Can I receive a free eye examination and NHS optical voucher if I have Diabetes?

If you do not get an eye test in a few years, you might be surprised at how much your eyesight has changed. If you use your eyes all day (unless you really enjoy napping!), you should make sure they are functioning properly. If you qualify for free eye tests or NHS optical vouchers, read this article to determine if you qualify.

What is the cost of an eye examination?

Eye tests typically cost between £20-£25, although there will be slight variations depending on where you live and whether you intend to use an independent optician or a chain store.

Who is eligible for a free eye examination?

Several methods exist for obtaining a free eye examination, including those offered by the NHS, so wait to schedule an appointment until you have explored all of your options.

Can students receive a free eye examination?

Yes, you are entitled to a free NHS eye examination if you are a full-time student between the ages of 16 and 18.

The NHS also offers free eye exams to those under the age of 16.

When pregnant, are eye tests provided free of charge?

When you are pregnant, you are not entitled to free NHS eye tests, but there are other benefits available to you.

Over 60s are entitled to free eye examinations?

You may qualify for a free NHS eye examination if you are over 60 years old.

If I receive benefits, am I entitled to free eye exams?

The NHS may be able to provide you with a free eye examination depending on what benefits you are receiving.

You will receive a free eye exam if you receive any of the following:

• Support for income

• Meet the eligibility requirements for Universal Credit

• Benefits for jobseekers based on income

• Allowances based on income for employment and support

• Guarantee of Pension Credit

• Meet the eligibility requirements for tax credits

Free NHS eye tests are available to those with low incomes and NHS HC2 certificates that cover health costs.

Low-income individuals with NHS HC3 certificates may be eligible for a reduced-cost eye test

Are NHS eye tests available to people with eye conditions?

You are eligible for free NHS eye tests if you have one of the following medical conditions:

• Your registration status is partially sighted or blind

• If you are diabetic or have glaucoma

• A parent, sibling, child or sibling of yours has been diagnosed with glaucoma at age 40 or older

• Glaucoma has been identified as a risk for you by your eye doctor

• If you qualify for an NHS complex lens voucher, your optician will be able to inform you whether you qualify. These vouchers are available to people who require very strong lenses.

Is it possible to obtain free eye examinations for prisoners?

A free NHS eye examination is also available to prisoners on leave.

What other options are available to you if you are not eligible for a free eye examination?

Your situation may not allow you to obtain a free test, but there are still other options available to you.

In the first instance, if you are a UK resident, you are entitled to a free eye examination through the NHS from any optometrist who provides such services in Scotland.

Secondly, you may be able to find free eye tests online.

There are quite a few large chain opticians offering special offers to their customers throughout the year, and you can download a voucher for a free eye examination. You may also be able to find vouchers in local newspapers, flyers, or magazines.

A free eye test may result in a sales pitch for glasses, but you do not have to purchase anything right then, and you are more than welcome to look elsewhere later on.

What is the process for obtaining an NHS optical voucher?

Contact lenses or glasses can be more affordable if you have an optical voucher. You may be eligible for an optical voucher if you meet the following criteria:

• You are under the age of 16

• You are between the ages of 16 and 18 and enrolled full-time in school

• You are an inmate on leave from prison

• The optician who does your eye test can tell you whether or not you are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher. These vouchers are for people with very high prescriptions.

• Income Support is currently being provided to you

• As long as you meet the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit, you may receive it

• As a Jobseeker’s Allowance recipient, you receive income-based benefits

• You will receive an Employment and Support Allowance based on your income

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit is being paid to you

• In order to receive tax credits, you must meet certain criteria

• If you are a low-income individual who holds an NHS HC2 certificate, you may be eligible for assistance.

HC3 holders may also be eligible for optical vouchers.

I would like to receive a voucher for complex lenses. How do I do that?

Your prescription may be eligible for a complex lens voucher if the distance between the lenses is -10 or +10 diopters or more. If you require a prism-controlled bifocal lens, you may also qualify for a complex lens voucher.

As a result of the voucher, you will receive a discount on your lenses. Currently, single-vision lenses cost £15.55, and bifocal lenses cost £39.90.

Do I qualify for a free pair of glasses?

It is possible to obtain free eye tests and vouchers for money off glasses, but it is not possible to receive free glasses.

Depending on the voucher, you will receive a discount of £41.70 to £229.70 on the purchase price of your glasses. The glasses will effectively be free if the voucher covers their entire cost, but you will be required to pay the difference if the glasses cost more than the voucher.

Several vouchers are available to you, depending on your prescription and the type of lens you require, as well as whether or not you qualify.

How much does an average pair of contact lenses cost?

It is important to remember that a wide variety of contact lens types are available. There are daily lenses with one use, two-week lenses with two uses, monthly lenses with one use, extended wear lenses, multifocal lenses with two uses, and toric lenses with one use. Your optician will be able to assist you in choosing the right contact lenses.

Lenses for daily use

There are several types of lenses available, from the simplest to the most complicated. They are the simplest, but not the cheapest. They are only used for one day, and then disposed of. Their cost starts at around £15 for a month’s supply, and goes up to about £40. They are most commonly used, so there are quite a few choices.

Lenses every two weeks

For a 3 month supply, you will need to purchase a special container which contains lens fluid, which you will put in your eye at night. Prices start at around £20 for a three month supply for both eyes and can reach upwards of £40.

Contact lenses for each month

During a month, you can wear these lenses every day, but not at night. These lenses are kept in a container with fluid so they may be reused the following day. The cheapest is about £16 for a supply of both eyes for three months. They can cost up to around £55.

Contact lenses for specialists

All of the following types of lenses are for more advanced prescriptions. Depending on the prescription, you may be able to combine this type of lenses with other types of lenses. You may also be able to have a combination of these lenses, such as toric lenses that are also monthly lenses.

Contact lenses with extended wear

During the day, you can wear them while you’re awake, and during the night when you’re sleeping. The lenses begin at about £20 for both eyes for three months, and can go as high as £55.

Lenses with multiple focal points

If you require multifocals, which vary in price from £40 for a three-month supply of both eyes to £100, you will need a prescription that corrects your near and far vision.

Contact lenses with toric lenses

In this product category, you will find contact lenses that correct astigmatism, a condition that affects the shape of your eyes, and prices can range anywhere from £28 per eye for a three-month supply to £54 per eye for a six-month supply.

If you are considering purchasing contact lenses from your optician, you may receive a plan that includes check-ups and contact lens solution as part of the cost. Before you agree to join the plan, make sure you are aware of how much these items would cost you without it.

Trials of free contact lenses

If you were to ask locally and see who offers what, or to look online, you will likely find many chain opticians and local independent opticians that will allow you to trial lenses before you decide on the type you prefer.

If you wish to begin your free trial, we recommend going to your local optician and having them conduct an eye examination and conduct a special contact lens eye test.

It is common to be given a few days’ worth of treatment or a week’s worth of treatment, followed by a follow-up appointment.

You may need to change lenses from one brand or type to another based on your current needs, for example, some people use daily lenses once a week to go swimming (with goggles), while others use monthly lenses for most of their needs.