NHS Eligibility

Sight test eligibility

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:

  • you’re under 16
  • you’re under 19 and in full-time education
  • you’re 60 or over
  • you’re registered as blind or partially sighted
  • you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • you’re a prisoner on leave from prison
  • you’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement
  • You’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
  • receive Income Support
  • receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). If you’re named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3), you may get some help towards the cost of your sight test.

NHS-funded mobile eye tests

If you qualify for a free NHS sight test, you may be entitled to mobile services:

  • Vouchers – help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses

You may get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

  • are aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education or
  • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician will advise on your entitlement)
  • You may also get an NHS optical voucher if:
  • You receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution-based).
  • You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
  • You receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
  • You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
  • You are 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.

You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to NHS optical vouchers. There are currently 8 voucher values.

The values are dependent on the strength of your prescription, the higher your prescription the higher your voucher value. If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.