NHS Eligibility
Regular eye examinations are important, which is why we recommend you have an eye examination at least every two years if you are aged between 7 and 70 *. Under 7’s and over 70’s should have a sight test every year. (*unless advised otherwise by your optometrist or doctor).
NHS Sight Tests
More than 30 million people in the UK are entitled to a free eye examination paid for by the NHS. You are automatically entitled to a FREE sight test on the NHS if you:
- Are aged 60 or over
- Are aged under 16 – or under 19 & still in full time education
- Live in Scotland *
- Diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma
- 40 years of age or over with a close relative with glaucoma
- Registered blind or partially sighted
- In need of complex lenses (you may also get an optical voucher)
(*The new NHS eye examination in Scotland is an eye health assessment, appropriate to patients needs and any symptoms they present.)
In addition, you are also entitled to a free NHS sight tests if you (or your partner) are receiving the following benefits or credits:
- Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit (and are named on a NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate)
- You are named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate
Help with paying for your glasses
As well as a free eye examination, you may also be entitled to some help with the purchase of glasses or contact lenses, if you are:
- Under 16 or under 19 and still in full time education
- Named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate
- In need of complex lenses
- You or your partner claim Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Family’s Tax Credit/Disabled Person’s Tax Credit (and are named on a NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate)
