Guide · NHS
Free eye tests: who qualifies in 2026
About half of adults qualify and a good few don’t know it. The list, in one place, for this year.
The list
Under 16 · under 19 in full-time education · 60 or over · diabetes · glaucoma · 40+ with a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma · registered sight-impaired · told you’re at risk of glaucoma · Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit within the earnings limit · a valid HC2 certificate (HC3 gives partial help) · a war pensioner for that condition.
What you get
A full sight test — prescription, eye health, pressure, retinal photograph — free. The 3D OCT scan for £35 if you want it; most people do. And if you need glasses, an NHS voucher whose value depends on your prescription, usable against any frame we sell.
What you don’t get
A shorter test, or a different optometrist. At an independent, the NHS patient sits in the same chair.
Not on the list?
£55 for the forty-five-minute private test, £95 with the scan. Every price →
The short version
- Under 16, over 60, diabetic, glaucoma in the family, certain benefits: free
- Full test, same optometrist; OCT £25 on top
- NHS voucher towards glasses if you need them
- Not sure? Ring — a minute