NHS Sight Test: Who Is Eligible?

Wondering if you qualify for a free NHS eye test or help with the cost of your glasses? Here’s what you need to know.

Basic NHS-Funded Sight Test

Who is it for?
Available to those who meet NHS eligibility criteria.

What’s included?
The NHS sight test is designed to meet minimum standards for eye health checks. It covers essential vision correction needs and basic eye health assessments, with additional investigations provided only when clinically necessary.

Key features:

• Free for eligible patients
• Focuses on vision correction and essential eye health checks
• Investigations are limited to NHS guidelines

How often can I have a free NHS sight test?
Free NHS sight or eye tests are available every two years. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist may recommend a free NHS sight test more often than every two years if you have specific clinical needs. Find out more here.

Who qualifies for a free NHS sight test?

You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

• Are under 16
• Are 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education (school, college, university, or home-educated)
• Are aged 60 or over
• Are registered as partially sighted or blind
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  Are 40 or over and have a parent, sibling, or child diagnosed with glaucoma
• Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you’re at risk of glaucoma
• Are a prisoner on leave from prison
• Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (ask us if you’re unsure)
• Are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

You’re also eligible if you (or your partner, including civil partner) receive, or you’re under 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit (and meet the criteria)

If you have an HC3 certificate (partial help), you may get help with the cost of a private sight test.

NHS Optical Vouchers

You may qualify for a voucher to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

• Are under 16
• Are 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education
• Are a prisoner on leave from prison
• Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
• Are entitled to or named on a valid HC2 certificate

You’re also eligible if you (or your partner, including civil partner) receive, or you’re under 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit (and meet the criteria)

If you have an HC3 certificate, you may get partial help towards the cost.

NHS Complex Lens Vouchers

You may be eligible for a complex lens voucher if your prescription is:

• -10/+10 dioptres or more
• Prism-controlled bifocal lenses

These vouchers are a contribution towards the cost. Ask us if you think you might qualify.

Mobile Sight Tests

If you’re eligible for a free NHS sight test, you may also qualify for a mobile sight test if you:

• Cannot leave home unaccompanied due to illness or disability
• Live in a residential or care home and cannot leave unaccompanied
• Attend a day centre and cannot get to an optician’s practice unaided

Claiming a Refund

If you paid for a sight test or glasses but think you were eligible for NHS help, you can claim a refund. You’ll need:

• A receipt for your payment
• The HC5(O) refund form (available from the NHS Business Services Authority)
• Your optical prescription (for glasses/contact lens refunds)

The maximum refund is the value of the NHS voucher for your prescription.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our team is happy to help—just ask when you book your appointment, or contact us for advice.

• NHS Help with Health Costs helpline: 0300 330 1343
• NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) info

Remember: Only sign a declaration for help with health costs if you’re certain you qualify. False claims may result in a penalty charge.

Ready to book your NHS sight test or want to check your eligibility?
Contact SEE HEAR Health today—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.