Free NHS Sight Tests and Glasses

Free NHS Sight Tests and Glasses

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE NHS

If you are eligible for free HS eye care you can have a full eye examination with one of our optometrists for FREE.

If you also receive an HS Optical Voucher, we have a wide range of FREE contemporary and classic frames that are normally priced at up to £58.

Or you can pay a little extra to get even more choice including designer frames.

Call in or telephone us to book an appointment and try our brand of family eye care from your local optometrist.

* Offer valid on presentation of valid NHS voucher.

Free sight tests - who is eligible?

If you’re aged between 16 and 70 it is normally recommended that you have your sight tested every two years. You may need to have your eyes tested more often if there is a clinical reason for doing so.

You are entitled to free HS sight tests if you:

    • Are under 16
    • Are in full-time education and aged 16, 17 or 18
    • Are aged 60 or over
    • Are a diagnosed glaucoma patient
    • Are aged 40 or over and are a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a diagnosed glaucoma patient, or have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
    • Have been diagnosed as diabetic
    • Are registered blind or partially sighted
    • Need complex lenses
    • Are someone whose sight test is carried out through the hospital eye department as part of the management of your eye condition
    • Are getting, or your partner gets:
      • Income Support;
      • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
      • Employment Support Allowance (income related);
      • Minimum Income Guarantee; or
      • Pension Credit guarantee credit
    • Are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
    • Are named on a valid HC2 certificate

Partial Help

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help towards the cost of a private sight test.

You may be entitled to Health Service Vouchers to get help with the cost of your spectacles if you:

  • Are under 16
  • Are in full-time education and aged 16, 17 or 18
  • Need complex lenses
  • Are getting, or your partner gets:
    • Income Support;
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
    • Employment Support Allowance (income related);
    • Minimum Income Guarantee; or
    • Pension Credit guarantee credit
  • Are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • Are named on a valid HC2 certificate

Partial Help

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help. NOTE: If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.

Repair/Replacement of Glasses

  • If you are under 16 you get a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement.
  • If you are aged 16 or over you may be entitled to a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement if the Business Services Organisation agree that:
    • The loss or damage was due to an illness; and
    • You cannot get help through a warranty, insurance or after sales services; and
    • You would be entitled to an NHS voucher for glasses or contact lens.

You may also be entitled to a voucher if you are prescribed complex lenses.

Help if you are on a low income

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with health costs by making a claim under the HS Low Income scheme. The amount of help you get will depend on the amount of income you have.

To apply for help, you'll need to complete form HC1, which is available from ourselves, Post Offices, Job Centres and some hospitals. 

Mackey Opticians

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   422 Newtownards Road, BELFAST, Co. Antrim, BT4 1HJ

   028 9073 9909

   info@mackeyopticians.com

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