Short Answer
Routine vision tests for glasses or contact lenses must be performed directly at a retail optician rather than an ophthalmologist's clinic.
Public health insurance does not cover vision corrections for standard adult refractive errors, making a medical appointment unnecessary for new frames.
What Most Expats Don't Realize
You waited four months for a rare "Augenarzt" slot just to update your reading glasses prescription, assuming the medical route was required for insurance. The doctor spent three minutes checking your eyes and told you to go to a store because they do not issue commercial lens values. You lost four months of clear vision and spent €150 on a private test later because you didn't realize high street opticians handle the entire process on the spot.
What To Do
- Walk directly into a local optician shop like Fielmann, Apollo, or an independent "Optiker."
- Book an appointment specifically for a "Sehtest" (eye test) to determine your current lens numbers.
- "Ich brauche nur einen Sehtest für eine neue Brille." (I only need an eye test for new glasses.) — State this at the shop counter to have the test fee waived with a frame purchase.
The Truth
Germany separates medical eye diseases from commercial vision correction. The system treats adult glasses as a private lifestyle expense, meaning medical eye doctors will actively turn you away if you attempt to use them as a free retail service.