Can I get a free eye examination (eye test)?
Depending on where you live in the UK, you might be entitled to a free eye examination. This doesn't cover the cost of glasses (unless you are receiving benefits).
If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
You qualify for a free NHS eye examination if you are:
- under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education
- 60 or over
- registered blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired)
- diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- 40 or over and you are the close relative of someone with glaucoma, or you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of it
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher.
You are also entitled to a free NHS eye examination if:
- you receive a means-tested benefit (specifically Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit)
- you are entitled to, or named on, either a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).
Scotland
If you are a UK resident, you can get a free NHS eye examination from any optometrist in Scotland who provides NHS services. Most High Street opticians have optometrists who provide NHS services. You can claim a free test every two years.
Further information on the help you can get with NHS costs can be found on RNIB's Help with NHS costs webpage.