Generally, adults and children are advised to have their eyes tested evey 2 years. However, there are situations where your optometrist may recommend more frequent NHS sight tests. These could include if you are 40 or over and have an immediate family history of glaucoma, or you are over 70, or you have diabetes.
If you are eligible for a NHS sight test, it means the NHS will pay for it. Therefore, no charge for yourself. However, if you wish to have a sight test before you are due, this will be charged to you as a private sight test, unless your optometrist has recommended an earlier test. After a private sight test you will not be eligible for a free NHS sight test until your next sight test is due, which is usually the 2 years.
The categories below indicate entitlement to an NHS eye test. For further information see the NHS website - http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcosts/pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx/
Certain groups of people are entitled to a free Sight Test under the National Health Service. This can be carried out at any of our branches. The groups who qualify for this are:
Recipients of:
If you are:
Partial Help
You may also get help towards the cost of your eye test and glasses if you're named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3)