Are glasses and eye tests deductible for freelancers?
Generally personal — duality of purpose
Glasses correct your eyesight everywhere, not just at the screen, so they fail the 'wholly and exclusively' test for sole traders. Prescriptions specifically and solely for screen work are a narrow, rarely-applicable edge case.
Considered personal by Hacienda
Spain treats glasses, lenses and eye care as personal health costs for autónomos — routinely rejected when claimed as business expenses, screen work or not.
If you file in both countries
Aligned on both sides. If a health-related deduction is what you're after, Spain's health-insurance allowance (up to €500/person) is the legitimate route — see that guide.
Evidence to keep
- ✓Not applicable in the normal case — this one is a 'save your energy' verdict
Frequently asked questions
I stare at a screen ten hours a day — surely that changes it?
Both tax offices say no: the glasses serve your life, not only your trade. It's one of the most commonly attempted and most consistently rejected claims.
Is there any health cost that IS deductible?
In Spain, private health insurance premiums up to €500 per family member per year are deductible for autónomos — a far better route than arguing about glasses.
Catalejo provides software for organizing tax records and producing estimates. We are not registered tax advisors; rules change and individual circumstances differ. Treat this page as general information and confirm your own case with a gestor or accountant before filing.