If you qualify for help with the cost of glasses, the NHS gives you an optical voucher. Its value depends on how strong your prescription is and whether you need single vision lenses or bifocals.
Enter the SPH and CYL numbers from your prescription below to see your likely band. You only get a voucher if you qualify, so check that first if you are not sure.
Work out your NHS optical voucher
For England. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Choose a lens type and enter at least one SPH or CYL number to see your band.
A guide only, using NHS England voucher values. You only get a voucher if you qualify, for example if you are under 16, on certain benefits or need complex lenses. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own values.
NHS optical voucher values in England
| Band | Lenses | Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | Single vision, sphere up to 6, cylinder up to 2 | £42.40 |
| B | Single vision, sphere over 6 and under 10, or cylinder over 2 up to 6 | £64.26 |
| C | Single vision, sphere 10 to 14, cylinder up to 6 | £94.14 |
| D | Single vision, sphere over 14 or cylinder over 6 | £212.40 |
| E | Bifocal, sphere up to 6, cylinder up to 2 | £73.10 |
| F | Bifocal, sphere over 6 and under 10, or cylinder over 2 up to 6 | £92.72 |
| G | Bifocal, sphere 10 to 14, cylinder up to 6 | £120.48 |
| H | Bifocal, sphere over 14 or cylinder over 6, or prism-controlled bifocals | £233.56 |
Please note: This information was last checked on 12 November 2026. A guide only, using NHS England voucher values. Your optician confirms your band and any supplements. Nothing you enter is stored.
Sources
Last checked: 12 November 2026
