NHS eye care
Taking care of your eyes is important because it not only helps make sure you can see clearly, but it can also provide a window to your overall health by showing the early signs of conditions like diabetes.
That's why, if you need help paying for an eye test, glasses or contact lenses, you may be eligible for an NHS discount.
The NHS provides the following discounts for certain groups of people:
You are entitled to a free NHS eye test if you:
- are aged under 16
- are aged 16, 17, or 18 and are in full-time education
- are aged 60 or over
- are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are aged 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you're at risk of glaucoma
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher - your optometrist can advise you about your entitlement
- receive Income Supportreceive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Universal Creditare a prisoner on leave from prison
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- are on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
At your Boots Opticians appointment, one of our colleagues will go through the relevant NHS forms with you and fill them in, so you can begin having free eye tests.
Please bring with you official documentation certifying your proof of entitlement if you:
- receive Income Support
- receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive Universal Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- are on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
How often you can claim your free NHS eye test depends on where you live:
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland only
If you’re under 16 or over 60 years of age, you are entitled to one free eye test every two years. If you’re 16 to 59 and are entitled to an NHS test you can have one every two years. Your optician may recommend a more regular test depending on your prescription and eye health.
In Scotland only
You are entitled to a free eye test every two years. Your optician may recommend a more regular test depending on your prescription and eye health.
NHS optical vouchers
You may also be entitled to an NHS optical voucher to help you with the cost of your glasses or contact lenses.
You can get an NHS optical voucher if you:
- are aged under 16
- are aged 16, 17, or 18 and are in full-time education
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher - your optometrist will advise you on your entitlement
- receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- receive Universal Credit
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help
The value of the voucher you get depends on your prescription. The stronger or more complex your prescription, the greater the value of the voucher you can receive.
You can get a voucher whenever there is a significant change in your prescription. This is determined at the discretion of your prescribing optometrist. In some cases you may also get a voucher for replacement or repair but please speak to your local Boots optometrist who can advise you further on this.
When you visit your nearest Boots Opticians to buy your glasses, our colleagues will go through the relevant NHS forms and fill them in for you, so you can begin receiving your vouchers.
Please bring with you official documentation certifying your proof of entitlement if you:
- receive Income Support
- receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- are awarded Universal Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
- are on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
Children's NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
Eye tests are particularly important during childhood because it means potential problems with vision can be spotted early. This improves the chances of successful treatment, if it's needed.
All children are entitled to free NHS-funded eye tests until they turn 16. In addition, they can also get an optical voucher to help pay for their glasses, which means many of our pairs are completely free for children.
When you are under 16 you are entitled to a free eye test at least every 2 years, or as directed by your optometrist
Children can get a voucher whenever there is a significant change in their prescription. This is determined at the discretion of the prescribing optometrist. In some cases, they may also get a voucher for replacement or repair but please speak to their local Boots optometrist who can advise you further on this.
Simply book your child's appointment at your nearest Boots Opticians as normal. At the appointment, our colleagues will go through the relevant NHS forms with you and fill them in.
