Are You Eligible For A Free NHS Eye Test & Free NHS Optical Voucher?

Do I I qualify for a Free NHS Eye Test?

Whether you qualify for a free NHS eye test can depend on a few circumstances, like your age, where you live, your eye health and general health. You’re eligible for an NHS eye test at least every 2 years, if you live in England or Wales and:

are under 16

are 16-18 and in full-time education

are over 60

are over 40 and an immediate family member has been diagnosed with glaucoma

have been diagnosed with glaucoma or diabetes

are registered as blind or partially sighted

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

This is just some of the criteria for the NHS eye test. You can find out more about whether you’re eligible on the NHS website.

Can I qualify for an NHS Optical Voucher?

The NHS optical voucher helps towards the cost of a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. You’re eligible for this voucher if you:

are under 16

are 16-18 and in full-time education

are a prisoner on leave from prison

are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher

Can I claim a refund?

If you’ve already paid for an eye test or bought some new glasses or contact lenses and think you may be eligible for a free NHS eye test or optical voucher, you may be able to claim a refund through the NHS.

You’ll need a receipt from your opticians which shows the date of the eye test, as well as how much you paid. You can find out more about claiming for this on the NHS website.

If you aren’t eligible for a free NHS eye test, you can still book your eye test online or in store. You can also find out more about what happens in an eye test.