Who is entitled to a free NHS eye test?
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, brother, sister or child diagnosed with glaucoma
· Told by an eye doctor (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)
Free NHS eye test and a voucher towards glasses: who qualifies?
Children and young people
· Under 16
· Under 19 and in full-time education (aged 16, 17 or 18), including school, college, university or home education
Benefits and low income
You or your partner receive, or you are under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving:
· Income Support
· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
· Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
· Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
· Universal Credit (within the earnings limits)
Also entitled if you are named on 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 and we'll advise you on your entitlement.
Am I entitled to a free eye test? Your questions
Am I entitled to a free eye test?
You're entitled to a free NHS eye test if you're under 16, under 19 in full-time education, 60 or over, have diabetes or glaucoma, are 40 or over with a parent, brother, sister or child with glaucoma, are registered partially sighted or blind, or you or your partner receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit (within the earnings limits), Income Support or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Children and people on those benefits also get an NHS voucher towards glasses. If you're not sure, call us and we'll check for you.
Is the eye test free if I'm over 60?
Yes. Everyone aged 60 or over gets a free NHS eye test. New patients over 60 also get a free retinal scan at our Great Barr practice.
Do children get free glasses?
Yes. Children under 16, and under 19s in full-time education, get a free eye test and an NHS voucher towards glasses. At Direct Vision that covers a frame and lenses from our children's NHS range completely free.
Does a free eye test mean free glasses?
Not always. A free eye test and a voucher towards glasses are separate entitlements. Children, people on qualifying benefits and those needing complex lenses usually get both. Over 60s and people with diabetes or glaucoma get the free test, and can choose glasses from £59.
How often can I have a free NHS eye test?
Usually every two years. Some patients, such as children and people aged 70 or over, are normally seen every year. Your optometrist may also recommend seeing you sooner.
What do I need to bring?
Bring proof of your entitlement if it isn't your age (for example a benefits letter or HC2 certificate), plus your current glasses and a list of any medication.
Not sure if you qualify?
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.
