Aasandha to expand spectacle coverage next month through registered clinics and optical shops

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has announced that the Aasandha scheme will be expanded from the 15th of next month to cover spectacle services provided by optometrists registered at clinics and optical shops.  

In a statement issued Tuesday, NSPA said the national social health insurance scheme is being implemented in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to address public concerns raised during his visits with residents of Male' City. As part of this, NSPA has decided to expand services to make it easier for people to obtain spectacles and to extend Aasandha coverage to optometrists working in registered clinics and optical businesses.  

NSPA said the rules governing the expanded service will be formulated in collaboration with relevant agencies and made public. The agency said such clinics and shops will begin providing Aasandha services from the 15th of next month.  

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— NSPA (@NSPAmaldives) December 30, 2025

The agency further noted that, in addition to the documents submitted for work site registration under the scheme, it may consider additional matters if further clarification is required.  

There has been public concern for some time over the price of spectacles sold by private businesses in the Maldives. To ease the cost of glasses, the government last June increased the Aasandha subsidy for spectacles from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000 every two years. Free optical shops have also been opened at the government’s main hospital, IGMH, and at Hulhumale' Hospital.  

However, some people have expressed concern that increased government involvement in the optical market and private businesses could disrupt an already delicate economy.