Free sight tests and help with the cost of glasses
Who gets a free NHS sight test, who gets an optical voucher, complex lens vouchers, home sight tests and how to claim a refund.
Free NHS sight tests in England
You get a free sight test if you are under 16, or 16 to 18 and in full-time education, 60 or over, registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, 40 or over with a parent, sibling or child who has glaucoma, told by an ophthalmologist you are at risk of glaucoma, a prisoner on leave, eligible for a complex lens voucher, or named on an HC2 certificate. You also qualify if you or your partner get income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit and meet the criteria, or if you are under 20 and their dependant. Scotland gives everyone a free NHS eye examination. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
Help with glasses: optical vouchers
An optical voucher pays some or all of the cost of glasses or contact lenses. The list is shorter than the sight-test list: under 16, 16 to 18 in full-time education, a prisoner on leave, eligible for a complex lens voucher, named on an HC2 certificate, or getting one of the income-related benefits above. Being 60 or over, or having diabetes or glaucoma, gives a free test but not a voucher. People on an HC3 certificate get partial help.
Complex lens vouchers
If your lenses are -10 or +10 dioptres or stronger, or prism-controlled bifocals, you qualify for a complex lens voucher: £15.81 towards single vision lenses or £40.57 towards bifocals at the time of checking. It is a contribution, not full payment, and is for people who do not qualify for a main voucher.
Repairs and replacements
Children under 16 get an NHS repair or replacement voucher if their glasses or contact lenses are lost or damaged. Adults aged 16 or over only get help if they are eligible for an NHS optical voucher and an illness caused the loss or damage, and the optometrist must agree the illness was the cause. The glasses must not be covered by a warranty, insurance or after-sales service. The voucher value depends on which part needs replacing: one lens, both lenses, the front of the frame, a side, or the whole frame. Your optician tells you the amount.
Sight tests at home
If you qualify for a free test and cannot leave home alone because of illness or disability, an optometrist can visit you at home, in a care home or at a day centre. Ask any optician which practices in your area offer this.
Refunds
If you paid and think you qualified, keep the receipt showing the date and amount. Download, print and return form HC5(O) from the NHS Business Services Authority. For glasses you also need the prescription. The most you get back is the voucher value for your prescription. The Help with Health Costs helpline is 0300 330 1343.
Check before you sign
You must be sure you are entitled before signing the declaration at the opticians. A wrong claim can mean paying the cost back plus a penalty of up to £100.
What happens at a sight test Rules in each UK nationCommon questions
My child broke their glasses. Is there help?
Yes. Children under 16 get an NHS repair or replacement voucher when glasses or lenses are lost or damaged, as long as a warranty or insurance does not already cover them. Ask the optician.
I am over 60. Are my glasses free?
No. Being 60 or over gives a free NHS sight test but not an optical voucher. Vouchers go to children, students to 18, people on certain benefits or an HC2 certificate, and people who need complex lenses.
Can I get a refund if I paid?
Yes, if you qualified at the time. Keep the receipt and send form HC5(O) to the NHS Business Services Authority, with your prescription for glasses. The Help with Health Costs helpline is 0300 330 1343.
Can an optometrist come to my home?
If you qualify for a free test and cannot leave home alone because of illness or disability, yes. Ask any optician which practices offer home visits in your area.
Sources
- NHS: free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
- NHS: can I get my glasses repaired or replaced on the NHS?
Checked 4 October 2026. Official pages change, so follow the NHS page for the current position.
- Written by
- The Omnirx.io team, from the NHS pages above
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Glanced (2026) Free sight tests and help with the cost of glasses. Omnirx.io team for Medstack Ltd. Available at: https://www.glanced.co.uk/nhs/glasses-costs/ (Accessed: ).
Educational information, not medical advice. Your own eye-care team's advice comes first.