GENERAL INFORMATION

SIGHT TESTS

Everybody should have a sight test every two years, or more often if recommended by an optometrist. During your sight test the optometrist will check what you can see close up and in the distance usually using special charts of symbols or letters. This will enable them to understand whether you need glasses or a change of prescription.  They will ask you about your eyesight, lifestyle, health and any previous eye problems you or family members may have had.  Make sure you take a list of any medication you take, along with your glasses if you use them, or a previous glasses prescription.

For those who are unable to answer questions, there are other ways of testing sight. This is useful for young children or those with learning difficulties or special educational needs.

As well as providing an overall eye health check, a sight test might detect signs of underlying general health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  The optometrist will tell you if they find any problems with your eyes and if there is something which needs further medical checks, they will write to your doctor or the eye hospital for you. They will provide you with a written statement of your results which includes your glasses prescription if you need one. They will also tell you how often you should go for a sight test.

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:

• you’re aged under 16

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

• you’re aged 60 or over

• you’re registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)

• you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

• you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma

• you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist (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 – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement

You’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

• receive Income Support

• receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)

• receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance

• are awarded Universal Credit

• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

• you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

When you go for your sight test, tell your ophthalmic practitioner that you’re entitled to a free NHS sight test. They will give you a form called GOS1 to fill in and sign.

Mobile sight test

If you qualify for a free NHS sight test, you may be entitled to NHS-funded mobile services where the ophthalmic practitioner comes to visit you:

• at home – if you’re unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability

• at a residential or care home – if you normally live there and you’re unable to leave the home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability

• at a day centre – if you would have difficulty getting a sight test from an optometrist at their practice because of physical or mental illness or disability, or because you have difficulty communicating your health needs without help

Call 111 to find out who provides mobile sight tests in your area.

If you don’t qualify for a free NHS sight test, you will have to pay for a private sight test.  The cost of private sight tests varies, so it’s advisable to shop around.