NHS Entitlement
NHS-funded sight tests are available for those who are eligible. You qualify if you are:
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aged 60 or over.
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aged 40 or over and with a parent, sister, brother with Glaucoma.
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registered severely sight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partially sighted.
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Suffering from Diabetes.
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Suffering from Glaucoma.
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Considered to be at risk from Glaucoma as advised by an ophthalmologist.
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​Those with automatic entitlement through universal credit
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Are named on a valid HC2 Certificate. People named on a valid HC3 certificate may also get some help.
Universal Credit - From 01/12/25 there is an automatic entitlement for many on universal credit. Those entitled should have received a letter informing them of their entitlement. You are automatically entitled to an NHS funded sight test if you have:
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No earnings, or take-home pay of £435 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period, or
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No earnings, or take-home pay of £935 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period if their Universal Credit includes a payment for a child, or they have limited capability for work, or limited capability for work and work-related activity.
NHS funded sight tests and an optical voucher to help with the cost of glasses are available if you:
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are aged under 16.
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are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education.
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or your partner are receiving income support.
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or your partner receive income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution based).
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or your partner receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
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or your partner receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution based).
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are named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
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Those on Universal Credit entitled to help with health costs.
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are named on a valid HC2 certificate. People named on a valid HC3 certificate may also get some help.