Aasandha for prescriptions at most clinics, optical stores

Aasandha has been made available for prescriptions given out at various clinics and optical stores, with the list of locations having been publicized.

As per Aasandha's announcement regarding the arrangements made for prescriptions given out by private clinics, eyeglasses can now be made at said clinics that have enrolled for Aasandha for eye refraction prescriptions.

Prior to this, prescription eyeglasses could only be made via places such as IGMH, ADK and EyeCare Opticals. However, eyeglasses can now be made via prescriptions given from a total of 18 places including the aforementioned under the recent change, which are:

As per NSPA's statement that was released on 30th December, they are now working on bringing changes to the places that provide Aasandha services after taking into account public opinions and concerns.

The statement reads that this will allow the public to obtain eyeglass services in an easier manner, with people being able to get eyeglasses with prescriptions given by registered optometrists.

Aasandha Managing Director Aminath Zeeniya told Mihaaru News today that arrangements will be made after registering with the Health Ministry under optical store regulations as well.

"Prescriptions given by optometrists will also be covered after a center registers," said Zeeniya.

She stated that the optical business has been monopolized by private companies, with the government joining the business via IGMH's optical store last July. At the time, aid was increased for making eyeglasses once every two years under the Aasandha scheme.

Previously, Aasandha gave MVR 1,000 in order to make eyeglasses. However, it has been increased to MVR 2,000.