Aasandha Expands Coverage to Private Optical Prescriptions

Aasandha Company has announced the expansion of its coverage to include optical prescriptions issued by a number of private clinics and optical shops.

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) had previously announced on 31 December that the expansion would take effect from 15 January.

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The coverage now extends to eye refraction prescriptions issued by Aasandha-registered ophthalmologists at private clinics or optical shops registered for Aasandha services. A total of 18 establishments have been included in the publicly released list. 

These are ADK Hospital, Advance Eye Clinic, Advance Medical Clinic, AIMS Diagnostic Care, Azmi Naeem Medical and Diagnostic Centre (AMDC), City Optical Clinic, EyeCare Clinic, EyeCare Clinic Hulhumale’ Branch, EyeCare Hospital, EyeCare Hospital Hulhumale’ Annex, Farook HealthCare, Maldicare, Medica Hospital, Noosandha, Senahiya, Tree Top Hospital, Vision Clinic, and public health facilities.

According to the NSPA, the expansion aims to make it easier for people to obtain prescription glasses. The move comes amid long-standing public concern over the cost of prescription glasses sold by private businesses in the Maldives. To alleviate the financial burden on consumers, the government increased the Aasandha subsidy for prescription glasses from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000 every two years last June. In addition, free optical services have been established at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Hulhumale’ Hospital.

Despite these measures, some members of the public have raised concerns about increased government involvement in private businesses.