NHS Criteria

As certified NHS opticians, we stress the importance of scheduling an eye examination at least once every two years, as it serves as a crucial health assessment for your eyes. The NHS offers complimentary eye tests and optical vouchers to eligible individuals. Please refer to the following criteria for more details.

You can get a free NHS sight Test if you are

Criteria The proof you need to have Where and how to get proof
Aged 60 or over Any official document showing your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate, NHS medical card, passport, travel concession card, pension award notice, driving licence. NHS medical cards are sent to you when you are first registered as a patient with a GP. If you need a card, contact your local Primary Care Trust. NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issue NHS medical cards; in this case use one of the other documents mentioned.
Aged 40 and over and are the parent, brother, sister, or son or daughter of a person with glaucoma An official document to prove your date of birth – see above. NHS medical card – see above.
Registered severely sight-impaired /blind or sight-impaired/ partially sighted Certificate of registration as severely sight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partially sighted. Contact your local authority.
Suffering from diabetes Repeat prescriptions card, out-patients appointment card, record of blood sugar readings. Your GP, or your hospital diabetic or eye clinic. Your repeat prescription or outpatient card should show you are attending a diabetic clinic on a regular basis.
Suffering from glaucoma Statement that you are a glaucoma sufferer. Your GP, or your hospital eye clinic.
Considered to be at risk of glaucoma Statement that you are at risk of developing glaucoma. Your GP, or your hospital eye clinic.
In need of complex lenses Take your existing glasses or existing optical prescription If you do not already have complex lenses, your optician will advise if you are eligible.

You can get a free NHS sight test and an optical voucher (for glasses) if you are

Criteria The proof you need to have Where and how to get proof
Aged under 16 Show your NHS medical card, current Child Benefit award notice, passport, birth certificate. NHS medical cards are sent to you when you are first registered as a patient with a GP. If you need a card, contact your local Primary Care Trust. NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issue NHS medical cards; in this case use one of the other documents mentioned.
Aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education Your School ID and a letter to confirm that you are in Full-time education The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444. Your school, college, university or your local education authority can give you proof that you are in qualifying full-time education
Getting Income Support or your partner is getting this benefit An entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office. You have to claim the benefit at your Jobcentre Plus office (the address will be in your local telephone book). Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance does not count as they are not income related. If payments are made into your bank or building society, you can obtain proof in the form of an entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office.
Getting Universal Credit An entitlement letter from your jobcentre Plus office You are only entitled to this if your total take-home pay in your last assessment was £435 or less (£935 or less if your universal credit includes an element for either a child or limited capability for work”
Getting Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or your partner getting this benefit An entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office. You have to claim the benefit at your Jobcentre Plus office (the address will be in your local telephone book). Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance does not count as they are not income related. If payments are made into your bank or building society, you can obtain proof in the form of an entitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office.
Getting Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or your partner is getting this benefit Your award notice from the Pension Centre. If you have lost or mislaid your Pension Centre award notice, contact the Pension Centre phone line on 0845 606 0265.
Named on a valid HC2 certificate An NHS certificate HC2 for full help with health costs. Make a claim using Form HC1, obtainable from your Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 850 1166 or 08701 555 455. You may also be able to get one from your local hospital, dentist, optician or doctor
Named on a valid HC3 certificate The cost may be reduced if you are named on an NHS certificate HC3 for partial help with health costs Make a claim using Form HC1, obtainable from your Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 850 1166 or 08701 555 455. You may also be able to get one from your local hospital, dentist, optician or doctor.