Do Students Get Free Eye Tests?

Do students get free eye tests?

If you’re a university student wondering whether you can get a free eye test, we're here to shed light on who is eligible for NHS-funded eye tests, as well as offering our top tips on how to reduce the cost of an eye test if you don't qualify for a free one.

In England and Wales, eye tests, glasses and contact lenses are typically not provided free of charge under the NHS unless you meet specific criteria. 

But regular eye tests are crucial to your overall health and wellbeing, as you won't always notice symptoms of progressive eye conditions.

So, what can you do to get either a free student eye test or reduce the cost?

What is an eye test?

It may seem obvious, but if you’ve never had one before you may be wondering what an eye test actually involves. An eye test is essentially a way to have your eye health checked by an optometrist for any abnormalities, including issues with vision or potential conditions such as glaucoma. 

It usually involves a series of checks to assess your vision and check your overall eye health, including what is known as the Snellen test, where your optometrist will present a chart with rows of letters of varying sizes before asking you to read the letters aloud.

This allows the optometrist to determine the smallest letters you can read and whether lenses may help to make your vision any clearer - in which case, you will likely be advised to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses.  

Other checks during an eye test include the optometrist shining bright lights towards your eyes to see how your pupils react as well as examining the retina at the back of the eye.

Do I need an eye test?

There are a number of reasons that you may be considering going for an eye test, whether that’s suffering with frequent headaches or struggling with your vision. 

Here are some signs you may need to book an eye test:

• Frequent headaches

• Squinting your eyes more than usual 

• Red, dry or itchy eyes

• Light sensitivity 

• Seeing spots, flashes of light or floaters

• You have a health condition that can affect eye health, such as diabetes 

• You have a family history of conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma

Even if you aren't experiencing any discomfort or problems with your vision, the majority of people are still advised to get an eye test every two years.

Who is entitled to a free eye test?

In England and Wales, you will be eligible for a free eye test if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You’re under the age of 16

• You’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education

• You’re 60 or over

• You’re registered as partially sighted or blind

• You have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

• You’re 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma

• You have been advised by an eye doctor that you're at risk of glaucoma

• You’re a prisoner on leave from prison

• You’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher

• 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 or Universal Credit 

• You’re named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

You’ll also be entitled to a free eye test if you’re named on a valid HC2 certificate under the NHS Low Income Scheme, or you may be eligible for partial help with the costs of an eye test and/or eyewear if you’re named on a valid HC3 certificate. 

In Scotland, Scottish residents aged between 16 and 60 can have an NHS-funded eye examination every two years if needed.

How can you prove you qualify for a free eye test?

When you go for your free eye test, you’ll be asked to declare the reason you believe you qualify and sign the NHS declaration stating that you’re entitled to an NHS-funded eye test. You’ll also be asked to show the relevant proof that you qualify.

Do uni students get free eye tests?

If you're over 18, the chances are you will likely have to pay for an eye test. However, you'll be entitled to a free student eye test if:

• You've been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma (or you've been advised you're at risk of glaucoma)

• 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 or Universal Credit 

• You’re named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

• You're eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher

You can also get a free student eye test under the NHS Low Income Scheme, as explained below...

Do students get free eye tests under the NHS Low Income Scheme?

If you’re on an income of £16,000 or under, you may be able to receive help with certain chargeable NHS services/treatment including dental care, prescriptions and eye tests.

How much help you receive will depend on your weekly income and outgoings, but you may be entitled to help with costs if you meet the relevant criteria. 

Students can apply online by completing a HC1 form where your circumstances will be assessed. 

How often should you get your eyes tested?

Most people are advised to get their eyes tested once every two years.

As mentioned, even if you're not suffering from any discomfort or issues with vision, it's still important to have your eyes tested to help prevent any deterioration or to detect any conditions as early as possible.

How much is an eye test?

If you don’t qualify for an NHS-funded eye test, you can expect to pay around £20-30 depending on which optician you go to.  

It’s worth noting that many opticians often run promotions where you may be able to book an eye test for free or at a reduced cost. 

Ace & Tate offer free eye tests in many locations, while in other branches you can get the eye test for free with the purchase of glasses. 

Specsavers, Boots Opticians and Tesco Opticians also offer free eye tests occasionally, so it’s worth checking regularly for these promotions. 

How much is an eye test at Specsavers?

Eye tests at Specsavers range from £20-25.

But as a student, you can get Specsavers student discount with your TOTUM card, giving you 25% off all Specsavers glasses from £69 and above, including designer styles from £99.

How much is an eye test at Vision Express?

A standard eye test at Vision Express is £25, however students can enjoy 20% student discount on glasses, contact lenses and prescription sunglasses in store and online with TOTUM.  

How much is an eye test at Boots?

From time to time, Boots Opticians run promotions where you can get an eye test for free. However, generally speaking, an eye test at Boots costs around £25.

Can I get student discount on glasses and contact lenses?

You'll be pleased to hear that a number of opticians and eyewear brands offer exclusive discount for students, meaning you'll be able to get cheap prescription glasses and contact lenses.

Boots Opticians offers 10% student discount and Vision Express offers 20% student discount on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.

As a TOTUM member, you'll also get generous discounts with a number of leading eyewear brands including Ray Ban and Oakley which both offer 25% student discount on prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Can I get free glasses on the NHS?

Yes - The NHS will provide funding towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses to anyone who qualifies. This takes the form of an NHS optical voucher, but please note this funding does not apply to everyone.

You're entitled to an optical voucher for help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you:

• are under 16

• are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)

• are a prisoner on leave from prison

• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – an 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-based 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.

Useful phone numbers

• Help with Health Costs helpline – 0300 330 1343

• Queries about medical exemption certificates – 0300 330 1341

• Queries about tax credit certificates – 0300 330 1347

• To order a paper copy of an NHS claims form – 0300 123 0849