Where can I get a
free eye test?

Eye tests are important to ensure your eyes stay healthy. We recommend that adults get their eyes tested every two years, however your optician may recommend more frequent eye tests based on their assessment of your eye health and family history. 

If you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test, you are entitled to an eye test every two years. 

Read more about why eye tests matter

Unfortunately, pregnancy does not make you eligible for a free NHS-funded eye test. It is absolutely safe to get your eyes tested when you're pregnant, and you should still book an eye test if you notice a change in your vision during pregnancy.

UK residents are eligible for an NHS-funded eye test if they meet certain criteria. 

Find out who qualifies here.

In the UK, everyone aged 60 and over can receive a free eye test every two years. Our Over 60s free eye tests are the same as our normal eye tests. If you’re unable to make it to a store, you can request a home visit.

Under UK rules, employees who work with Visual Display Units (VDUs) such as laptops and computers could be entitled to an eye examination and basic frames and lenses.

Ask your boss about Specsavers Corporate Eyecare vouchers or read more here.

Scottish residents aged between 16 and 60 can have an NHS-funded eye test every two years if required. This provision only applies to eye examinations conducted in Scotland.

In the Isle of Man, eye tests are free to anyone on the IOM NHS.

You may be entitled to free sight tests if you are:

• Under 16 or over 60
• In full-time education and aged 16 - 18
• A diagnosed glaucoma patient
• Aged 40 or over and are a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a diagnosed glaucoma patient, or have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
• Diagnosed as diabetic
• Registered blind or partially sighted
• In need of complex lenses
• Getting, or your partner gets income support, income-based jobseekers allowance, income-related employment support allowance or pension credit guarantee credit.
• Are entitled to, or named on, a valid HSC tax credit exemption certificate
• Are named on a valid HC2 certificate

Partial help

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you might get some help towards the cost of a private sight test.

Help if you’re receiving Universal Credit

If you’re receiving Universal Credit in Northern Ireland, you no longer have to complete the HC1 form to access free eye tests. However, it’s worth noting that not all Universal Credit recipients are automatically eligible because it is means-tested.

Essentially, you will be automatically entitled to a free eye test if you meet the following criteria:

• No earnings, or take-home pay of £435 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period, or
• No earnings, or take-home pay of £935 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period if your Universal Credit includes a payment for a child, or you have limited capability for work, or limited capability for work and work-related activity.

You will need to bring your award notice (either the hard copy or a photo on your phone) with you.

If you don’t meet the above criteria for automatic entitlement, you can still apply under the Low-Income Scheme (if you have a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate).

If you’re not eligible, a standard eye test charge will be applied.