If you're searching for information about tax relief on eye tests and glasses in Ireland, we have important news: routine eye tests, prescription glasses, and contact lenses do NOT qualify for tax relief under Ireland's medical expenses relief scheme.
❌ Not Eligible for Tax Relief:
- Routine eye examinations
- Prescription glasses (reading, distance, bifocals)
- Contact lenses
- Non-prescription sunglasses
While this might be disappointing news, there ARE other ways to get support with eye care costs, plus other medical expenses that DO qualify for tax relief. Let's explore your options.
Alternative Support: Treatment Benefit Scheme
If you pay PRSI contributions, you may be eligible for support through the Treatment Benefit Scheme:
💙 Treatment Benefit Scheme:
• Free eye examination once every 2 years
• €42 contribution towards glasses or contact lenses
• Available to those with sufficient PRSI contributions (usually may require additional processing time)
• No cost to access - provided directly through opticians
• Free eye examination once every 2 years
• €42 contribution towards glasses or contact lenses
• Available to those with sufficient PRSI contributions (usually may require additional processing time)
• No cost to access - provided directly through opticians
How to claim: Visit any participating optician and show your PRSI number. They'll verify your eligibility and provide the service directly.
Learn more at www.gov.ie/treatment-benefit
What DOES Qualify for Tax Relief?
While routine optical care doesn't qualify, there ARE medical expenses you can claim 20% tax relief on:
✅ Laser Eye Surgery
Corrective laser procedures (LASIK, LASEK, PRK) DO qualify for tax relief. If you spent €4,000 on laser surgery, you can claim €800 back.
✅ Dental Expenses
Routine dental work, fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic treatment all qualify for tax relief at 20-40%.
✅ Medical Expenses
- GP visits and consultations
- Prescription medicines
- Hospital stays and procedures
- Physiotherapy (when prescribed)
- Counselling (when referred by GP)
- Medical equipment (hearing aids, wheelchairs, etc.)
✅ Other Tax Credits & Reliefs
- Flat rate expenses for your occupation (up to €733)
- Rent tax credit if you're renting (€1,000-€2,000)
- Work from home relief (€3.20/day)
- Single parent credit (€1,900)
How Much Could You Claim?
Even though glasses and eye tests don't qualify, most Irish taxpayers are still owed significant refunds from other eligible expenses and unclaimed tax credits.
| Relief Type | Potential Refund |
|---|---|
| Flat rate expenses (4 years) | €146-€586 |
| Work from home (4 years) | €281 |
| Medical/dental expenses | €200-€800+ |
| Unclaimed tax credits | €400-€2,000 |
| Average Total Refund | €1,082 |
Check What You're Owed
While glasses and eye tests don't qualify for tax relief, you likely have OTHER unclaimed refunds waiting. Our team reviews your complete tax situation to find every euro you're entitled to.
Summary
- ❌ NO tax relief on eye tests, glasses, or contact lenses
- 💙 Treatment Benefit provides free eye exams + €42 towards glasses (PRSI required)
- ✅ Tax relief IS available on laser surgery, dental work, medical expenses, and other credits
- 💰 Average refund is €1,082 from other eligible expenses
Filed under:Medical Expenses