A dispensing optician is urging Brits to check their eligibility for the £3,250 Blind Person's Allowance and NHS optical vouchers, which could save hundreds of pounds on glasses, contacts and eye health. Krina Halai, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts, highlighted seven little-known ways people could save as the autumn budget announced an increase to the National Living Wage by 3.9% to £13.21 per hour.
Halai said: "With the cost-of-living stretching people's finances further than ever, it's important families are aware of the support that is available to them." She added: "If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can speak to your optician who will be able to explain the options available as per your individual circumstances."
Blind Person's Allowance and optical vouchers
People living with sight loss could be entitled to the Blind Person's Allowance – an added tax-free allowance to the yearly Personal Allowance for those registered and certified as severely sight impaired (SSI). Instead of being an outright £3,250 payment, the allowance increases the amount of income you can receive before paying Income Tax, from which you could potentially transfer the unused portion to a spouse.
To qualify in England and Wales, you must have a valid certificate that acknowledges you're blind or severely sight impaired, completed by a consultant ophthalmologist. A similar certification process is applicable for those living in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Before paying full price for your next pair of glasses, it's worth checking whether you're entitled to NHS help. Depending on your circumstances and prescription, you could receive an optical voucher worth anywhere between £42.50 to £233.56 towards glasses. Children and some young people in full-time education can qualify, while those on the NHS Low Income Scheme may receive partial or full help along with the cost of prescription glasses or contact lenses.
NHS Low Income Scheme and claiming back costs
Working households can still qualify through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS), even if they're earning a salary. Both full and partial help can be given depending on the criteria. Halai said: "To apply, your total savings can't exceed more than £16,000, however, it's useful to know that any help you're entitled to is also available to your partner and dependent children."
If you've recently paid for an eye test, glasses or contact lenses, you may still be able to claim some or all of the cost back if you were entitled to NHS support. There's a three-month time limit from the date you paid, so it's worth checking eligibility sooner rather than later and keeping hold of any receipts.
Free eye tests, replacement vouchers and complex lens support
If you have been formally diagnosed with glaucoma, you could be entitled to a free NHS sight test. If you're aged 40 or over and have immediate-family history of glaucoma, you can also qualify, and you may also be entitled if an ophthalmologist has advised you that you're at risk of developing the condition.
Parents shouldn't automatically assume they have to pay the full replacement costs for lost or damaged children's glasses. Those under 16 may be entitled to an NHS optical repair or replacement voucher towards glasses or contact lenses that have been lost or damaged, with conditions attached including whether the glasses are already covered by a warranty or insurance policy.
People with high or complex prescriptions might be eligible for added NHS support even if they don't qualify for any of the other schemes. The NHS complex lens voucher is available to those who need complex lenses, including prescriptions of +10/–10 dioptres or more. The vouchers are currently worth £15.81 towards single-vision lenses and £40.57 towards bifocal lenses.
