Maintaining good eye health is essential, and many people are eligible for a free NHS eye test without even realising it. The NHS offers complimentary sight tests to individuals who meet specific age, health, or personal circumstances, ensuring that everyone who needs eye care can access it easily. If you fall into any of the categories listed below, you may be entitled to a free examination, helping you stay on top of your vision and overall wellbeing.
Criteria
You are entitled to a free eye test if you meet any one of the following criteria:
- Under the age of 16
- Between the ages of 16-18 and in fulltime education
- Are 60 or over
- Are registered blind or partially sighted
- Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- Are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
- Are a prisoner on leave from prison
- You qualify for the NHS complex Lens voucher
- You receive help for health costs by way of an HC2 form
Mobile sight test
If you’re eligible for a free NHS sight test, you may also be entitled to a mobile sight test. This is when an optometrist comes to visit you:
- at home – if you’re unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability
- at a residential or care home – if you’re a resident and unable to leave the home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability
- at a day centre – if you cannot get a sight test at an optician’s practice because of physical or mental illness or disability, or have difficulties communicating your health needs unaided
Need more information?
For more information on free eye tests visit the NHS site linked below.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
