How to Get Eyeglasses in China: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

Whether you need prescription glasses or stylish frames, China offers two main options: hospital eye clinics and optical chain stores. Here's how they compare.

Option 1: Hospital Eye Clinics

Best for accurate prescriptions and complex eye conditions.

Process, Time, and Cost

1. Registration — visit the ophthalmology department (眼科) with your passport; queue via WeChat or on-site. 15–30 mins, cost $3–7.

2. Eye exam — includes visual acuity, refraction (验光), intraocular pressure, and fundus exam. 30–60 mins, cost $15–30.

3. Prescription — printed prescription with Sphere/Cylinder/Axis, PD, and the doctor's stamp. 5 mins, included.

4. Order glasses — specified frames/lenses available. 30–60 mins, cost $50–1000.

Total: 2–3 hours, $66–1200.

Key features:

• Prescriptions valid nationwide.
• Insurance-friendly (keep red-stamped receipts).
• Ideal for astigmatism over 200 degrees or eye diseases.

Option 2: Optical Chain Stores

Best for fashion frames and quick service.

Process, Time, and Cost

1. In-store exam — basic refraction test (may lack precision for complex prescriptions). 15–20 mins, free.

2. Frame selection — choose trendy brands (Ray-Ban, local designs). 30–60 mins, cost $20–300.

3. Lens options — upsell on coatings (anti-blue light, anti-fog) and refractive index (1.56–1.74). 10 mins, cost $30–400.

4. Production — same-day service for standard prescriptions. 1–2 hours, included.

Total: 1.5–3 hours, $50–700+.

Popular chains:

• Baodao Glasses (宝岛眼镜): mid-range, negotiable discounts.
• JINS: Japanese brand, fixed pricing.
• MuJiuShi: fashion-forward, frequent promotions.

Comparison Table: Hospital vs. Optical Stores

• Prescription accuracy: hospital is the gold standard (full PD measurement); optical chains may skip parts of PD measurement.
• Frame quality: hospitals offer basic functional designs; chains have trendy styles updated weekly.
• Insurance coverage: hospitals usually accepted; chains rarely accepted.
• English support: hospitals limited (bring a translator); urban chain stores commonly have basic English.
• Follow-up service: hospitals offer free adjustments within 7 days; chains offer free cleaning/repairs.

Pro Tips

• Vocabulary essentials: 验光单 (yànguāng dān) – prescription; 瞳距 (tóngjù) – pupillary distance; 折射率 (zhéshè lǜ) – refractive index.
• Cost-saving strategies: at chains, ask for 30% off non-branded frames; bundle lens coatings (e.g., anti-reflective + anti-scratch).
• Emergency backup: use Meituan for 2-hour delivery of cheap temporary glasses (~$25).

Always request an official red-stamped receipt (发票) for insurance claims.

Key Price Examples

• Basic single-vision: hospital $80, optical chain $50+.
• High-index lenses (1.74): hospital $150, optical chain $70+.
• Progressive lenses: hospital $180, optical chain $110+.

Prices vary by city and store location.