Free NHS 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]

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, sunglasses, or contact lenses (if you wear them) as this helps the optician assess your current prescription.

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 eye tests in England are free only for people who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being under 16, over 60, or receiving qualifying benefits.

If you are eligible, you can access a free NHS eye examination at any registered optician, such as Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care, in England. Otherwise, a standard eye test will need to be paid for.

NHS eye tests in Northern Ireland are free only for people who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being under 16, over 60, or receiving qualifying benefits.

If you are eligible, you can access a free NHS-funded eye examination at any registered optician in Northern Ireland. The system also includes additional eye care services, providing more comprehensive assessments beyond a standard sight test where needed.

NHS eye tests in Scotland are free for everyone living in Scotland, regardless of age or eligibility. This is because Scotland offers a universal NHS eye care service, meaning all residents can access a fully funded eye examination.

If you are registered with a GP in Scotland, you are entitled to a free NHS eye test at any approved optician in Scotland. This includes a comprehensive eye examination to check both your vision and the health of your eyes.

NHS eye tests in Wales are free only for people who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being under 16, over 60, or receiving qualifying benefits.

If you are eligible, you can access a free NHS eye examination at any registered optician in Wales. The NHS in Wales also provides additional eye care services, offering more in-depth assessments than a standard sight test where required.