NHS sight tests, vouchers and our fees
Many people qualify for a free NHS sight test and help towards glasses. Here is who, what the voucher covers, and what we charge privately. Not sure? Call us and we will check before you book.
Who is entitled to a free NHS sight test
- Children under 16, and 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education
- Anyone aged 60 or over
- People with diabetes or glaucoma
- People aged 40 or over whose parent, brother, sister or child has glaucoma, or who have been told they are at risk of it
- People registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired
- People who need complex lenses
- People receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit that meets the criteria, and their partners
- People named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or an HC2 certificate; an HC3 certificate gives partial help
- Prisoners on leave, and some hospital eye service patients
The NHS sets how often a funded test can be claimed, usually every two years, sooner where there is a clinical reason. We may need to see evidence of entitlement, so please bring your benefit letter or certificate.
NHS vouchers for glasses
Children, and adults who qualify through benefits or certificates, also receive an NHS optical voucher towards glasses or contact lenses. The value depends on the prescription. We keep a range of frames the voucher covers in full, and for any other frame the voucher comes off the price.
Current voucher values are set by the NHS and listed on nhs.uk.
Working with screens?
Employers must pay for an eye test for staff who use display screens. Screen use and workplace eyecare.
Private fees
If you are not entitled to an NHS sight test, or want an examination sooner than the NHS interval, our fees are published here plainly. No hidden extras, and no pressure to buy anything afterwards.
Eye examination
Around 30 minutes, including retinal photography.
Fee to be confirmed
OCT scan
Cross-sectional retinal imaging, on its own or added to any examination.
Fee to be confirmed
Contact lens assessment
Fitting, trial lenses and teaching for everyday lenses.
Fee to be confirmed
Specialist clinics
Keratoconus, myopia control, EyeDream, Revive Eye Spa and colourimetry are priced on their own pages. Specialist services.
Related pages
- Eye examinations what happens at your appointment
- Children’s eyecare free sight tests and glasses for children
- Book an eye test request an appointment online
Not sure whether you qualify?
Call us on 0161 432 8101 and we will check for you in a minute.
