NHS regulations
The NHS will pay for an eye exam if an individual is unable to attend their local opticians unaccompanied as a result of a physical or psychological problem.
The condition can be long term or short term, either way the examination is free. Costs of spectacles may vary depending upon individual circumstances.
NHS contributions to spectacles are subject to receiving certain benefits (arrangements can be made to see which benefits individuals over 60 are entitled to).
WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED
If you are eligible for an NHS funded sight test, you may obtain mobile services as follows:- 1. At home: if you are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability
- 2. At a residential or care home; if you normally live there and you are unable to leave the home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.
- 3. At a day centre: if you would have difficulty in obtaining sight testing services from practice premises because of physical or mental illness or disability or because of difficulties in communicating your health needs unaided.
- 1. Aged 60 or over
- 2. Aged under 16
- 3. Aged 16,17 or 18 in full time education
- 4. Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- 5. Considered to be at risk of glaucoma (as advised by an ophthalmologist)
- 6. Aged 40 or over and the parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a person diagnosed with glaucoma
- 7. Registered blind or partially sighted
- 8. Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician will advise on your entitlement)
- 9. Claiming Benefit (Income Support, Income-based Jobseekerís Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or receiving Tax Credits and meeting qualifying conditions)
- 10. On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate