Actons Opticians provides NHS eye examinations for eligible patients in England
An NHS sight test checks both your vision and the health of your eyes. At Actons, every examination is carried out by Victoria, our resident optometrist.
Who is entitled to a free NHS sight test?
You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- are under 16
- are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- are aged 60 or over
- are registered as blind or partially sighted
- have been diagnosed with diabetes
- have been diagnosed with glaucoma
- are aged 40 or over and your parent, brother, sister or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs
You may also qualify if you, your partner or civil partner receive a qualifying benefit, or if you are under 20 and are the dependant of someone receiving one.
Qualifying benefits include:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit, where the relevant earnings conditions are met
Universal Credit
Eligibility under Universal Credit depends on your household circumstances and your take-home pay during the most recent assessment period.
The current NHS thresholds are generally:
- £435 or less, or
- £935 or less if your Universal Credit award includes an amount for a child or for limited capability for work
Because Universal Credit rules and thresholds can change, please check the current NHS guidance or bring your latest Universal Credit award details.
HC3 certificates
An HC3 certificate provides partial help with health costs.
It does not necessarily make the sight test completely free. The certificate states how much you must contribute towards the sight test and towards glasses or contact lenses.
Help towards glasses or contact lenses
You may qualify for an NHS optical voucher if you:
- are under 16
- are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- receive a qualifying benefit, or are included in someone else’s qualifying award
- have a valid HC2 certificate
- have a valid HC3 certificate and qualify for partial help
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
The voucher value depends on your prescription. If the glasses or contact lenses cost more than the voucher value, you pay the difference.
NHS complex lens vouchers
A complex lens voucher may be available where the prescription meets specific clinical criteria, including very high-powered lenses or certain prism-controlled bifocal lenses.
Your optometrist can advise whether your prescription meets the criteria.
How often can I have a free NHS sight test?
For most eligible patients, the usual interval is every two years.
A sight test may be provided sooner if Victoria considers it clinically necessary. If you request another test sooner and there is no clinical need, it may need to be carried out privately.
What should I bring?
Please bring evidence of your eligibility where applicable, such as:
- proof of age
- evidence of full-time education
- details of a qualifying benefit
- your latest Universal Credit award information
- a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate
- relevant information about diabetes, glaucoma or glaucoma risk
Unsure whether you qualify?
Please telephone Actons Opticians on 01905 22156 or use our contact form.
We can explain what evidence you should bring, but you are responsible for confirming that the information you provide about your NHS eligibility is correct.
NHS eligibility rules and benefit thresholds can change, so the official NHS eligibility guidance should always be checked if you are uncertain.