Copyright mirror
With the cost of living and energy bills , soaring, it's no wonder that many Brits might put off a trip to the opticians. Sight tests can set you back anywhere from £20 to £100 , depending on where you go. But did you know that some people can get free eye tests and optical vouchers through the NHS? This is particularly true for people of certain ages and those receiving various benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). Below, the Mirror has examined who qualifies for this and what steps you can take. If you've paid for an eye test but later discover you're eligible for free appointments, you could also be entitled to a refund. According to the NHS , there are 10 groups of people who automatically qualify for free NHS sight tests. This specifically includes the following: You may also qualify if you or your partner receives specific government benefits. Dependants under 20 may also be eligible, provided you are claiming: Further advice from the NHS adds: "People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test." Optical vouchers are documents issued by an optician after an eye examination. They provide a designated sum of money to help eligible people cover the costs of glasses or contact lenses. Typically, you qualify for an optical voucher if any of the following conditions are met: Likewise, if you or a partner receives certain benefits, you might qualify for an NHS optical voucher. These benefits include: To find out if you qualify for free NHS sight tests, glasses, or contact lenses, visit the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website . It provides a quick, free eligibility test that usually takes around three minutes. If you are eligible, the site will then guide you through the process to receive your assistance. Anyone who thinks they have paid wrongly for sight tests might be eligible for a refund. Guidance from the NHS adds: "If you paid for a sight test but think you may qualify for an NHS-funded sight test, or you're about to have a test and you're not sure if you qualify, ask the optometrist for a receipt that shows you paid for the test and the date of payment. "You'll need to download, print and return an HC5(O) refund form along with your original receipt. The form tells you where to send it." For more information, head to the NHS website .
