Inquiry about eyeglass entitlement no longer requires our citizens to visit Social Security Institution provincial directorates. The SGK, one of the fastest institutions to complete its technological transformation, has provided two alternative inquiry methods so citizens do not have to rely solely on directorate visits for eyeglass entitlement checks. Citizens can use the following options for
SGK eyeglass entitlement inquiry:
- e-Government Portal (E-Devlet),
- SMS service
using either method to learn about their existing entitlements and details. In this article, we explain in detail how citizens can use these alternatives instead of visiting a directorate.
Detailed Information about Eyeglass Entitlements for Citizens
Before explaining how to perform the inquiry, it is useful to describe the eyeglass entitlements citizens may have. Contributions deducted from insured employees provide access to health services for the insured person and their family. These contributions cover a range of services—examinations, medication, surgery—and also include entitlement to optical materials.
Under certain conditions, SGK covers the cost of optical materials, which are classified by the institution as:
- Standard,
- Specialized
SGK eyeglass models fall under standard materials; entitlements include both frames and lenses. Normally, citizens are eligible to replace eyeglass lenses and frames once every three years. However, there are exceptions:
- If a change in vision of 0.5 diopters or more occurs, lenses may be renewed,
- If a person is still in a growth phase—between 18 and not yet 19 years old—and the health board reports that the old glasses are unusable due to development, replacement is allowed.
These are considered exceptional cases. For example, if you schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist and are prescribed glasses for the first time, you obtain the report from the doctor and have it validated by the clinic’s secretary before going to the optician.
How Much Money Does SGK Provide for Eyeglass Frames?
SGK provides a specific allowance for frames. The free frame allowance varies by frame type. If you choose a domestic frame, the allowance is 42 TL; for an imported frame, it is 32 TL.
Can Those with General Health Insurance (GSS) Benefit from the Frame Entitlement?
People who only have General Health Insurance (GSS) can benefit from the state-provided eyeglass frame allowances. To use these benefits, you must be paying your GSS contributions regularly.
Can Green Card Holders Receive Payment for Eyeglasses?
Green Card holders must obtain a report from a state hospital to receive eyeglass support. Those with a valid report can benefit from the state-provided eyeglass entitlements.
Does the State Cover Eyeglass Lenses?
The state provides support for eyeglass lenses for individuals whom a doctor determines need glasses. To receive this support, you must have some form of health insurance.
How to Check Eyeglass Entitlement via E-Devlet
After outlining the entitlements, we can describe how to perform an E-Devlet SGK eyeglass entitlement inquiry. The e-Government portal hosts many SGK-related services, including eyeglass entitlement inquiries.
To use this service you need an e-Government password. If you do not have one, you can obtain it at PTT branches for a small fee. Once you have your password, log in at the official e-Government portal using your ID number and password.
After logging in:
- Navigate to Institutions / Social Security Institution to access the SGK page.
- On the SGK page, under the Common Services menu, select the Medula Optical Lens and Frame Information Inquiry section to view your entitlements.
When the page showing your entitlements appears, you will see items such as:
- Near Frame,
- Distance Frame,
- Right Distance Lens,
- Left Distance Lens,
- Right Near Lens,
- Left Near Lens
You can print the page by using the Print button and a connected printer.
How to Check Eyeglass Entitlement by SMS?
SMS-based inquiry using your ID is one of the fastest methods; entitlement details will be sent to your mobile phone within seconds. You must send separate messages for frames and lenses using the required formats.
- To check frame entitlement, send to 5502: CERCEVE
ID Number Family Sequence Number. - To check lens entitlement, send to 5502: CAM
ID Number Family Sequence Number.
Whichever service you query, you will receive a detailed SMS indicating from which date you can use the entitlement. After receiving these dates, you can visit your ophthalmologist for an examination and obtain new glasses accordingly.
Can You Check Your Prescription (Lens Power)?
Through e-Government you can not only check your entitlement but also access the prescription information written after your examination. This allows you to find out your eyeglass prescription within seconds. To access this information:
- Log in with your ID number and e-Government password.
- Select the Social Security Institution page from the system.
- Under Common Services, open the Medula Optical Prescription Information Inquiry section to view the prescription from your most recent examination.
Accessing the prescription will let you quickly learn your forgotten eyeglass prescription and all related details.
Does SGK Support Sunglasses?
Some citizens consider using their eyeglass entitlement to buy sunglasses. First, note that you are not obliged to use the entitlement and should avoid unnecessary use. SGK support only applies to corrective (prescription) eyewear. Officially, sunglasses without a prescription are not covered.
In practice, some attempt to buy sunglasses billed as prescription sunglasses to obtain support. This approach is risky and can cause problems later. For warranty claims or repairs, sellers request the original invoice. If a sunglass purchase was billed as prescription eyewear to obtain SGK support, warranty coverage may be void. As a result you could be left paying for repairs out of pocket. Since many popular sunglass brands are imported, replacement parts and repairs can be costly—often exceeding the value of the SGK support.
For ethical and practical reasons, do not attempt to use the prescription eyeglass entitlement for sunglasses or pursue unofficial methods. Using the entitlement only for appropriate prescription eyewear protects you from potential future complications and expenses.