Millions of people in the UK can have an NHS sight test without paying. In Scotland everyone gets free NHS eye examinations. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland they are free for specific groups, such as children, people aged 60 or over, people with diabetes or glaucoma, and people on certain benefits.
Use the checker below to see whether you are likely to qualify, and whether you could also get an NHS optical voucher towards glasses or contact lenses.
Check if you get a free NHS eye test
Takes about a minute. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
A guide only, based on NHS rules. Your optician makes the final check and may ask for proof, such as an award letter or certificate.
Who gets a free NHS sight test in England
- Under 16, or 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
- Registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired
- Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- Aged 40 or over with a parent, brother, sister or child with glaucoma
- Told by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
- Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
- You or your partner get income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related ESA or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- You or your partner get Universal Credit and meet the earnings rules
- Named on a valid HC2 certificate
Free tests and help with glasses are different
A free sight test does not always come with help towards glasses. For example, if you get a free test only because you are 60 or over, or because you have diabetes, you do not automatically get a voucher. You usually get an NHS optical voucher if you are under 16, 16 to 18 in full-time education, on a qualifying benefit, named on an HC2 certificate, or need complex lenses.
If you do not qualify
If your income is low, you can apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme. An HC2 certificate gives free sight tests and help with glasses, and an HC3 certificate gives partial help. If you use a screen as a big part of your job, your employer must pay for an eye test if you ask. Many opticians, including Boots Opticians, Specsavers and Vision Express, also run eye test offers.
What to take to your appointment
Tell the optician when you book that you think you qualify for an NHS sight test. You may be asked for proof, such as your date of birth, a benefit award letter or your HC2 certificate.
Sources
- NHS: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
- NHS Inform: NHS community eyecare in Scotland
- NHS Business Services Authority: NHS Low Income Scheme
Last checked: 12 November 2026
