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You are entitled to a sight test paid for by the NHS if you:
• are under 16, or are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education
• are aged 60 and over
• are aged 40 or over and are a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a diagnosed glaucoma patient
• have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
• have been diagnosed as diabetic
• are registered severely sight impaired/blind or sight impaired/partially sighted
• have been prescribed a complex lens
• are entitled to, or named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• are getting, or your partner is getting:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
(Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income related)
- Income related employment and support allowance; or your partner is getting this benefit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
Note: To apply for an HC2 or HC3 certificate, you should complete form HC1 available from Jobcentre Plus offices or most NHS hospitals. Your doctor, dentist or optician may have one too. You can also get an HC1 by calling 0845 610 1112.
Partial help
If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help towards the cost of a private sight test.
Low income entitlements
If you are on a low income but do not receive any benefits you may still be eligible for help. Download the HC11 booklet to apply for help or ask your optician..
Sight test at home
If you are eligible for an NHS sight test and you are unable to leave your home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability then it may be possible for an optometrist to come to you. You will have to state on the sight test form why you cannot attend an optician’s practice. If possible it is always preferable to go to an optometrists’ practice.
Some are companies which only provide this type of service and they may be based outside the area. Others are local optometrists who also do some home visits; not all optometrists do home visits.
Optometrists can also visit nursing and residential homes. Occasionally, even for someone who is living in their own home, it may be advantageous to have a sight test when attending a day centre where specialist support is available.
In all cases the sight test must be requested by the patient, a relative, their primary carer or a duly authorised person. It is not appropriate for a residential care home to request sight tests for all their residents, unless authorised to do so by each patient or their relative.
NHS Optical Vouchers
You can get vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:
• are under 16
• are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education
• have been prescribed a complex lens
• are entitled to, or named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• are getting, or your partner is getting:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
(Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income related)
- Income related employment and support allowance; or your partner is getting this benefit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
Partial help
If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help.
If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.
NHS vouchers for the repair or replacement of glasses or contact lenses
You can get vouchers if you: are under 16 (if you are 16 or over conditions apply – see your optometrist).
Refunds
If you have already paid for your sight test or glasses and think you are entitled to a refund, ask your optometrist or local social security office for an HC5 refund claim form or apply online. You will need to send a receipt and you will only be able to claim the value of the voucher which matches your prescription. Your optician will not be able to give you a refund directly.
Locations
Click here to download a list of Walsall eye care service providers.
