NHS funded eye tests

Some groups of patients are entitled to free NHS sight tests:

Qualification

You qualify for a free NHS funded sight test if you are:

  • aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education
  • aged 60 or over
  • registered blind or partially sighted
  • diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • aged 40 or over and you are the parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a person diagnosed with glaucoma, or you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
  • eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
  • a prisoner on leave from prison

You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if:

  • you receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution based)
  • you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • you receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • you are awarded Universal Credit
  • you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

Also read about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

request an eye test

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Home visits

NHS-funded mobile sight test

An NHS-funded mobile sight test is where an optometrist comes to visit you in your own home or at a day centre.

If you are eligible for an NHS-funded sight test you may also be entitled to a mobile sight test. If you meet one of the criteria listed below then you may have your sight test at

  • home
    If you are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability
  • a residential or care home
    If you are a resident and you are unable to leave the home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability
  • a day centre
    If you cannot get a sight test at an optician’s practice because of physical or mental illness, disability or because of difficulties in communicating your health needs unaided.

Home visits

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