Around 30 million people in the UK qualify for free NHS eye tests, regardless of income in many cases. While private eye tests typically cost between £24 and £30, certain groups are entitled to them at no charge based on age, health conditions or benefits received.
Most people are advised to have their eyes tested every two years. However, unlike in Scotland where everyone can get a free eye test, in the rest of the UK you must pay unless you meet specific criteria. Costs vary by provider: Asda charges £24, Specsavers usually charges £25 but is currently offering tests for £10, and Vision Express charges £30, which can include an advanced OCT 3D scan.
Who qualifies for a free NHS sight test
According to the NHS, you are entitled to a free sight test if you are under 16, or aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (including at a school, college, university or at home). You also qualify if you are 60 or over, or if you are registered as partially sighted or blind.
People with certain health conditions are also eligible. This includes those diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, those aged 40 or over whose mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma, and those advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that they are at risk of glaucoma.
Income-based and other criteria
Other groups entitled to free NHS sight tests include prisoners on leave from prison, those eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher, and those entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).
You may also qualify if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit and meet the criteria. People under the age of 20 who are dependants of someone receiving these benefits also qualify. Those named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may get help with the cost of a private sight test.
Eye tests can identify major health conditions beyond vision problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis and high cholesterol, according to Optomeyes. The NHS has issued an alert on X advising people to have their eyes tested, noting that many may be entitled to this free of charge.
