NHS eye tests at Specsavers
What is an NHS eye test?
The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test with us for anyone who qualifies (funding doesn’t apply to everyone). These tests are carried out by Specsavers, even if they are NHS-funded, rather than by a GP or in a hospital. In some cases, the NHS will also give an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Find out if you qualify and what you need to do to get your free NHS eye test.
Step 1
Check you qualify for an NHS eye test
Step 2
See what you need to bring with you as proof
1. Am I entitled to NHS eye tests?
If you’re a resident in England and Wales, you will qualify if one or more of the following apply to you.
Who qualifies in England and Wales?
| Age | Medical | Income | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | Registered as partially- sighted or blind | Receive Income Support (you or your partner) | Prisoner on leave from prison |
| 16, 17 or 18 and in full- time education | Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma | Receive Income-based (not Contribution based) Jobseeker’s Allowance (you or your partner) | Eligible for an NHS complex voucher |
| 60 or over | Advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma | Receive Income Support (you or your partner) | |
| Aged 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma | Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (you or your partner) | ||
| Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (you or your partner) | |||
| On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) certificate (you or your partner) | |||
| If you or your partner are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you might be able to get partial help towards the cost of your eye test. Ask in store. |
Information sourced from the NHS.
Who qualifies in Scotland and the Isle of Man?
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.
Who qualifies for HSC-funded sight tests in Northern Ireland?
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, please be aware that you’re not automatically entitled to help with your eye health costs. You need to apply to your local Jobs & Benefits office for help by submitting an HC1 form.
Can I get a free eye test with universal credit?
You may be entitled to NHS-funded eyecare (HSC-funded eyecare if you receive Universal Credit in Northern Ireland) but you’ll need to show us your certificate of entitlement when you come in for your appointment. You can apply for a certificate using an HC1 form which is available here.
If you don’t have your certificate, we can still see you as a private patient and you can reclaim your entitlement using a HC5 form, as detailed on the last page of the HC1.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a UK-based system by which money is paid by the state to people who have low or no income. You’re entitled to NHS-funded eyecare if you receive Universal Credit, but you’ll need to show us your certificate of entitlement when you come in for your appointment. You can apply for a certificate using an HC1 form which is available here.
If you don’t have your certificate, we can still see you as a private patient and you can reclaim your entitlement on an HC5 form, as detailed on the last page of the HC1.
2. Find your local store and book an eye test
Once you’re happy that you qualify and have the right information to show as proof, all you need to do is search for your local store and book your eye test online. Don’t forget to bring your document with you to your appointment.
3. What to bring to your NHS eye test
So once you’ve checked through the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify and booked your appointment, you’ll need to bring along a document that shows you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and in some cases, an NHS optical voucher for glasses too).
You only need to show one of these items (unless stated otherwise), so whichever is easiest for you.
Proof you qualify
| Reason you qualify | What you qualify for | What you can show in store as proof you qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Aged 0-15 | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | No proof needed for this age group |
| Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | Passport, student card, driving license |
| Aged 60 or over | An NHS-funded eye test | National Insurance number, passport, driving license |
| Registered as partially-sighted or blind | An NHS-funded eye test | Certificate of registration as partially-sighted or blind |
| Diagnosed with diabetes | An NHS-funded eye test | Doctor’s name and surgery address |
| Diagnosed with glaucoma | An NHS-funded eye test | Statement that you are a glaucoma sufferer |
| Advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma | An NHS-funded eye test | Statement that you are at risk of developing glaucoma |
| Aged 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma | An NHS-funded eye test | N/A |
| You are receiving benefits that entitle you to NHS funding for eyecare | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | An entitlement letter stating the benefits you receive |
| Your partner is receiving benefits that entitle you to NHS funding for eyecare | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | Partners need to: be married or living together; have all of their partner’s details; and be able to prove the benefit received |
| You or your partner are receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | Award notice from the Pension Centre |
| Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate |
| In need of complex lenses | An NHS-funded eye test (and an NHS optical voucher for glasses) | No proof needed – the optician will decide during the eye test if complex lenses are required |
The GOS1 form
When you come in for your eye test, you’ll be asked to declare the reason and sign the NHS declaration stating that you’re entitled to an NHS-funded eye test. You’ll also be asked to show the relevant proof that you qualify.
Who doesn’t qualify for an NHS eye test?
Unfortunately, you won’t be entitled to an NHS eye test if you only receive:
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Maternity Benefit
- Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Tax Credit without an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- Pension Credit Savings Credit on its own
If you’re still not sure whether you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test, pop into your local store and we’ll be happy to help.
NHS staff aren’t automatically entitled to an NHS-funded eye test either.
If you don’t qualify for an NHS eye test, you can still book an eye test with us online. The cost of an eye test varies, but it’s usually around £20-25.
Other information you might need
Can I get glasses free on the NHS?
The NHS gives funding towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, in the form of an NHS optical voucher, to anyone who qualifies (this funding does not apply to everyone). Some people are also eligible for NHS-funded eye tests.
Can I get free glasses on Universal Credit
Depending on your income, you’ll be entitled to help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you’re receiving Universal Credit.
How often can you have an NHS-funded eye test?
If you qualify, you’re entitled to have an NHS-funded eye test every two years. Your optician may recommend more frequent eye tests if you are:
- Diabetic
- Over 40 with a family history of glaucoma
- Over 70
- Under 16 and wear glasses
- Experiencing particular vision problems
NHS-funded glasses
If you qualify for an NHS optical voucher, you can put it towards the cost of your glasses.
Eye tests
Discover more information on what happens in a typical Specsavers eye test.
NHS-funded hearing aids
Find out if you’re eligible for NHS-funded hearing aids and hearing services.
Terms and conditions
NHS eligibility criteria applies. Offer available in the UK only. See if you qualify above OR ask in store for details