Opticians demand less bureaucracy for health insurance benefits

A number of opticians no longer want to offer statutory health insurance services, according to the Saxon Trade Association. The reason for this is high bureaucratic costs with comparatively low revenues, according to a statement. Nationwide, 17 percent of owner-managed businesses no longer offer health insurance services, while a further 17 percent are planning to opt out, according to a survey. This trend also applies to Saxony. According to the information, there are more than 400 opticians in the state.

Under certain circumstances, health insurance companies pay subsidies for glasses and contact lenses. For example, in the case of children and adolescents or if adults have certain illnesses or particularly severe short- or long-sightedness. In order to offer such services, opticians must be licensed and undergo inspections. To ease the burden on opticians, these requirements should be reduced and the industry should be relieved of bureaucracy, according to the trade.