Free eye test

Free eye test

In the UK, free eye tests are available on the NHS to people who fall into certain categories. You may also be entitled to a voucher that covers or contributes towards the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses you may need. The following groups of people are eligible for free tests:

• Children under the age of 16 or under 19 if they are in full time education
• People over the age of 60 Those claiming benefits (income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance) or receiving Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Persons’ Tax Credit (both less than £70 withdrawn)
• People with diabetes
• People with glaucoma and people over the age of 40 who are closely related to someone with glaucoma
• Those at risk from glaucoma
• People who are registered blind or partially sighted
• Those on a low income
• People who are eligible for NHS complex lens vouchers

To find out whether you’re entitled to a free eye test, pick up a leaflet from your local health centre or optician, or log on to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk