NHS Opticians Entitlement

Understanding your eligibility for free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers

At Adams Opticians, we provide NHS-funded eye tests and optical vouchers for patients who qualify. Below is a simple guide to who is entitled and what’s included.

For patients that recieve NHS optical vouchers - we have an extensive range of FREE kids and adult spectacles - and significant discounts across the rest of the range.

Who is entitled to a free NHS eye test

You’re eligible for a free NHS sight test if you are:

  • Aged 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

  • Advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma

  • Aged 40 or over and the parent, sibling or child of someone with glaucoma

  • Receiving benefits, such as:

    • Income Support

    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

    • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

    • Universal Credit (meeting certain criteria)* - see below

  • Named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

  • Named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs)

NHS optical vouchers

If you need glasses or contact lenses, you may also qualify for an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost.

You’re entitled to a voucher if you:

  • Are under 16, or

  • Are 16–18 and in full-time education, or

  • Receive one of the qualifying benefits above, or

  • Hold a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate

The value of the voucher depends on your prescription and the type of lenses you need. Our team will advise you of the amount during your visit.

Universal Credit

a patient qualifies for help with health costs, including free sight tests and NHS vouchers for optical appliances, if they received Universal Credit and they (together with any joint claimant with whom they claim Universal Credit):

  • Had earnings of £435 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period, and don’t receive a Universal Credit element for a child

  • Had earnings of £935 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period, and do receive a Universal Credit element for a child; or

  • Had earnings of £935 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period, and they and/or their partner was assessed as having limited capability for work.

If a patient is not sure of their eligibility, they can self-check against the above thresholds.

What’s included in an NHS eye test

An NHS eye examination includes:

  • Assessment of your vision and prescription

  • Eye health check for conditions such as glaucoma or cataract

  • Advice on maintaining healthy eyes

  • Referral for further investigation if necessary

Booking your NHS eye test

To arrange your free NHS sight test, simply bring proof of your eligibility (for example, a benefit letter or NHS exemption certificate).
📞 Call us on 01925 506466 or visit our practice to book your appointment.

Need help checking if you qualify?

Our friendly team at Adams Opticians can confirm your NHS eligibility quickly — just call or visit in person, and we’ll be happy to assist.