There are over 400 opticians (opticas) across the city, including major chains such as General Opticas and Opticas 2000. Contact lenses (lentillas), solution, and prescription sunglasses are available in most opticians and contact lens centres. Eye tests are generally free, and frames and lenses work out considerably cheaper than in other European countries. Optica Universitaria is considered to be excellent value.

Specialist ophthalmology treatment is best sought in the many excellent ophthalmology departments of the main private and public hospitals (see section on hospitals). Of specialist eye clinics and ophthalmologists, the most famous is the Clinica Barraquer, named after the great Catalan ophthalmologist José Barraquer who invented the refractive technique of Keratomileusis, the basis of modern-day eye laser surgery (cirugía ocular láser). Prices vary, though typical fees for laser surgery are around €1,150, usually with an additional €65 fee for the first visit. Patients can usually return to work after two to three days.

All non-EU licence holders who are required to apply for a Spanish driving licence will need to have an eye test (examen ocular) as part of a general medical (examen medico). These can only be carried out by a list of doctors approved by the Direccion General de Trafico (DGT). To find the nearest, phone the Barcelona office of the DGT (93 298 65 00) and ask for the Centros de Reconocimiento de Conductores in your neighbourhood. This can also be found on their web site (www.dgt.es) under the section Tramites.