NHS-Funded eye tests
Do you qualify for an NHS eye test
- Qualifying criteria for an NHS-funded eye test
- Who does not qualify for an NHS-funded eye test?
Qualifying criteria for an NHS-funded eye test
UK residents qualify for an NHS-funded eye test if one or more of the following apply:
Information sourced from the NHS.
Who does not qualify for an NHS-funded eye test?
Unfortunately, you are not entitled to an NHS-funded eye test if you only receive the following:
- Recipients of Child Benefit
- Recipients of Disability Living Allowance
- Recipients of Incapacity Benefit
- Recipients of Housing Benefit
- Recipients of Maternity Benefit
- Recipients of Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Recipients of Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Recipients of Tax Credit without an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- Recipients of Pension Credit Savings Credit on its own
NHS staff are not automatically entitled to this NHS-funded eye test either. Funding is available to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
If you're not sure whether you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test, please visit your local Specsavers store and our staff will be happy to help.
NHS-funded eye tests
The NHS, together with Specsavers, will cover the full cost of an eye test for anyone who qualifies (funding does not apply to everyone). In some cases, the NHS will also give an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
All of our customers receive the same level of care, attention, advice and follow-up services, regardless of whether their eye test is NHS-funded or not.
How to get your free eye test
- How to book your NHS-funded eye test
- What you need to bring to your eye test
- Proof you qualify
- The GOS1 form
How to book your NHS-funded eye test
To book an eye test at Specsavers, simply call or visit your local store. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online. When you make your booking, you do not need to specify that your eye test will be NHS-funded.
What you need to bring to your eye test
Use the table below to identify what proof you need to bring in store to show you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test (and in some cases, an NHS optical voucher for glasses too).
Proof you qualify
You only need to show ONE of these items, relevant to your circumstances (unless stated otherwise) as proof you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test or an NHS optical voucher for glasses.
| 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) | Birth certificate |
| 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 licence |
| Aged 60 or over | An NHS-funded eye test | National Insurance Number Passport Driving licence |
| 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 a glaucoma |
| Aged 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma | An NHS-funded eye test | National Insurance Number Passport Driving licence |
| 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 GS01 form
When you come in store for your eye test, we will help you complete the NHS GOS1 form that determines if you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test. You will also be asked to show proof you qualify.
More information
- How often you can have an NHS-funded eye test
- NHS-funded eye examinations in Scotland and the Isle of Man
- Need further assistance?
How often you can have an NHS-funded eye test
If you qualify, you are 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
If you have concerns about your vision or eye health within two years of your last NHS-funded eye test, please visit your local Specsavers and we can tell you if you qualify for another eye test.
NHS-funded eye examinations in Scotland and the Isle of Man
Scotland
The Scottish Government funds NHS eye examinations, free to all residents. If you are aged between 16 and 60 you can have an NHS-funded eye examination every two years, if required.
Certain people can have an NHS-funded eye examination once a year, if required, including if you are:
- Under 16
- Aged 60 or over
- Diabetic or have ocular hypertension or glaucoma
- Over 40 and have a mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter with glaucoma
If you have concerns about your vision or your eyes before your next NHS eye examination is due, speak to your optician as you may be able to have another NHS-funded eye examination. The guide to NHS-funded eye examinations in Scotland provides more information.
Isle of Man
In the Isle of Man, eye tests are free to anyone on the IOM NHS.
Need further assistance?
If after reading this page, you still have questions about NHS-funded eye tests, please contact your local Specsavers and our friendly staff will be happy to help.