, Geulah or the Old City, or the light rail, get off at Jaffa Centre.
To make an appointment simply call the secretary, Gali – 02-6291968 (she might now be there currently.) Do make sure to block out 1-2 hours for your evaluation, as the test is very thorough and time-consuming. Your eyes and vision are very important for healthy, daily functioning. If money is an issue, make an appointment with the Department of Optometry and receive the very best of care. Thanks to the kindness of the Hadassah Academic College, cost is no longer an issue when caring for your eyes and the functioning of your eyes.
For general testing, tests are offered free with all the details of the client stored on their computers for further reference. The patient will be given a prescription and can take it to the shop to purchase their glasses from them directly. To emphasize again, prices are basically cost price as they do not receive profit for their sales. Instead, they offer this service as a way of attracting the public to come through to allow students to get to understand the process of the practical examination. Everything is overseen by qualified optometrists, and it should not concern anyone that the tests are any less professional than that received in a standard optometry store.
Bottom line: If cost is an issue, go directly to the Hadassah Academic College and have your eyes tested at their optometry department. You’ll pay nothing for the test, and obtain a wonderful pair of glasses at cost price. It’s the best we’ve seen for cost/service when it comes to caring for one’s eyes in Israel.
This post is prepared by
Occupational Therapist
Please Note: This blog post has been proof read and approved by the Head of Department.
