Eye treatment and glasses

You qualify for free NHS (HS) eyesight tests and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses if:

(vouchers only in Scotland where NHS eyesight tests are now free)

• you are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education
• you, or a member of your family, receive Income Support, the Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or, in certain cases, Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
• you have been prescribed complex or powerful lenses
• you are a patient of the Hospital Eye Service
• your income is low enough (see details of the Low Income Scheme)

You qualify for free NHS eyesight tests only if:

• you are 60 or over
• you are registered blind or partially sighted
• you have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• you are 40 or over and are the parent, brother, sister or child of someone with glaucoma
• you receive a War Disablement Pension and need the
  treatment for your war disability
• your weekly income is low enough (see details of the Low Income Scheme)

NHS eyesight tests are now free in Scotland.

How can I claim?

Tell your optician that you qualify for free eyesight tests and vouchers.

Remember that you will need to show your optician proof that you qualify, for example, the letter showing which benefits you receive.