NHS Funded Eye Examinations

The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test for anyone who qualifies (funding does not apply to everyone). In some cases, the NHS will also give an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. All of our customers receive the same level of customer service, advice and follow-up services, regardless of whether their eye test is NHS-funded or not.

You qualify for a free NHS eye examination if you are:

Aged under 16
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses)
  • You need to show your birth certificate in-store as proof that you qualify
Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses)
  • You need to show your passport or driving licence and a Student card in-store as proof that you qualify
Aged 60 or over
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination
  • You need to show your national insurance number or a passport or a driving licence in-store as proof that you qualify
Registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination
  • You need to show a certificate of registration as partially sighted or blind in-store as proof that you qualify
Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination
  • You will need to give your doctor’s name and surgery address if you have a diabetes and show a statement that you are a glaucoma sufferer if you have glaucoma
Aged 40 or over and are the parent/brother/sister/child of a person who has or had glaucoma
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination
  • You need to show your national insurance number or a passport or a driving licence in-store as proof that you qualify
Advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you are at risk of glaucoma
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye examination
  • You will need to show a statement that you are at risk of developing a glaucoma in-store as proof that you qualify
Have been prescribed complex lenses under the NHS optical voucher scheme
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses)
  • No proof needed; the Optician will decide during the eye examination if complex lenses are required
You receive benefits or your partner receives benefits that entitle you to NHS eye care
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses)
  • You will need to bring an entitlement letter stating the benefits you receive. Partners need to be married or living together; have all their partner details; and be able to prove the benefit provided
You or your partner are receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses)
  • You will need to bring an award notice from the Pension Centre
Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • You qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses)
  • You will need to bring a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

You are eligible for vouchers towards glasses if you are:

Aged 16 or under
  • You need to show your birth certificate in-store as proof that you qualify
Aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education
  • You need to show your passport or driving licence and a Student card in-store as proof that you qualify
Have been prescribed with a complex prescription
  • No proof needed; the Optician will decide during the eye examination if complex lenses are required
You are receiving benefits that entitle you to NHS funding for eyesore
  • You will need to bring an entitlement letter stating the benefits you receive
Your partner is receiving benefits that entitle you to NHS funding for eyesore
  • Partners need to be married or living together; have all their partner details; and be able to prove the benefit provided
You or your partner are receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • You will need to bring an award notice from the Pension Centre
Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • You will need to bring a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate