Buying contact lenses at pharmacies in Spain: Why is everyone talking about this now?

For years, buying contact lenses seemed like something exclusive to opticians. But that's changed. In Spain, you can now buy them in pharmacies, safely and legally.

OpticVue was one of the first brands to take this step. And, as expected, it hasn't gone unnoticed: some professionals in the optical industry have criticized it, while many consumers welcome it.

Is it legal to sell contact lenses in pharmacies?

Yes. Contact lenses are considered medical devices, not medications, and can therefore be sold in pharmacies , provided they comply with legal storage and dispensing conditions.

This is established by Royal Decree 192/2023 , which regulates medical devices sold in authorized healthcare establishments, such as pharmacies.

Why does it bother opticians so much?

Several opticians' associations have expressed their opposition to this new sales channel. Some argue that it could diminish control over patients' eye health or trivialize a medical product.

But the reality is that many of these complaints are motivated by a change in model: pharmacies allow more transparency, fewer intermediaries , and faster access to a product that, in many cases, consumers already know and have used before.

What are the advantages of buying contact lenses at a pharmacy?

• Convenience : you don't need an appointment or to go to an optician.

• Accessibility : You can buy your contact lenses while doing your usual pharmacy shopping.

• Price transparency : no hidden margins or overcharges.

• Health control : Pharmacies are subject to strict storage and dispensing regulations.

What do I need to buy contact lenses at a pharmacy?

You just need to know your prescription. In Spain, a prescription is not required to purchase contact lenses if you've been fitted before. However, if you have any doubts, it's best to see a professional to have your vision checked before changing them.

Furthermore, by law, consumers have the right to receive a copy of their prescription upon request, something that many opticians don't always provide.

Is this for everyone?

No. If you have specific visual needs—such as severe astigmatism, irregular corneas, or the need for custom multifocal contact lenses—it is still recommended that you see an optometrist for an individualized fitting.

But if you are a regular user of conventional soft contact lenses and know your prescription, selling them in pharmacies is perfectly valid and safe .

What makes OpticVue different?

• We are the first contact lens brand in Spain with a direct presence in pharmacies.

• We manufacture under pharmaceutical standards, with high oxygenation and maximum hydration materials.

• We offer an easy, clear and hassle-free purchasing system.

• And we also work online, to adapt to your lifestyle.

This is the list of pharmacies in Spain where OpticVue is already being sold:

Pharmacy	Address	City
Catalonia
Areny Pharmacy Areny, Nuria	Avenida 11 de Setembre, 144, 25537	Lleida
Enrique-Tarancon Delmas Pharmacy, María	Balafia Avenue, 6, 25005	Lleida
Billoch Pharmacy Clopés, Miguel	Carrer d'Enric Granados, 117, L'Eixample, 08008	Barcelona
Boquer Torrens Pharmacy, Marcelo	Psg. de St. Gervasi, 53, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022	Barcelona
Febregat Marimon Pharmacy, Beatriz	Carrer d'Avinyó, 27, Ciutat Vella, 08002	Barcelona
Mir Pharmacy, CB	Carrer de Balmes, 94, L'Eixample, 08008	Barcelona
Pignier Pharmacy Lison, Claudia	Carrer de Josep Anselm Clavé, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08002	Barcelona
Sánchez Santaló Pharmacy, Nieves	Carrer de Joaquim Valls, 86, Nou Barris, 08016	Barcelona
Serra Mandri Pharmacy, Joan	Av. Diagonal, 478, 08006	Barcelona
Secanells Pharmacy Cambras, Xavier	Odena Street, 84, 08700	Igualada (Barcelona)
Torrent Ferrer-Calbeto Pharmacy, Ana	Sculpture to Dr. Josep M. Bertomeu, 08397	Pineda de Mar (Barcelona)
Valencian Community
Hermanos Ruiz Lozano Pharmacy	Carrer Cristobal Sanz, 60, 03201	Elx (Alicante)
La Veleta Orthopedic Pharmacy	C. Claudio Tolomeo, 2, 03185	Torrevieja (Alicante)
Health&Beauty Onlinesquare Town	Pl. de l'Ajuntament, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46002	Valencia
Andalusia
Jose Luis Morell Pharmacy CB	C. Virgen de Gracia, 6, 41309	La Rinconada (Seville)
Estremadura
Martín Gómez Pharmacy, María Teresa	Av. Salamanca, 39, 10600	Plasencia (Cáceres)

Conclusion

Buying contact lenses at pharmacies is legal, convenient, and safe . Opticians may still have their place as vision-fitting centers, but consumers now have more options. And that, when it comes to eye health, also means freedom.

Want to check it out for yourself?
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