Free NHS Eye Tests

A free NHS eye test is an examination of your eye health and vision, performed by expert optometrists. The NHS covers the cost of the eye test for eligible individuals. If you require vision correction, you may also qualify for optical vouchers to help cover the cost of your glasses or contact lenses.

Book your eye testFind a Leightons branch
1

Check you qualify

Review the eligibility list below (age, medical and financial criteria).

2

Bring proof to your appointment

Bring one piece of evidence that shows your entitlement (see “What to bring”).

1

Book your eye test online or by phone

Select either 'Adult NHS Sight Test' or 'Child NHS Sight Test' if booking for your child or inform our team that you're requesting an NHS eye test on the phone.

Who gets free eye tests?

  • are under 16
  • are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
  • are 60 or over
  • are registered as partially sighted or blind
  • 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 eye doctor that you're at risk of glaucoma
  • are a prisoner on leave from prison
  • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement
  • are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)[1]

You're also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 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[1]

What should I bring to the appointment?

Bring official documentation or ID that confirms your entitlement to your eye test in store. This could be any of the following:

  • Passport, driving licence, birth certificate (for age-related eligibility such as under 16, over 60, or 16-18 in full-time education along with a student card).
  • Certificate of registration (if you are registered as blind or partially sighted).
  • Doctor’s statement or contact details (if you have diabetes or glaucoma).
  • Evidence of benefits (such as Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance).
  • HC2 or HC3 certificate (for help with health costs).
  • NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate.

It’s also useful to bring current glasses or contact lenses (if you wear them) as this helps the optician assess your current prescription.

Does it matter if I live in Scotland or Wales?

Yes, it does matter if you live in Scotland or Wales as regulations and coverage differs slightly:

NHS eye tests are free for the entire population, regardless of age or eligibility criteria. Scotland has a universal general ophthalmic service (GOS) in which anyone can get an NHS-funded eye examination.[2] 

NHS sight tests are free only for people who meet specific eligibility criteria. The NHS in Wales also funds enhanced eye care services which provide additional assessments beyond routine sight tests.[3][4]

Private Eye Tests vs NHS Eye Tests

NHS Eye Test
Standard
Private Eye Test
Add-On (£15)
Enhanced Eye Test
Add-On (£39)
Ultimate Eye Exam
Add-On (£69)
Technology used Standard equipment (ophthalmoscope, tonometer) Standard equipment + Retinal Photography included Standard equipment + Retinal Photography + Optomap or OCT scan Standard equipment + Retinal Photography + Optomap and OCT
OCT Scan included No No Yes (OCT or Optomap) Yes (OCT and Optomap)
Optomap included No No Yes (Optomap or OCT) Yes (OCT and Optomap)
Thoroughness of exam Basic checks: visual acuity, eye pressure, retina NHS Eye Test Standard + more detailed view with retinal photography Private Eye Test + wider or deeper view with Optomap or OCT Same as Enhanced Eye Test BUT include both scans (detailed 2D & 3D imaging)
Detection of eye conditions Basic detection Early detection of common issues Early detection of a wider range of eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts Advanced detection of all major eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and more

NHS Eye Test

  • TechnologyStandard
  • OCT ScanNo
  • OptomapNo
  • ThoroughnessBasic checks
  • Eye conditionsBasic detection

Private + £15

  • TechnologyRetinal Photography
  • OCT ScanNo
  • OptomapNo
  • ThoroughnessEssential eye check
  • Eye conditions Standard detection

Enhanced +£39

  • TechnologyOptomap or OCT
  • OCT ScanYes (OCT or Optomap)
  • OptomapYes (OCT or Optomap)
  • ThoroughnessAdvanced eye check
  • Eye conditionsHigh detection

Ultimate +£69

  • TechnologyOptomap and OCT
  • OCT ScanYes
  • OptomapYes
  • ThoroughnessComplete eye check
  • Eye conditionsAdvanced detection
Book your eye test today

Upgrade your NHS Eye Test From £15

If you are entitled to an NHS-funded free eye test, you could take advantage of the latest technology to help build a more complete picture of your eye health:

Add Retinal Photography for £15

Add OCT or Optomap for £39

Add OCT and Optomap for £69

How often can I have a free NHS sight test?

If you are eligible, you will be able to claim every 2 years. You may be able to have a free NHS eye test more frequently if your optometrist or ophthalmic practitioner recommends it for clinical reasons. If you want a test more often than clinically recommended, or if you're not eligible for a free NHS test, you can have a private eye test at your own expense.

