Eye treatment and glasses

You qualify for free NHS eyesight tests if:

• you’re under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education
• you’re 60 or over
• you’re registered blind or partially sighted
• you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• you’re 40 or over and are the parent, brother, sister or child of someone with glaucoma
• your sight test is carried out through the hospital eye department
• you receive a valid war pension and need the treatment for your war disability
• your income is low enough (see details of the Low Income scheme)
• you need complex or powerful lenses
• you’re included in an award of: Income Support; the guarantee element of Pension Credit; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; or are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax exemption certificate.

Eyesight tests are free for everyone in Scotland.

You also qualify for vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if:

• you’re under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education
• you need complex or powerful lenses
• your weekly income is low enough (see details of the Low Income Scheme below)
• you’re included in an award of: Income Support; the guarantee element of Pension Credit; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; or are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax exemption certificate.

You will need to show your optician proof that you qualify, for example any letters showing which benefits you receive. See also Fares to hospital for treatment|.

In Northern Ireland

You may qualify for free HS eyesight tests. You may also be eligible for a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Visit nidirect.gov.uk  |to find out about the eligibility criteria.