Free NHS eye tests

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Patients are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

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• are under 16

• are 16, to 18 and in full-time education 

• are 60 or over

• are registered as blind or partially sighted

• have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

• are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma

• have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you're at risk of glaucoma

• are a prisoner on leave from prison

• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement

• are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

 

You're also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

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• Income Support

• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance

• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

 

How often can I have a free NHS sight test?

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If you're eligible for a free NHS sight or eye test, you can have a test every 2 years.

You may be able to have a free NHS sight test more often than every 2 years if your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist recommends you do.

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Can I ask for a sight test more frequently?

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If you're concerned about your sight before your next NHS sight test is due, you should visit your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist. They'll be able to carry out an NHS sight test earlier than planned if it's considered clinically necessary.

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If you want a sight test more often than your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist considers clinically necessary for an NHS test, you'll have to pay for a private test.

 

Private sight tests

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If you're not eligible for a free NHS sight test, you'll have to pay for a private test.

If you pay for a private sight test, you won't be eligible for a free NHS sight test until your next sight test is due.

This will usually be 2 years later, but could be sooner in some cases. The optometrist examining your eyes can advise you.

 

NHS optical vouchers

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You're entitled to an optical voucher for help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you:

• are under 16

• are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)

• are entitled to or 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 with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.