NHS discounts and free eye tests
Although contact lenses are not provided free on the NHS, you may be eligible for a discount. If you are entitled to a free NHS sight test, you could also be given a discount on prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
Free NHS sight tests are available for:
- Children under 16.
- Young people aged 16, 17 or 18 who are in full-time education.
- People over 60.
- People registered blind or partially sighted.
- People diagnosed with diabetes.
- People diagnosed with glaucoma.
- People who are at risk of glaucoma.
- People who have been prescribed complex lenses.
- People claiming Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Working Families Tax Credit or Disabled Persons Tax Credit.
- People who have a HC2 or HC3 NHS certificate for help with health costs. .
If you think you may qualify for help with health costs, visit the Department of Health website or talk to an optician.
Find out if you are at risk of glaucoma by visiting a hospital ophthalmologist.
Bring along proof of your age, condition or benefit when you go for your free NHS sight test.
