In the UK, the NHS provide FREE eye tests in certain situations.  As well as helping you enjoy the best vision possible, an eye test can reveal the early signs of disease and other conditions, such as diabetes.  

 

Who can get a free NHS eye test?

 

You qualify for a free NHS eye test if you:

 

• are aged under 16

• are aged 16, 17, or 18 and are in full-time education

• are aged 60 or over

• are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)

• have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

• are aged 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma

• have been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you're at risk of glaucoma

• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher - your optometrist can advise you about your entitlement

• 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)

• receive Universal Credit

• are a prisoner on leave from prison

• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate

• are on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate

 

How do I claim my free NHS eye test?

 

Not only is your NHS appointment FREE, it's also stress FREE! At Wade Opticians, we go through the NHS forms with you when you arrive for your appointment.  We'll even fill in your NHS for you, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your FREE eye test.  

 

If you;

 

• receive Income Support

• receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)

• receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• receive Universal 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 on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate

 

Please bring copies of your proof of entitlement with you in order to claim your free NHS appointment.  

 

How often am I entitled to a free NHS eye test?

 

The NHS have different rules for how often you can have a free eye test depending on where you live in the UK:

 

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland;

 

• Children under 16 and adults over 70 years are entitled to one free eye test every year. 

• People aged 16 to 69 that qualify for a free NHS eye test are entitled one appointment every two years.  To see if you qualify check point 1. above.  Your optician can recommend more regular appointments in certain situations, such as changes to your prescription or health.  If you have any medical issues you can discuss them with your optician and they will let you know if you need more regular free NHS eye tests.

 

If you live in Scotland;

 

• Children under 16 and adults over 70 years are entitled to one free eye test every year. 

• People aged 16 to 60 that qualify for a free NHS eye test are entitled one appointment every two years.  To see if you qualify check point 1. above.  Your optician can recommend more regular appointments in certain situations, such as changes to your prescription or health.  If you have any medical issues you can discuss them with your optician and they will let you know if you need more regular free NHS eye tests.

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If you think you might be entitled to a free NHS eye test, contact us and we would be delighted to help you find out.  Feel free to call us today or call into our practice to find out more.