HS Ophthalmic Services

Some people may be entitled to help with the cost of Health Service (HS) Ophthalmic Services because of age, medical condition or because they or their partner get Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based) or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

People on a low income, including people getting Tax Credits may be entitled to get help.

The following sections deal with treatment by ophthalmic opticians (optometrists). Entitlement to help meet the cost of eye treatment instigated in hospital is different.

Free Health Service sight tests are available for:

1.    people aged under 16;

2.    people aged over 16 but under 19 in qualifying full-time education;

3.    people aged 60 and over;

4.    people (including partners) in receipt of:

Tax Credits and are entitled to, or named on, a valid HS Tax Credit exemption certificate; or

5.    people who are prescribed complex lenses;

6.    people who are diagnosed glaucoma patients;

7.    people aged forty or over who are a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a person with diagnosed glaucoma;

8.    people who are registered as blind or partially sighted; and

9.    people who are diagnosed as diabetic; and

10.  people who require a sight test to be carried out through the hospital eye department as part the management of their eye condition.

Vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses are available to:

If you are entitled to free sight tests or vouchers for glasses you should mention this to your optician before your test, or before the glasses are made. The optician will give the person a claim form and advise them how to fill it in.

If you are not included in the above groups you may still be entitled to assistance in paying for sight tests, glasses or contact lenses if you and your partners combined capital wealth does not exceed £8,000, or £12,500 for people aged 60 or over. If you live permanently in a residential care home or nursing home the limit is £20,500.

Applications should be made before treatment is sought on form HC1 available from Social Security Offices / Jobs & Benefits offices.

All claims are subject to checks.  View the checks made on Health Service claims.

If you have paid for a sight test or glasses, but would have been entitled to free or reduced cost treatment, you should complete form HC5 available from Social Security or Jobs & Benefits offices. You will be required to show the original receipts for any such treatment.

Refunds are available for glasses or contact lenses prescribed by normal high street opticians as well as the Hospital Eye Service.