Free NHS eye test — who qualifies?

Older Adults

· Aged 60 or over

Eye Conditions

· Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
· Aged 40 or over with a parent, sibling or child diagnosed with glaucoma
· Advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
· Registered partially sighted or blind

Other Entitlements

· A prisoner on leave from prison
· Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher — ask us in practice
· Named on a valid HC2 certificate

Good news — if you qualify here, your glasses at Direct Vision start from free.

Free NHS eye test AND optical voucher towards glasses — who qualifies?

Children & Young People

· Under 16
· Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education — including school, college, university or home education

Benefits & Low Income

You or your partner receive, or you are under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving:
· Income Support
· Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
· Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
· Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
· Universal Credit — if you meet the criteria
Also entitled if you hold a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).
Partial help may be available with an HC3 certificate.

Complex Lens Voucher

If your prescription is -10/+10 dioptres or more, or you require prism-controlled bifocal lenses, you may be eligible for a complex lens voucher. Ask us in practice — we'll advise you on your entitlement.

Not sure if you qualify?

Just ask us before your appointment — we'll always check your entitlement and make sure you get everything you're eligible for.

Call Great BarrCall Sheldon
Patient choosing glasses at Direct Vision Opticians Birmingham — NHS vouchers accepted towards frames and lenses

What does your NHS entitlement get you at Direct Vision?

A free NHS eye test is just the start. If you also qualify for an NHS optical voucher, your glasses at Direct Vision start from free — choose from our NHS frame range at no extra cost.
Want more? Upgrade to our private range starting from Essentials at £59 — simply pay the difference after your voucher is deducted. Second pair half price on all private upgrades.

What our NHS patients say

  • ★★★★★

    Great opticians. Excellent glasses I would go there again - S.Roth, Great Barr

  • ★★★★★

    Very professional and friendly staff. It's been a long time since I have been to an opticians. I felt at ease the whole experience was very relaxed. Thank you to all concerned. J.Simcox, Sheldon

  • ★★★★★

    Me and my family now attend Direct Vision for our Eye care and we cannot fault it! Every time we go there, we are treated with the upmost care and attention from start to finish. The entire process from the eye test to choosing glasses is seamless and I cannot thank the staff enough. J.Sembhi, Sheldon

Ready to book your free NHS eye test?

Same-week appointments available at Great Barr and Sheldon. Just bring proof of your entitlement and we'll take care of the rest.

Book your NHS eye test