Free NHS sight tests: who qualifies and what about glasses

In England a sight test can be free, paid for by the NHS (National Health Service). Separately, optical vouchers help with part of the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Who gets a free sight test?

You qualify if you are under 16; aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full‑time education; aged 60 or over; registered blind or partially sighted; diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma; aged 40 or over with a parent, sibling or child who has glaucoma; or told by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma.

ADV · A001ONLYWAY JEWELRY — gold, silver and platinumRings, chains, bracelets, earrings and pendants. Delivery across the UK.Advertise here

Who else qualifies?

A free test is also available if you or your partner receive Income‑based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Universal Credit and meet the criteria. Holders of an HC2 certificate (full help with health costs) qualify too.

What about paying for glasses?

An optical voucher for glasses or lenses is available to under‑16s, 16–18s in full‑time education, HC2 holders and some other groups. HC3 holders (partial help) may get help with part of the cost. For complex lenses there is a separate complex lens voucher: the values are £15.81 for single‑vision lenses and £40.57 for bifocals.

How often and where?

If you qualify for a free test and cannot get to an optician because of illness or disability, you can have the test at home, in a care home or at a day centre. How often you can have a test depends on your age and health — the exact rules are on the NHS website, where you can also check your entitlement and find a nearby NHS optician.

Why a sight test matters beyond glasses

A sight test is also a check of eye health: an optometrist can spot early signs of glaucoma, diabetic changes and other conditions that cause no symptoms at an early stage. So a regular test is worthwhile even if you think you see well.

How often you can have a free test depends on age and health: for many adults it is usually every two years, but with certain conditions and in older age it can be more often. If you are in an eligible group and need glasses, ask your optician about an optical voucher and its value for your prescription: complex lenses have separate values (£15.81 for single vision and £40.57 for bifocals). You can check your entitlement and find an NHS optician on the NHS website.