NHS Support Categories

Sight test Only 

The NHS will cover the cost of your eye examination if you fall into any of the following categories

Over 60
Diabetic
Have glaucoma
Over 40 with a parent or sibling with glaucoma
Registered Blind or partially sighted

Sight test and help towards the cost of spectacles

The NHS will cover the cost of your eye examination and will provide you with a voucher towards the cost of your spectacles if you fall into any of the following categories.

Child Under 16
Under 18 in full time education
Income Support
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
Income Based Employment Support Allowance
Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
HC2 Full Help Certificate
Have complex lenses (above 10.00D) in your spectacles.

HC3 Partial Help Certificate 

This certificate will provide you with partial help towards the cost of your sight test and spectacles.

The amount this certificate is worth must be calculated on your prescription needs.   If you have a HC3 Certificate, please contact us via phone or call into the practice and will be able to advise you how much the NHS will contribute towards both your examination fee and spectacles costs.

Universal Credit

Universal credit doesn’t automatically qualify you for NHS support.  If you receive Universal credit you need to fill in a HC1 form to apply for either a HC2 Full help certificate or a HC3 partial help certificate.

We have HC1 forms in store.  We are unable to provide services free of charge until a valid certificate has been issued.