Free Eye Tests in the UK: Are You Entitled?

Everyone needs a regular eye test, even young children, as this can help spot eye conditions that can often be corrected if discovered early. The good news is many people can easily get a free eye test.

Eye examinations not only detect changes in your vision, and monitor eye health, they can also uncover early signs and symptoms of health conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure etc. 

Several years ago my dad went to his local optician after experiencing headaches and vision problems. It was his optician that discovered he was having a stroke, and sent him straight to hospital for urgent medical attention. Even though I’ve worn glasses and had regular eye tests most of my life, I had never realised just how important an eye test could be. Literally a life saver!

The cost of an eye tests can vary depending on which optician you choose, however you would usually expect to pay between £20 - £30 for a standard eye exam.

People shouldn’t be put off at the potential cost of an eye test, there are several ways to get free eye examinations in the UK, or save money on eye tests, including:

• NHS funded eye tests
• Free sight tests for children under the age of 16
• Free eye tests for students aged 16, 17 or 18 who are in full-time education
• Larger optician chains like Boots, and Specsavers occasionally have eye test offers, and free eye test vouchers
• Free eye tests through your employer
   

Live in Scotland? Scotland is the only country in the UK to provide free universal NHS funded eye examinations. Anyone can get a free eye test every 2 years, and in some cases, annually. So congratulations if this is you! The rest of this guide refers to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Asking yourself “am I entitled to a free eye test?" Many people are eligible for a free NHS eye test,  which means the NHS pays for it, and there will be no charge to you.

Receiving certain benefits means you will automatically qualify for a free NHS sight test, these include:

• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria
• Tax Credits and meet the criteria
• You have an NHS HC2 certificate and are on a low income
   

Eye Tests are free for students aged 16, 17 or 18 who are in full-time education. Anyone under the age of 16 is also entitled to a free eye exam.

 If you’re a student over the age of 19 in full-time higher education, you will have to pay for your eye test unless you qualify for tax credits, or any of the benefits / health conditions mentioned in this guide. Keep a lookout for free eye test vouchers to save money (I’m sure we will have them listed on our hotukdeals forum) as opticians occasionally offer free eye tests for everybody. Students can also take advantage of student discounts from sites like UNiDAYs.

Everyone over the age of 60 is entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years, just take along some proof of your age to your appointment.

There are some health conditions that mean you qualify for a free NHS eye test, and may in some cases mean you get your eyes tested more regularly (yearly), these include: 

• Being registered as partially sighted or blind
• Having been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• Aged 40+ and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• You qualify for an NHS complex lens voucher. Your optician will let you know if you’re entitled to one

It is recommended that most people get an eye exam every two years. However, this also depends on your age, medical history, risk factors etc. Your optician will let you know if you need to be seen more regularly e.g. if you have diabetes or glaucoma. 

If you have experienced a notable change in your vision, make sure to reach out to your optician.

After an eye test you are entitled to receive a copy of your prescription. It's the law. You are not obliged to buy your glasses from the retailer your optician works for.  You are free to shop around and compare as many offers as you like before purchasing, or even buy glasses from one of the many online retailers. 

Look out for special offers and discount codes for your local opticians. Some of the larger chains occasionally offer a free eye test voucher that is valid for everyone upon presentation of a coupon, or voucher. It’s not uncommon to be able to get a free eye test at Specsavers, a free eye test at Boots, M&S Opticians, or Vision Express.

Whatever the offer, our eagle-eyed members will likely have it listed on our forum. If any free eye test vouchers pop up, you will be able to find them on hotukdeals.

If you use a computer or laptop for most of your working day, you could be entitled to a free eye test from your employer. 

The government's Health and Safety Executive, has regulations in place which means employers need to protect their workers if they use VDU (visual display unit) or DSE (display screen equipment) for long periods of time. This can include providing free eye tests for their workforce - some employers let you book your own eye test and claim the money back on expenses.

If you think you may fall into this category then check with your employer to see what they can offer you. Some employers go the extra mile and will also pay for, or contribute towards, a pair of prescription glasses if you need them to carry out your work.

An NHS optical voucher saves you money by giving you help towards the cost of your contact lenses or glasses if your optician says you need them. You are entitled to a voucher if you are:

• Under 16
• 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
• A prisoner on leave from prison
• Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician will let you know if you are entitled

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-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria
• Tax Credits and meet the criteria
• You have an NHS HC2 certificate and are on a low income

The value of the voucher varies depending on your prescription. The stronger, or more complex your prescription, the greater the value of your voucher. Your optician will let you know what you are entitled to. 

You can receive an NHS opticians voucher every two years if your prescription changes, or you need new glasses. You can get one sooner than this, but only if there is a significant change in your prescription and this will be at the discretion of your optometrist.