Free NHS Eye Tests

You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

  • are under 16
  • are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
  • are 60 or over
  • are registered as partially sighted or blind
  • have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • are a prisoner on leave from prison
  • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement

You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee
  • Universal Credit and meet the criteria

If you’re entitled to or named on:

  • a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
  • People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test.