Skip to main content

Opticians CharltonNHS Entitlements

  1. Am I entitled to a free NHS sight test?
  2. Am I entitled to an NHS Optical Voucher?
  3. How do I claim for help with optical charges?
  4. Other information

 

1.      Am I entitled to a free NHS sight test? 

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:

  • you’re under 16
  • you’re under 19 and in full-time education
  • you’re 60 or over
  • you’re registered as severely visually impaired or visually impaired 
  • you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • you’ve been advised by an Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • you’re a prisoner on leave from prison
  • you're eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – the Optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement

  You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you or your partner:

  • receive Income Support
  • receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit  (not Pension Savings Credit)
  • receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • are named on a valid Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
  • are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

If you’re named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3), you may get some help towards the cost of your sight test. 

NHS-funded mobile sight tests

If you qualify for an NHS sight test you may also be entitled to a mobile sight test if you are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.  

You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to free NHS sight tests.

If you do not fall within one of the eligible groups who are entitled to a free NHS sight test you will need to pay for the home visit privately. This currently costs £75.00. 

2.      Am I entitled to an NHS Optical Voucher? 

You may get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

  • are aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education or
  • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician will advise on your entitlement)

You may also get an NHS optical voucher if:

  • You receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution-based).
  • You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. (not Pension Savings credit)
  • You receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
  • You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
  • You 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.

If at the time of your sight test you were not entitled to an NHS voucher and you think you may be entitled to one at the time of your dispensing you can ask for one.

You will be told at your sight test if this is a new or changed prescription and if you need glasses. The value of your voucher is determined by your prescription. You are only entitled to a voucher if your prescription has changed or if your glasses need replacing due to fair wear and tear.

If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference. 

3.      How do I claim for help with optical charges? 

When you come for your sight test, please tell us if you are entitled to a free NHS sight test and the reason for it and we will ask you to sign GOS1 form.

If you have a valid HC3 certificate, show it to us and ask if you are entitled to any help with the cost of your private sight test. If you are entitled to an optical voucher, ask about this when you have your sight test. 

4.      Other 

For more information download the leaflet HC12: charges and optical vouchers (PDF, 158kb).

Lost or damaged glasses or contact lenses

You can get vouchers for most repairs or replacement if you are under 16 years old.

If you are 16 years of age or older, a repair replacement voucher may be claimed if the loss and damage was caused by an illness or disability. Special permission from the PCT should be obtained.

Low Income

You may be entitled to help through the NHS low income scheme. You will need to complete form HC1 available from us or by calling 0845 610 1112. If you qualify you may be sent an HC2 or HC3 certificate.

Please note that the following benefits on their own DO NOT automatically entitle you to help with the cost of an NHS Sight test or glasses or contact lenses. However you may be able to apply for help under the low income scheme as above:

  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Contribution based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit
  • Contribution based Employment and support Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance.

Proof of entitlement

You’ll be asked to show proof that you’re entitled to a free NHS sight test and voucher.

War Pensions

Special arrangements apply to war pensioners. Please ask us for details.

Back to top