Getting Glasses
In Japan, eye insurance or health insurance is not necessary to get corrective lenses. Glasses are very affordable in Japan, and you can often find a good pair at a reasonable price. Since there is no need for insurance, you can get glasses any time you'd like, instead of having to wait 1 or 2 years.
How to get glasses at an eyeglass dispensary
Step 1. Browse the frames and find a pair you like. Prices are typically labelled on the frame itself.
Step 2a. (Using your current prescription) Hand your current glasses and the frames you chose to the attendant at the counter. They will measure your existing prescription and create new lenses for your chosen frames.
Step 2b. (Getting a new prescription) Let the attendant know you'd like an eye test. They will test your vision and ask you to choose a lens quality — from standard lenses to higher-quality options. Once complete, your new lenses will be made.
Step 3. Wait in the waiting area or return later to pick up your glasses. When ready, you'll be called back to confirm the fit and check your vision.
Step 4. You will be taken to the register to pay.
Japanese Eye Tests
Standard eye tests for prescription lenses involves testing lens curvature, depth perception, and distance vision. Some shops offer more comprehensive testing (including testing colour-blindness) for a fee. For in-depth eye health testing and to have symptoms seen to, see an ophthalmologist.
Eye Test Chart
While you may be used to seeing the Roman alphabet on eye charts, no such test exists in Japan. Instead, you will see a chart that looks like this. As you may have guessed, your job is to tell the technician which side of the circle is open for each column. You can answer Up, Down, Left, and Right.
Getting Contacts
If you want to get contacts, you must first make an appointment at an Ophthalmology Clinic (眼科 ganka) to have an exam and discuss contact options, pros and cons, and to get fitted. Many ophthalmology clinics in Japan sell contacts directly, so you can often purchase them on the spot. Alternatively, you can take your paper prescription to any reputable eyeglass dispensary.
After getting your contacts, you should visit your ophthalmologist after 1 month of wear to check on fit, comfort, and eye health. After that, regular follow-up visits every 3–6 months are strongly recommended — and in practice, many clinics require a check-up before renewing your contact lens supply.
Types of contacts available: Soft, Hard, Disposable (dailies), and Ortho-K (corneal reshaping lenses).
For more information about contacts, visit All About Vision — Contacts.
For more information about Ortho-K, visit All About Vision — Ortho-K.
Eye Care Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 視力検査 (しりょくけんさ) |
shiryoku kensa | vision test | |
| メガネ | megane | glasses | |
| コンタクトレンズ | kontakuto renzu | contact lenses | — |
| 眼科 (がんか) |
ganka | ophthalmology clinic | — |
| 処方箋 (しょほうせん) |
shohousen | prescription | — |
| 近視 (きんし) |
kinshi | myopia (nearsightedness) | — |
| 遠視 (えんし) |
enshi | hyperopia (farsightedness) | — |
| 乱視 (らんし) |
ranshi | astigmatism | — |
| 上 (うえ) |
ue | up | |
| 下 (した) |
shita | down | |
| 左 (ひだり) |
hidari | left | |
| 右 (みぎ) |
migi | right |