Gone are the days of the good old fashioned “NHS spectacles”…

Old fashioned NHS spectacles

…who remembers these? (I must admit it’s a bit before my time!) Although most of these styles would probably be considered “en vogue” now?! Is fashion “cyclical”? Perhaps a blog topic for a whole other day?).

 


In 1995 the NHS introduced a “voucher” system.

Bear with me, it’s a bit long-winded, but you’ll thank me if it applies to you!

Did you know that you don’t have to pay for a sight test if: -

  • You’re aged under 16
  • You’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
  • You’re aged 60 or over
  • You’re registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight 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 – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement

You're also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

  • Receive Income Support
  • Receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Are awarded Universal Credit
  • Are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

If none of these apply to you, but you are on a low income, a student for instance, you may still be entitled to help. Ask your Optician for an HC1 form. A valid HC2 NHS certificate will entitle you to full help with health costs, such as spectacles and dentistry, whilst a valid HC3 NHS certificate may entitle you to partial help with health costs.

For more information click here.

AND you can receive help towards your spectacles or contact lenses if: -

  • You’re aged under 16
  • You’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
  • You’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement
  • You’re a prisoner on leave from prison

You may also get an NHS optical voucher if you: 

  • Receive Income Support
  • Receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Are awarded Universal Credit
  • 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)

If you are named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3), you may also get help towards the cost of your glasses.

For more information click here.

So, there you have it. No excuses peeps! Get your eyes tested regularly!ink #MakeItSo