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Free NHS Eye Tests and Glasses Vouchers
You can get a free NHS eye test in England if you are under 16, 16 to 18 in full-time education, 60 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, have diabetes or glaucoma, are 40 or over with a close relative who has glaucoma, or get certain benefits or have an HC2. Vouchers towards glasses or contact lenses are narrower: age 60 or diabetes alone do not qualify.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Eye Tests and Vouchers
Free Eye Test
Under 16, or 16 to 18 in full-time education; 60 or over; registered blind or partially sighted; diabetes or glaucoma; 40 or over with a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma; advised you are at risk of glaucoma; an HC2 certificate; or income-based JSA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit if you meet the criteria. source
Glasses Vouchers
Under 16 or 16 to 18 in full-time education, an HC2 certificate, the same qualifying benefits, or eligibility for a complex lens voucher. Being 60 or over, having diabetes or glaucoma risk does not by itself give you a voucher. HC3 may give partial help. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Ask firstTell the opticianBefore the test if you qualify
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check which group you are in.
Step 2 of 5
Tell the optician before your test.
Step 3 of 5
Ask whether you also qualify for a voucher.
Step 4 of 5
Apply for HC2 if your income is low.
Step 5 of 5
Shop around for glasses with your prescription.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Optician
Can check eligibility and process vouchers.
NHS Business Services Authority
Runs exemption certificates, the Low Income Scheme and penalty charges.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
You can take your glasses prescription to any optician or online seller.
These rules are for England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and help with other costs differs there.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers Checked 16 October 2026