NHS or Private Sight Test?
When booking your eye test, you will be seen under either NHS or private. Here is how to know which applies to you.
NHS Entitlement
You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- Are under 16
- Are 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education
- Are over 60
- Are registered as partially sighted or blind
- Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- Are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
- Are a prisoner on leave from prison
- Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
Benefits Entitlement
You are also entitled if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you are an under-20 dependant of someone receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit guarantee credit
- Universal Credit meeting the relevant criteria
Tax Credits & HC Certificates
You may also be entitled if you hold:
- A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate. You qualify if you receive child tax credits, working tax credits with a disability element, or both, and your income for tax credit purposes is £15,276 or less.
- 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 with the cost of a private sight test.
If you are still unsure whether you are NHS or private, please call us. We are happy to help you work it out before you book.
Book Your Eye Test
NHS or private, our experienced team will give you the same thorough examination and expert care.