Health benefits
4. Sight tests and glasses
Sight tests
NHS sight tests are free for everyone aged 60 and over.
Sight tests are vitally important because they are more than just a test to see whether you need glasses. They can detect a number of conditions at an early stage when they can still be effectively treated. For this reason, it is recommended that you have a sight test from an ophthalmic optician (optometrist) or ophthalmic medical practitioner at least every two years; more often if you notice any change in your vision. You are entitled to a free eye test once every 12 months if you are aged 60 or over.
You are entitled to a free sight test if one of the following applies to you:
- you are aged 60 or over;
- your income is low enough (in which case you will need to complete form HC1 and send it to the NHS Business Services Authority;
- you are registered blind or partially sighted;
- you have been prescribed complex or powerful lenses;
- you are diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma;
- you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma, or are aged 40 or over and are the parent, brother, sister or child of a person with glaucoma; or
- you are a Hospital Eye Service patient and have been sent to have a sight test by your consultant or doctor.
If you don't qualify for a free sight test, but have certificate HC3, then you may not have to pay the full cost of your sight test. The amount you pay will depend on the maximum amount stated on your certificate.
To claim: In order to claim, tell the optician before you have your sight test that you qualify for free or reduced-cost treatment. You will probably be asked for proof of your age to get the free sight test so take along something like a birth certificate, drivers licence or passport to show the optician that you are over 60.
Refunds: If you do not fulfil the conditions explained above, you will have to pay the full cost of the sight test. However, if you think you might be entitled to help because of a low income, you may be able to claim a refund.
Do this by applying within three months of the sight test using certificate HC5. Information on applying for these certificates can be found in the section Who can get help with health charges Make sure that you ask your optician for a receipt of your eye test.
If you receive one of these certificates, you will then be entitled to free or reduced-cost health benefits for the next 12 months. You can then claim a refund for the sight test by sending form HC5, which is available from your optician, together with the receipt from your sight test, to your local health authority. To get the refund, you must apply within three months of having the sight test. This can be extended if you can show good cause for applying late, for example, you were ill.
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Vouchers for glasses or contact lenses
Even if you qualify automatically for full help with health costs, the whole cost of your glasses or contact lenses will probably not be covered. If you need new glasses or contact lenses, and you qualify for help with health charges, you should fill in the GOS3 Optical Voucher form from your opticians. You need to ask for a voucher from your optician which you can use to help you pay for glasses or contact lenses from any optician. The value of this voucher depends on the kind of glasses or contact lenses you need.
The voucher may cover the cost of a suitable pair of lenses, but it won’t necessarily cover the cost of the pair of frames that you would like. You may have to shop around. If you want more expensive frames, you will have to pay the difference between the value of the voucher and the cost of the frames.
You are entitled to a voucher if one of the following applies to you:
- you are automatically entitled to health benefits or have certificate HC2 (see Who can get help with charges?) or
- you have been prescribed complex or powerful lenses.
If you have certificate HC3 (see Who can get help with charges?), you may receive a voucher with a reduced value. The value of the voucher will depend on the maximum amount stated on your certificate.
If you are a Hospital Eye Service patient, and need frequent changes of glasses or lenses, you only have to pay for the first pair. You will also get a voucher to help with the cost of the first pair if you have certificates HC2 or HC3, need complex lenses, or are entitled to health benefits for one of the reasons listed in the section Who can get help with charges?. You will also get help if your new prescription differs from your old one or your glasses have worn out through everyday wear and tear.
You may be able to get a voucher for the repair or replacement of lost or broken glasses if:
- you are ill and the NHS Business Services Authority, Patient Services is satisfied that you would not have lost or damaged your glasses if you did not have that illness; and
- the cost is not covered by insurance or warranty; and
- you are entitled to a voucher because you receive the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, Working Tax Credit, you have certificate HC2 or HC3; or
- you have been prescribed complex lenses.
To claim: Just show your optician some proof that you are entitled to a voucher, for example, your certificate HC2 or HC3 or your benefit award letter. Your optician should then give you the voucher form GOS3 to fill in.
If you need a voucher because you have lost or damaged your glasses ask for form GOS4.
Refunds: If you have paid for your glasses before receiving an HC2 or HC3 certificate, you can claim a refund by filling in form HC5. The amount of the refund will depend on your circumstances. The time limit for claiming a refund is three months from the date you paid for the glasses.
