The first Government-operated optical shop in the atolls is set to open in Addu Atoll next week.

Speaking to State media, Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) said the optical shop in Addu City is scheduled to open during the first week of February. The facility is located at Addu Equatorial Hospital, where shelving for prescription glasses and the eye examination area have already been completed.

The initiative follows a decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to provide relief to the public from the high cost of prescription glasses. The MCGH Opticals service forms part of the President’s initiative to ensure access to affordable prescription glasses through the Aasandha health insurance scheme.

At present, the Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) operates optical shops at IGMH and Hulhumalé Hospital, with the Addu facility becoming the first such service established in an atoll.

The Government has also announced expanded coverage under Aasandha, allowing beneficiaries to obtain prescription glasses from private optical shops and clinics starting 15 January 2026. The service is currently available through 18 providers nationwide, including hospitals, clinics and optical outlets.

In addition, the Government has increased the subsidy for prescription glasses under the health insurance scheme. Previously set at MVR 1,000 once every two years, the subsidy was raised to MVR 2,000 in June last year, further improving access to vision care services across the country.