Eligibility
Who qualifies for an eye test?
Everyone is eligible for regular sight tests throughout their life.
Who qualifies for an NHS-funded sight test?
You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination if…
- You are aged under 16.
- You are aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full time education.
- You are aged 60 or over.
- You are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired).
- You have been diagnosed with Diabetes or Glaucoma.
- You are considered to be at risk of Glaucoma (as advised by an Ophthalmologist).
- You are 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with Glaucoma.
- You are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician can advise you about your entitlement).
Who qualifies for an eye care service at home?
You are eligible for an NHS-funded eye examination at home if…
- You have difficulty going into the community unaccompanied due to physical or mental illness or disability.
If you do not fall into this category and still wish to have an eye examination at home, this is available as a private eye examination (charges apply).
Who qualifies for an NHS-funded optical voucher for spectacles?
You are entitled to an NHS-funded optical voucher if…
- You receive Income Support.
- You receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
- You receive income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
- You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
- You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
- You and/or your partner has a valid HC2 or HC3 (certification number and expiry date required).
- You are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement.
This is subject to NHS benefit review changes.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, please contact our staff who will be happy to assist you.