If one or more of the criteria listed below applies to you, you will be entitled to a free NHS sight test. 

 

A sight test is also free if the test is carried out through a hospital eye department, or at the request of a hospital, as part of the management of your eye condition.

 

You're entitled if you're:

• aged 60 or over 

• registered blind or partially sighted 

• diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma 

• aged 40 or over and have a close relative (parent, sibling or child) with a history of glaucoma 

• you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma. 

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You will also qualify for a free NHS sight test and be eligible for an optical voucher if you're:

• aged under 16, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education 

• eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – see below

• a prisoner on leave from prison. 

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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 or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution based) 

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit 

• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance 

• Universal Credit and meet the criteria.

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If you're entitled to or named on:

• a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you don't have a certificate, you can show your award notice; you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both) and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less 

• a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) 

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

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