You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- are aged 60 or over
- are registered blind or partially sighted
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are aged 40 or over and have a close relative (parent, sibling or child) with a history of glaucoma
- have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
You're entitled to a free NHS sight test and help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:
- are aged under 16, or under 19 and in qualifying full time education
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- are included in an award of:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contributions-based Jobseeker's Allowance paid on its own)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (not Pension Credit Savings Credit paid on its own)
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not contributions-based Employment and Support Allowance paid on its own)
- Universal Credit, and your earnings during the most recent assessment were £435 or less (or £935 or less if your Universal Credit includes an element for either a child or limited capability for work)
- are named on or entitled to a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- have a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs
The amount of help you can get towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses is known as a voucher value, which depends on the strength of your prescribed lenses. Your optician will tell you which voucher value applies to you. If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.