NHS

Who is entitled to a free NHS eye test?

You're entitled to a free NHS eye test if you live in England or Wales and meet any of the following criteria:

Age-related eligibility:
Children under the age of 16 automatically qualify. If you’re aged 16, 17, or 18 and still in full-time education, you’re also eligible for a free eye test. Adults aged 60 and over qualify too, as do those who are registered blind or partially sighted.

Medical conditions:
You may be entitled to an NHS eye test if you have diabetes or glaucoma. Additionally, if you’re aged 40 or over and a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) has glaucoma, you may also qualify. People who have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that they’re at risk of glaucoma are eligible too.

Financial support and benefits:
If you or your partner receive certain income-related benefits—such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit (if your earnings are below a certain threshold)—you’ll qualify. Those who hold a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs) also qualify.

Other eligibility:
Individuals who need complex lenses, members of the armed forces or veterans receiving war pension support, and those with a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate may also be eligible. Additionally, if you’re in prison or a young offender institution, you’re entitled to an NHS eye test.

Universal Credit is a benefit provided by the UK government to support individuals and families with low or no income. If you’re receiving Universal Credit, you may be eligible for NHS-funded eyecare. To access this, please bring your valid certificate of entitlement to your appointment.

You can apply for this certificate by completing an HC1 form here.

If you don’t yet have your certificate, don’t worry—we can still see you as a private patient. You’ll then be able to claim back the cost using an HC5 form, as outlined on the final page of the HC1.

Unfortunately, you won’t be entitled to an NHS eye test if you only receive:

  • Child Benefit
  • Disability Living
  • Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Maternity Benefit
  • Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Savings Credit on its own

If you don’t yet have your certificate, don’t worry – we can still see you as a private patient. You’ll then be able to claim back the cost using an HC5 form, as outlined on the final page of the HC1.

When attending your NHS eye test, it’s important to bring valid proof that you meet the eligibility criteria. The type of proof you need depends on the reason you qualify.

If you’re under 16, no formal proof is required. For those aged 16, 17, or 18 in full-time education, bring a letter from your school or college confirming your student status. If you’re aged 60 or over, simply bring proof of age, such as a passport or driving licence.

For individuals receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you’ll need to present your benefit award letter or a valid exemption certificate. The same applies to those on Universal Credit—bring your award notice as proof.

If you hold a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate or a Pension Credit Guarantee Credit award letter, that will also serve as proof. Those who qualify through an HC2 or HC3 certificate (help with health costs) should bring the original certificate with them.

People with diabetes or glaucoma don’t need to bring any paperwork if the condition is already on file with the optician; otherwise, bring a GP or hospital letter confirming the diagnosis. If you’re aged 40 or over and have a close family member with glaucoma, or have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you’re at risk, bring a supporting letter or confirmation from your GP or specialist.

For those requiring complex lenses, the optician will usually confirm this during your eye test. And if you’re registered blind or partially sighted, bringing your registration card or letter will help confirm eligibility.

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