NHS Patients

NHS free eye test and optical vouchers

If you’re eligible, you can have a free NHS eye test, and even qualify for a free optical voucher for a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. If you’ve any questions about your entitlement, you can talk to us in store. Bring along your relevant documentation and forms and we can take a look.

Am I entitled to a free NHS eye test?

Whether you qualify for a free NHS eye test can depend on a few circumstances, like your age, where you live, your eye health and general health. You’re eligible for an NHS eye test at least every 2 years, if you live in England or Wales and:

  • are under 16
  • are 16-18 and in full-time education
  • are over 60
  • are over 40 and an immediate family member has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • have been diagnosed with glaucoma or diabetes
  • are registered as blind or partially sighted
  • have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma

This is just some of the criteria for the NHS eye test. You can find out more about whether you’re eligible on the NHS website.

NHS funded sight tests are available in this practice

NHS funded sight tests and optical voucher entitlements

You qualify for a free NHS funded sight test if you are:

  • Aged under 16
  • Aged 16,17 or 18 in full time education
  • Aged 60 or over
  • Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • Considered to be at risk of glaucoma (as advised by an ophthalmologist)
  • Aged 40 or over and the parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a person diagnosed with glaucoma
  • Registered blind or partially sighted
  • Eligible for an NHS Complex Lens Voucher (your optician will advise on your entitlement)
  • Claiming Benefit (Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or receiving Tax Credits or Universal Credit and meeting qualifying conditions) On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
  • A prisoner being seen outside prison


You qualify for an optical voucher which provides financial help towards the cost of your spectacles or contact lenses if you are:

  • Aged under 16
  • Aged 16, 17 or 18 in full time education
  • Eligible for an NHS Complex Lens Voucher (your optician will advise on your entitlement)
  • Claiming Benefit (Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or receiving Tax Credits or Universal Credit and meeting qualifying conditions)
  • On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
  • A prisoner being seen outside prison

This practice and all our practitioners and staff are committed to operating and maintaining effective systems for infection control to protect both patients and staff.  We comply with all relevant Health and Safety Executive legislation and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency requirements.