Where to Buy Glasses in Dakar: Opticians and Eye Doctors

Dakar has optical shops everywhere, from Plateau and Avenue Ponty to Almadies, Point E, Mermoz, Sacre-Coeur, Liberte 6 and Parcelles Assainies. The useful question is not only where to buy, but in what order: eye exam first, frame second, lenses last. Here are the steps, realistic FCFA price ranges and the traps to avoid. For anything medical, consult a healthcare professional.

Start with the eye exam

There are two routes in Dakar, and they are not interchangeable.

• An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor. They measure your sight but also check the back of the eye, eye pressure and overall eye health. Choose this route if you have persistent headaches, diabetes, are over forty, or have never had your eyes checked.
• An optician performs a refraction, meaning the measurement of your correction. Many shops in Dakar have a refraction room and give you a reading on the spot, often free if you order your glasses there.

For a first pair, for a child, or after a sudden change in vision, see a doctor. Appointment waits are usually shorter outside school holidays: in August, when the diaspora returns, practices in Plateau and Point E fill up fast. A private consultation often falls between 15,000 and 40,000 FCFA depending on the practitioner and the tests performed.

Picking a frame that actually fits

A frame is chosen against your face, not against the display case. Three simple checks:

• Width: the arms should neither squeeze your temples nor let the frame slide when you look down.
• Height: progressive lenses need vertical room, which rules out very shallow frames.
• Material: acetate handles heat well but warps if left in a parked car in full sun. Metal and titanium are lighter, which matters if you wear glasses all day.

Dakar adds its own wear and tear: humidity during the rainy season and dust during the dry harmattan months attack nose pads and hinges quickly. Always ask whether adjustments and nose pad replacement are included after purchase. Entry level frames commonly run from 20,000 to 60,000 FCFA, and imported brands go well above that.

Lenses, coatings and the real budget

The lens, not the frame, drives the bill.

• Single vision: for short sight, long sight or astigmatism. The most affordable option.
• Progressive: usually from around forty, when near vision fades. Clearly more expensive, and it takes a few days to adapt.
• Coatings: anti reflective, scratch resistant hard coat, blue light filter for screen work, and tints for the strong light along the Corniche or at Ngor.

A complete single vision pair often starts around 35,000 to 70,000 FCFA depending on coatings. Progressive pairs frequently pass 120,000 FCFA. Ask for a written quote listing frame and lenses separately: it is the only fair way to compare two shops. Check the production time too, which can run from a few days to two weeks when lenses are ordered from abroad.

Insurance, employer cover and CMU

Many private insurers and company health schemes cover part of the optical cost, usually with an annual ceiling and renewal every two years. Before paying, confirm three things: whether the shop bills your provider directly, which documents are required (prescription, quote, original invoice), and how much of your ceiling remains. If you pay up front, keep the prescription and the itemised invoice. Our guide to health cover and the CMU in Senegal explains how the system works.

Where to look, neighborhood by neighborhood

Plateau and Avenue Ponty hold long established shops, convenient if you work downtown. Almadies, Ngor and Ouakam cover newer stores and shopping centres. Point E, Mermoz and Sacre-Coeur suit families in the central districts. Further out, in Liberte 6, Yoff, Parcelles Assainies, Pikine, Guediawaye, Keur Massar or Rufisque, you mostly find neighborhood opticians: handy for a quick adjustment or a repair without crossing the city. You can browse by area in the health section of the Dakar directory.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Opticalia Ngor Almadies : optician in Dakar
• Lapaire : optician in Dakar
• Boyer Optique : optician in Dakar
• Dr Nader Attye - Ophtalmologue : eye doctor in Dakar
• Optivision : optician in Dakar
• Senegopt : optician in Dakar
• Centre Optique : optician in Dakar
• Optique Ponty : optician in Dakar
• Opticien Alain Afflelou Dakar-Ponty : optician in Dakar
• Look Optique Sea Plaza : optician in Dakar

To go further, you can see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Plan your route to fit the clinic and the optician into one morning.
• FCFA currency converter if you are comparing prices from abroad.
• Practical guide: emergency numbers, transport and everyday info. In an emergency, Police 17, Fire 18, SAMU 1515.
• Also worth reading: our pick of opticians in Dakar and how to find a specialist doctor in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a prescription to buy glasses in Dakar?

Shops do not always require one, but it is strongly recommended, especially for a first pair or for a child. Most health schemes also ask for a prescription before reimbursing.

How long does it take to get the glasses?

It depends on the lenses: a few days for single vision lenses held in stock, sometimes one to two weeks for progressive or special lenses ordered from abroad. Ask for the lead time before paying.

How often should I have my eyes checked?

The right interval depends on your age and history, and sight can change without you noticing. Consult a healthcare professional to set a follow up schedule that suits your situation.