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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.

  • aged 40 or over and with a parent, sister, brother with Glaucoma.

  • registered severely sight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partially sighted.

  • Suffering from Diabetes.

  • Suffering from Glaucoma.

  • Considered to be at risk from Glaucoma as advised by an ophthalmologist.

  • Those with automatic entitlement through universal credit.

  • Are named on a valid HC2 Certificate. People named on a valid HC3 certificate may also get some help.

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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: 

  • No earnings, or take-home pay of £435 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period, or

  • 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.

 

.  Anyone on Universal credit with no letter and who does not fit into the categories above, must apply for, and be named on a valid HC2 certificate. To receive an HC2 certificate, you will need to complete an HC1 form and return this to Jobs and Benefits. We have HC1 forms in practice for you to collect should you need one.

 

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.

  • are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education.

  • or your partner are receiving income support.

  • or your partner receive income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution based).

  • or your partner receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

  • or your partner receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution based).

  • are named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.

  • Those on Universal Credit entitled to help with health costs.

  • are named on a valid HC2 certificate. People named on a valid HC3 certificate may also get some help.

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