New right for eyeglass prescriptions from the SSI
With the amendment made to the Health Implementation Communiqué, the Social Security Institution (SSI) has paved the way for patients prescribed both distance and reading glasses on the same prescription to use multifocal glasses upon request. The SSI will cover the cost of these glasses.
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Regulations regarding the amendments made by the Social Security Institution (SSI) to the Health Implementation Communiqué were announced in the Official Gazette dated December 10, 2025. One of the most notable items among the updates is the new practice regarding eyeglass payments.
NEW SUPPORT FOR MULTIFOCAL GLASSES
According to the regulation, individuals who are prescribed both distance and reading glasses on the same prescription by ophthalmologists or assistant physicians in this specialty will be able to opt for multifocal glasses if they wish.
DIFFERENT RULE FOR THOSE UNDER 18
If this choice is made, there will be no need to issue a new prescription, and the cost of the multifocal glasses will be covered by the SSI. However, a different practice will apply to individuals under the age of 18. In this age group, glasses must be obtained exactly as written on the prescription.
For this reason, it will not be possible to provide multifocal glasses upon request for children and young people.
OVERSEAS TREATMENT REPORTS REVISED
The Communiqué also established new procedures for health board reports to be prepared for patients planning treatment abroad. Specifically for critical treatments such as tissue and organ transplants, the hospitals that will generate the reports and the approval processes have been detailed.
UPPER LIMIT UPDATES MADE
In addition, the upper limits applied to certain medical procedures have been increased; outpatient applications, fee-for-service transactions, and medical supply lists used in various branches have been updated and reorganized.
EFFECTIVE DATE DETERMINED
Some sections of the Communiqué entered into force on the day of their publication. It was announced that the new practice regarding eyeglass payments will become effective 5 business days after the date of publication in the Official Gazette.