Leightons offer comprehensive eye care plans to look after your eye health on a more frequent basis, with OCT scan and Optomap retinal exams included at no additional cost.

Do I still have to pay for Glasses or Contacts?

The NHS provides optical vouchers to pay in part for any glasses or contact lenses it may be deemed you need as a result of the eye test. After your sight test, if you need new glasses or contacts, we'll provide you with the appropriate NHS voucher form. When you choose your eyewear, we'll apply the voucher value directly to your purchase.

Not sure if you qualify? Check the criteria below in the ‘How do I get an optical voucher?’ section or speak to our team.

An illustrated figure climbs stairs carrying a briefcase.

How much can I save with an Optical Voucher?

NHS optical voucher values range from £42.40 to £233.56, depending on your prescription strength. There are 10 different voucher categories, with higher values for more complex prescriptions. Additional supplements may be available for features like prisms, tints, or photochromic lenses. If your chosen glasses or contact lenses cost more than the voucher value, you'll need to pay the difference.

We'll handle all the paperwork, making the process as simple as possible for you.

Display of various sunglasses and eyeglasses on illuminated wall shelves and glass countertop in a modern eyewear store.

How do I get an optical voucher?

You are eligible for one if you:

  • are under 16
  • are 16 to 18 and in full time education
  • receive Income Support, Universal Credit or other tax credit
  • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher

For the full list of eligibility criteria please see the NHS website.

girl wearing new green glasses
Book an appointment

Booking an appointment is easy - choose a time that works for you with our simple online system. Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 0800 40 20 20 (lines open Mon–Sat, 8.30am – 5pm).

Book an appointmentCall us: 0800 40 20 20
Find your nearest branch

Whether you need expert optical or hearing care, our friendly teams are here to help. With 37 branches across the South of England, finding your local Leightons is just a click away with our branch finder.

Find a Leightons branch

Common NHS Eye Test FAQs

Attendance Allowance itself does not directly entitle you to free glasses. However, if you receive Attendance Allowance and also qualify for help with health costs (through an HC2 certificate or because you meet other benefit criteria), you may be eligible for NHS optical vouchers to help with the cost of glasses. The vouchers vary in value depending on your prescription.[5]

You may be eligible for help toward glasses if you receive Universal Credit and your earnings fall below certain thresholds (£435 or less, or £935 with a child or limited capability for work). If eligible, you qualify for an NHS-funded sight test and optical vouchers toward glasses or contact lenses.

If you are over 60 (which includes over 70), you are entitled to free NHS eye tests as often as clinically necessary. Typically, most people have eye tests every 1-2 years, but if the optometrist believes you need more frequent check-ups due to your eye health, they will recommend accordingly.

Students aged 16, 17, or 18 who are in full-time education are entitled to a free NHS eye test. University students generally do not qualify for free NHS eye tests unless they meet other eligibility criteria.

NHS staff do not automatically qualify for free NHS eye tests based solely on their employment. However, NHS employers often provide free eye tests as part of workplace health programs, especially if the employee requires specific eyesight tests related to their job (e.g. screen use or safety requirements). This is a workplace benefit rather than an NHS entitlement.

NHS optical vouchers FAQs

Book a free NHS eye test for your child. If glasses are needed, the optician will issue an optical voucher with the prescription, which can be used at participating suppliers to reduce the cost.[6]

You can get a voucher whenever the optician finds a significant prescription change, often after routine NHS eye tests every 2 years, or sooner if clinically necessary.

Sources

[1] NHS UK. (n.d.). Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers. NHS. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/

[2] Scottish Government. (n.d.). General Ophthalmic Services (Scotland’s NHS GOS). Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.publications.scot.nhs.uk/files/pca2025-o-04.pdf

[3] Welsh Government. (2022). Get help with NHS eye care costs. Gov.Wales. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.nhs.wales/sa/eye-care-wales/wgos/member-of-the-public/

[4] NHS Wales. (n.d.). Welsh Eye Care Scheme Member of the Public. NHS Wales. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/

[5] NHS Business Services Authority. (n.d.). Sight tests, glasses and contact lenses. NHSBSA. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-travel-eye-care-wigs-and-fabric-support-costs/sight-tests-glasses-and-contact-lenses

[6] Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Obtaining children’s glasses. Milton Keynes University Hospital. Retrieved August 13, 2025, from https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/obtaining-childrens-glasses

Last Updated: 13/08/2025