Are eye tests free for students?

It is free for those who are 16 to 18 years of age enrolled in full-time education to have a free NHS eye test. If you are under 16 years of age, free NHS eye tests are also available.

Students are entitled to free eye exams

You may be able to get a free eye test from the NHS if you fail the eligibility criteria, but there are some companies that offer free eye tests to everyone. In newspapers and magazines as well as on websites such as Save the Student, Student Beans, and UNiDAYS, you can frequently find free eye test vouchers or student eye test discount vouchers.

You may be pressured by an optician to purchase glasses during your free eye examination; however, this does not mean you are obligated to do so. We, Low Cost Glasses offers the most affordable prices on all of our eyeglasses.

Are eye exams charged to students?

It is important to note that not all students qualify for a free NHS eye examination. You may have to pay if you are a student who is not between the ages of 16 and 18 and in a full-time academic program.

Cost of an eye test for students

In general, the cost of an eye examination varies depending on the eye care provider that you choose. A typical eye exam may cost between £19 and £25 for those who must pay.

Test your eyes for free in the UK

In the United Kingdom, residents who meet certain criteria are entitled to a free NHS eye examination.

Who is eligible for a free eye examination?

The majority of people are entitled to a free eye examination, and there are many ways to obtain a free eye examination, including an NHS sponsored examination.

Eye examination provided by the NHS

A NHS eye test or NHS optical vouchers may be available to you if you meet the following criteria:

• Over the age of 60

• Under the age of 16

• Having diabetes or glaucoma

• You have been advised that you may be at risk for developing glaucoma by your ophthalmologist

• Have a parent, sibling, or child who has glaucoma and are 40 years old or older

• Having a visual impairment, either blindness or partial sight

• Are incarcerated or on leave from prison

• The NHS provides vouchers for complex lenses

Those who receive the following benefits, or who are younger than 20 and are dependents of those who receive these benefits, qualify for a free eye examination:

• Support for income

• Allowance for employment and support based on income

• Allowance for jobseekers

• Guaranteed Pension Credit

• Social Security Benefits

In the event that you are entitled to or possess:

• The certificate of exemption from NHS tax credit must be valid

• Health care assistance certificate (HC2) that is valid with the NHS

• Individuals whose names appear on an NHS certificate for partial assistance with health costs (HC3)

Can I get a free eye examination in Scotland?

Providing you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you are entitled to a free NHS eye examination in Scotland by an optometrist who provides NHS services.

Is there a limit to the number of free eye tests I can receive?

If your ophthalmologist or optometrist deems this clinically necessary, you may get a sight test sooner than two years if you are between the ages of 16 and 18.

If you have vision problems, how often should you have them checked?

As a rule of thumb, comprehensive eye exams are recommended every two years, depending on factors such as your age, health history, risk factors, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses.

When you are a student and have difficulty reading lecture slides, the board in class, or your study material, you need to have your eyes examined.

During an eye examination, what can be detected?

Eye tests are extremely important in keeping your eye health in check as well as detecting other underlying health issues. They can detect diabetes and glaucoma in their early stages and prevent further complications from occurring.

Are glasses provided free of charge to students?

A free NHS optical voucher can be used towards the cost of a pair of glasses if you are between 16 and 18 years of age and enrolled in full-time education.

A voucher for NHS optical services may also be available if you:

• Under the age of 16

• Currently incarcerated or on leave from prison

• If you are eligible for a complex lens voucher from the NHS

• Currently, the NHS offers complex lens vouchers for individuals who have lenses with diopters greater than –10/+10 or bifocals with prism-controlled bifocals. The voucher value varies depending on the type of lens.

• An HC1 form may be obtained from an optician, pharmacy or the post office by students over the age of 18. This form allows you to assess your income and you may be entitled to a free eye examination and even assistance with the cost of glasses.

It is common for students to have tight budgets, so be sure to take advantage of discounts or free services when you can, such as free eye exams