You do not need a referral to visit an optician, but you will need a referral from your GP to see an opthalmologist (eye specialist). Opticians can perform eye tests, fill prescriptions for glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses, but cannot give a referral to an opthalmologist – this must come from your GP. Contact lens solution can be bought either at the optician, apotheek (pharmacy) or drogist (druggist). You can either look one up in the Gouden Gids under 'Opticien' or just pop in to your local optician for a check-up. Laser eye surgery clinics also seem to be appearing everywhere in Amsterdam, making prices very competitive. Laser eye surgery can range from as little as €595 per eye to €1400 per eye. You do not need a referral letter from your GP or optician to have laser eye surgery. The laser clinics have optometrists in-house that will perform extensive tests to see whether or not you are a candidate for laser eye surgery. International laser eye surgery clinics in Amsterdam include Optical Express (0800 222 2100), Care Vision (0800 777 8777) and VisionClinics (0800 888 8999).