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Home Directorates Directorate of Operations Family Practitioner Services FPS Ophthalmic Services General Public Information Entitlement to General Ophthalmic Services

Entitlement to General Ophthalmic Services

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 getting, or your partner gets:
    • Income Support;
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
    • Employment Support Allowance (income related); 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); 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.

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