Entitlement to General Ophthalmic Services

Health Service Sight Tests

You may be entitled to free sights tests if you:

  • Are under 16
  • Are in full-time education and aged 16, 17 or 18
  • Are aged 60 or over
  • Are a diagnosed glaucoma patient
  • Are aged 40 or over and are a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a diagnosed glaucoma patient, or have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
  • Have been diagnosed as diabetic
  • Are registered blind or partially sighted
  • Need complex lenses
  • Are someone whose sight test is carried out through the hospital eye department as part of the management of your eye condition
  • Are getting, or your partner gets:
    • Income Support;
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
    • Employment Support Allowance (income related);
    • Minimum Income Guarantee; or
    • Pension Credit guarantee credit
  • Are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • Are named on a valid HC2 certificate

Partial Help

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help towards the cost of a private sight test.

 

Health Service Vouchers

You may be entitled to Health Service Vouchers if you:

  • Are under 16
  • Are in full-time education and aged 16, 17 or 18
  • Need complex lenses
  • Are getting, or your partner gets:
    • Income Support;
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
    • Employment Support Allowance (income related);
    • Minimum Income Guarantee; or
    • Pension Credit guarantee credit
  • Are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • Are named on a valid HC2 certificate

Partial Help

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help. NOTE: If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.

 

Repair/Replacement of Glasses

  • If you are under 16 you get a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement.
  • If you are aged 16 or over you may be entitled to a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement if the Business Services Organisation agree that:
    • The loss or damage was due to an illness; and
    • You cannot get help through a warranty, insurance or after sales services; and
    • You would be entitled to an NHS voucher for glasses or contact lens.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are on Universal Credit you would not be automatically entitled to help with health cost. You must apply for help via a HC1 application to you local Jobs & Benefits Office. If entitled they will issue you with either a HC2 or HC3.

The HC1 Application form can be found here.