Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, has placed visual health at the core of public healthcare policy, emphasizing that it should be recognized as a fundamental right rather than an optional service.

Speaking at the OPTOM 2026 congress, she highlighted the critical role of vision in personal autonomy, safety, and quality of life, stressing that no healthcare system can be considered comprehensive without equitable access to visual care.

A key initiative supporting this shift is the Plan VEO, which provides financial aid for children under 16 to ensure access to vision care regardless of economic status. The program has already received over 130,000 applications and involves a broad network of optical providers.

At the same time, structural reforms are underway to integrate optometrists into primary healthcare teams. This strategy aims to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary referrals, and shorten waiting times, enhancing patient care across the system.

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Technological innovation is also advancing, with the deployment of retinal imaging devices in primary care centers, enabling early diagnosis without hospital referrals and improving territorial equity.

Public awareness campaigns, such as Visual Health Month, further reinforce prevention and early detection, aligning with a broader strategy to strengthen public health outcomes.

This evolving approach positions visual health as a priority within Spain’s healthcare system, with significant implications for population well-being and long-term sustainability.