Ophthalmologist: when to go and what it costs
An ophthalmologist is an eye specialist who examines vision and eye health and treats eye diseases. You can see a private ophthalmologist without a referral.
Over the next 7 days: 819 available appointments in 14 cities; the soonest Sat 17 Oct in Vantaa (Aava).
- available in 7 days
- 819
- soonest appointment
- Sat 17 Oct
- cheapest appointment
- €137.10
- cities
- 14
See available ophthalmologist appointmentsCompare price lists
Appointments and prices updated 16/10/2026. Texts checked 16/10/2026.
What does a ophthalmologist do?
An ophthalmologist examines the back of the eye and eye pressure and treats for example eye infections, dry eyes, cataract and glaucoma. They also issue vision certificates for a driving licence.
For glasses alone an optician is often enough.
When to see a ophthalmologist
- A sudden change in or weakening of vision
- An eye infection or a red, painful eye
- Checking eye pressure or the back of the eye
- Dry eyes
Do I need a referral for a ophthalmologist?
As a self-paying patient you can see a private doctor without a referral. Kela reimburses part of a doctor's appointment fee; often it is deducted from the bill when you show your Kela card.
Available ophthalmologist appointments by city
Available appointments over the next 7 days. Cheapest is the lowest price estimate the provider shows self-paying patients in its booking.
| City | Available | First available | Cheapest | Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | 330 | Sun 18 Oct | €167.10 | Pihlajalinna, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Aava |
| Tampere | 124 | Mon 19 Oct | €166.10 | Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Pihlajalinna |
| Jyväskylä | 100 | Mon 19 Oct | €137.10 | Terveystalo, Mehiläinen |
| Turku | 96 | Mon 19 Oct | €177.10 | Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Aava |
| Oulu | 34 | Mon 19 Oct | €184.10 | Terveystalo |
| Vantaa | 32 | Sat 17 Oct | €204.60 | Aava, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo |
| Järvenpää | 31 | Mon 19 Oct | €223.80 | Aava |
| Espoo | 25 | Mon 19 Oct | €202.10 | Aava, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo |
| Kuopio | 17 | Mon 19 Oct | €180.10 | Mehiläinen, Aava, Terveystalo |
| Rovaniemi | 12 | Mon 19 Oct | €182.10 | Mehiläinen, Terveystalo |
| Lahti | 9 | Mon 19 Oct | €217.10 | Mehiläinen, Terveystalo |
| Kouvola | 7 | Mon 19 Oct | €167.10 | Mehiläinen |
| Hyvinkää | 1 | Wed 21 Oct | €199.60 | Terveystalo |
| Pori | 1 | Tue 20 Oct | €177.10 | Mehiläinen |
| Lappeenranta | 0 | – | – | – |
| Vaasa | 0 | – | – | – |
How much does a ophthalmologist appointment cost?
Prices from the providers' public price lists, service and Kanta fees included.
Remote ophthalmologist appointments
Over the next 7 days: 3 ophthalmologist appointments by video or phone, which you can take from anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Ophthalmologist or optician?
An optician is often enough for glasses and contact lenses. For eye diseases, infections and sudden changes in vision book an ophthalmologist; for sudden severe symptoms go to emergency care.
Where can I see a ophthalmologist soonest?
Over the next 7 days the soonest available appointment is Sat 17 Oct in Vantaa: Aava, Aava Vantaa Aviapolis. Most available appointments: Helsinki 330, Tampere 124, Jyväskylä 100.
Where is the cheapest ophthalmologist appointment?
The cheapest available appointment over the next 7 days is €137.10 (Mehiläinen, Mehiläinen Synsam Jyväskylä Forum, Jyväskylä, Tue 20 Oct). The price is the booking's estimate for self-paying patients.
Can I see a ophthalmologist remotely?
Yes: over the next 7 days there are 3 video or phone appointments open to all of Finland.
Can I find an English-speaking ophthalmologist?
Over the next 7 days: 732 available appointments with doctors known to speak English. You can filter the search by language.