Sight tests

The current NHS sight test fee from 1 April 2007 is £19.32.

In the year to 31 March 2007, a total of 18.5 million sight tests were carried out in Great Britain. 13.1 million of those were NHS sight tests (71%) and 5.4 million were conducted privately (29%).

The number of NHS sight tests continued to grow, with a 5% increase since 2003/04, possibly reflecting the ageing population and the availability of free sight tests to those aged 60 and over.

Who qualifies for a free NHS sight test

You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are:

• 16 or under (or under 19 if in full-time education)
• 60 years of age or over
• registered blind or partially sighted
• 40 years of age or over, and have a first degree relative, such as a brother, sister, father or mother who has glaucoma or you have been advised that you are at risk of glaucoma

You may also be entitled to a free sight test if you are prescribed certain complex lenses, such as certain types of bifocal or powerful lenses.

You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you, or your partner, are receiving the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (not contribution based)
• you are named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate or
• you are named on a NHS certificate (HC2) for full help with health costs