Who can get a free NHS eye test?
You are entitled to a free NHS eye test if you:
- are aged under 16
- are aged 16, 17, or 18 and are in full-time education
- are aged 60 or over
- are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are aged 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you're at risk of glaucoma
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher - your optometrist can advise you about your entitlement
- receive Income Support
- receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Universal Credit
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- are on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
At your appointment, one of our colleagues will go through the relevant NHS forms with you and fill them in, so you can begin having free eye tests. Please bring with you official documentation certifying your proof of entitlement.
NHS optical vouchers:
You may also be entitled to an NHS optical voucher to help you with the cost of your glasses or contact lenses.
Who can get an NHS optical voucher?
You can get an NHS optical voucher if you:
- are aged under 16
- are aged 16, 17, or 18 and are in full-time education
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher - your optometrist will advise you on your entitlement
- receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- receive Universal Credit
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help
