Eye test qualifications
Your Eye Test at
Specs Direct
Find out how often you need an eye test & whether
you qualify for an NHS funded test.
How Often Do I need an Eye-Test?
Regular Eye-Tests are so important, they don’t just tell you if you need glasses or a change of prescription it is also an important health check.
They can highlight early signs of eye conditions before any symptoms are found. They can also spot many general health problems.
It is recommend to have an eye test yearly or every 2 years depending on your age or health;
Under 16yrs
If you fall within this age range, It is recommended to have an eye test every 12 months.
70yrs+
If you fall within this age range, It is recommended to have an eye test every 24 months, unless your optician recommends you need to be seen every 12 months.
Glaucoma
If you have been diagnosed with Glaucoma it is recommended to have an eye test every 12 months. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and regular eye checks can help detect this sooner.
Over 16-70yrs
If you fall within this age range, it is recommended to have an eye test every 24 months.
Diabetics
If you suffer with diabetes, it is recommended to have an eye test every 12 months. Diabetes can lead to sight loss if not properly managed and monitored.
Family History of Glaucoma
If you have a family history of Glaucoma in your immediate family (Mother, Father, Brother or Sister) it is recommended to have an eye test every 12 months. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and regular eye checks can help detect this sooner.
NHS EYE-TEST
Do I Qualify for an NHS Test?
We offer eye tests to everyone, however some people will qualify for an NHS funded test meaning they will not have to pay for the test.
All of our customers receive the same level of care and attention whether they receive a private or NHS funded eye test.
UK residents qualify for an NHS-funded eye test
if one or more of the following apply:
-Under 16yrs
-16, 17 or 18 and in full time education
- 60 or over
- Diagnoised with diabetes or glaucoma
- Advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
- Aged 40 and over and your brother, sister, son, daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- Registered blind or partially sighted
- Eligible for a NHS complex voucher
- Receive Income Support (you or your partner)
- Receive Income-based (not Contribution-based) Jobseeker’s Allowance
(you or your partner)
- Receive Income-based Employment (not Contribution-based) and Support Allowance
(you or your partner)
- Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
(you or your partner)
- Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (you or your partner)
- On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) certificate (you or your partner)
- If you or your partner are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you might be able to get partial help towards the cost of your eye test. Ask in store.
- Prisoner on leave from prison
Some UK residents will also qualify for a NHS optical voucher which helps towards the cost of glasses, if one or more of the following apply:
- Under 16
- 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- Are a prisoner on leave from prison
- Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement
You're also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
If you're entitled to or named on:
- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice), you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
- a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
Unfortunately, you are not entitled to an NHS-funded eye test if you only receive the following:
Recipients of Child Benefit
Recipients of Disability Living Allowance
Recipients of Incapacity Benefit
Recipients of Housing Benefit
Recipients of Maternity Benefit
Recipients of Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Recipients of Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
Recipients of Tax Credit without an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
Recipients of Pension Credit Savings Credit on its own
NHS staff are not automatically entitled to this NHS-funded eye test either. Funding is available to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
If you do not qualify for any of the reasons above you will be a private patient and have to pay for your eye test.
Information sourced from NHS website. For more information you can visit their website here. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
What is a NHS optical voucher?
The NHS gives funding towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses in the form of an NHS optical voucher, to anyone who qualifies (this funding does not apply to everyone). Some people are also eligible for NHS-funded eye tests. If you qualify for an optical voucher this will be issued following your eye test with us.
How much is a NHS optical voucher worth?
The value of an NHS optical voucher depends on the person and how strong of prescription is needed. The stronger the lens prescription, the more it costs to manufacture so the higher the value of the NHS optical voucher. We will sort everything out following your test and ensure you receive the correct voucher value amount.
Use your NHS optical voucher and receive a FREE pair of glasses
Following your test if you choose a frame from any of our £25-£69 ranges your voucher will cover the cost of your glasses and you will not have to pay anything.
Or
Use your NHS optical voucher towards the cost of a pair of glasses from another range
If you choose a frame from one of our other ranges your voucher will be used towards the cost of them and you pay a little towards them.
- Choose a frame from our £99 range and all you pay is an extra £30 with your voucher
- Choose one
designer frame from our 2 for 1 range
and all you pay is an extra
£30 with your voucher
- Or use it towards the cost of a frame in our Premium designer range starting from just £125
Alternatively you can use your NHS optical voucher towards some of our other offers, you just pay the difference between your NHS voucher and the total cost.
- 1st pair £49, 2nd pair £10
- 1st pair £69, 2nd pair £15
- 2 for 1 designer frames from £130
Seems a little confusing?
Don't worry...Our optical assistants will be more than happy to talk through all our deals with you to ensure you get the most from your NHS optical voucher and the best deal for you.
Just pop in store or call 0161 767 9740 for more information
or to book an eye test.
Don't Qualify for a NHS optical voucher?
We have lot's more offers for our private patients too...