Medical emergency? Call 912 (SAMU ambulance, free) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. A chemical splash in the eye, a penetrating injury or sudden loss of vision needs emergency care now. Kigali Clinics is a booking service, not a clinic, and does not give medical advice.
Looking for an eye clinic in Kigali? Kigali Clinics helps you find and book the right kind of eye care, whether you need a simple eye test for new glasses, a check for a child who is struggling at school, or a specialist appointment for a red, sore or blurry eye. Tell us what is going on and where in Kigali suits you, and we look for a suitable licensed clinic.
Vision problems are common and often easy to fix. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have a near or distance vision impairment, and that for at least 1 billion of them it could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. The leading causes, according to WHO, are refractive errors (needing glasses) and cataracts.
Optician or eye doctor: which do you need?
"Eye clinic" covers several kinds of professional. Booking the right one saves you a second trip.
| Your situation | Usually start with |
|---|---|
| Blurry vision for reading or distance, need new glasses | Optometrist or optician eye test |
| Routine eye check, no symptoms | Optometrist eye test |
| Child struggling to see the board, headaches, rubbing eyes | Eye test, with referral if needed |
| Cloudy or dim vision that has slowly got worse | Ophthalmologist (possible cataract) |
| Diabetes or high blood pressure | Regular eye examination as advised by your doctor |
| Family history of glaucoma | Eye examination including eye pressure check |
| Red, itchy or sticky eyes that are not improving | GP or eye clinic |
| Sudden severe pain, vision loss or injury | Emergency department, call 912 |
If you are unsure, describe the problem in the form and we suggest a suitable starting point. For general symptoms, a general practitioner can also examine you and refer you on.
Signs you should book an eye test
The NHS lists common signs of short-sightedness, in adults and children, such as:
- difficulty reading words from a distance, such as the whiteboard at school;
- sitting close to the TV or computer, or holding a phone close to your face;
- getting headaches;
- rubbing your eyes a lot.
Other reasons to book include needing to hold reading material further away, struggling with night driving, or simply not having had an eye test for 2 years or more.
Why routine eye tests matter
Some serious eye conditions develop quietly. The NHS notes that glaucoma does not usually have symptoms and most people do not realise they have it, which is why it is often picked up at a routine eye test. The NHS advises that everyone should have regular eye tests, at least every 2 years, and more often if a doctor or optometrist recommends it.
An eye test can also be a useful part of a general health check-up, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
When to go to an emergency department instead
Do not wait for a clinic appointment if any of these apply. NHS guidance says to get emergency help if:
- a strong chemical, such as bleach or a cleaning product, has got in your eye (rinse with clean water while you get help);
- a sharp object has pierced your eye;
- something has hit your eye at high speed;
- your sight has changed after an eye injury;
- you have severe eye pain, or a headache with sensitivity to light;
- you cannot move your eye or keep it open, or there is blood or pus coming from it.
A sudden red, very painful eye with blurred vision, nausea or rainbow-coloured circles around lights can be a sign of acute glaucoma, which the NHS treats as an emergency. In Kigali, call 912 or go to a hospital emergency department.
What happens at an eye appointment
- History. You are asked about your symptoms, general health, medicines and family history.
- Vision test. You read letters on a chart at distance and close up.
- Refraction. Lenses are tried in front of your eyes to find your prescription.
- Eye health check. The front and back of the eye are examined, and eye pressure may be measured.
- Results and options. You get a prescription, advice, or a referral to an ophthalmologist if needed.
Bring your current glasses, any old prescription, and a list of your medicines.
Paying for eye care
- RSSB medical scheme. RSSB lists eye treatment, including lenses and frames, among its covered services, with RSSB paying 85% and the member 15% at contracted facilities.
- Private insurance. Optical cover depends on your policy. Check for a limit on frames and lenses.
- Self-pay. Prices vary widely with frames and lens types. Contact us for a current quote.
See our health insurance guide for more on each option.
Protecting your eyes in Kigali
Kigali lies just south of the equator, so sun protection is worth thinking about. WHO advises wraparound-style sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B, along with a broad-brimmed hat, when the UV index is 3 or above. Rest your eyes regularly if you work at a screen.
Book your eye appointment
Use the form on this page, choose "Eye clinic / optician", and tell us whether you need an eye test, glasses, or a doctor for an eye problem. Add your preferred area, such as Kacyiru, Remera or Kicukiro, and a date. You can also book a dentist for the family at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an optician and an ophthalmologist?
An optician or optometrist mainly tests sight and provides glasses or contact lenses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye disease and eye surgery, such as cataract treatment. Tell us your problem and we look for the right type of eye clinic.
How often should I have an eye test?
The NHS advises that everyone should have regular eye tests, at least every 2 years, and more often if advised, for example if glaucoma runs in your family. Children who struggle to see the board or hold screens close also need a check.
Does RSSB pay for glasses?
RSSB lists eye care, including lenses and frames, among the services covered by its medical scheme. RSSB pays 85% and the member pays 15% at accredited facilities contracted with RSSB. Ask the eye clinic about any limits on frames before you choose.
When is an eye problem an emergency?
NHS guidance says to get emergency help for a chemical in the eye, a sharp object piercing the eye, a high-speed impact, any change in sight after an injury, severe eye pain, or a sudden red, painful eye with blurred vision. Call 912 or go to an emergency department.
Can glaucoma be found early?
Yes, often at a routine eye test. The NHS notes that glaucoma does not usually cause symptoms early on and most people do not realise they have it. A regular eye examination is the main way to pick it up before damage becomes noticeable.
How much does an eye test or glasses cost in Kigali?
Prices depend on the clinic, whether you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist, the tests needed, and the frames and lenses you choose. Insurance can reduce what you pay. Contact us for a current quote for the service you need.
Can you book an eye test for my child?
Yes. Choose 'Eye clinic / optician' in the form and give your child's age. Signs that a child may need an eye test include difficulty reading the board at school, sitting close to the TV, headaches and rubbing their eyes a lot.