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Eye care

 

Eye care is provided in the community by optometrists, dispensing opticians, and orthoptists, and in hospital by Consultant Ophthalmologists and their teams.

Everyone should have their eyes checked regularly.

Click the relevant heading for more information:

Children's Eye team (Chet) 
Mobile eye care services

Optometrists click here for guidance documents

Regular sight tests are important, not only to test sight but also to detect diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes and cataracts or abnormalities in the eye. So it is important to visit your optician regularly.

Optometrists

 

also called ophthalmic opticians - carry out eye tests to check the quality of your sight, look for signs of eye disease which may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses.

Dispensing opticians

 

fit and sell glasses, but do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as single vision or bifocal, and help you to choose frames.


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

  • Aged under 16
  • Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full time education
  • Aged 60 or over
  • Registered blind or partially sighted
  • Diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma
  • Considered to be at risk of glaucoma (as advised by an ophthalmologist)
  • Aged 40 or over and are the parent, brother, sister or child of a person who has glaucoma
  • Eligible for a NHS Complex Lens Voucher (your optician will advise on your entitlement)
  • Claiming benefit (Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (not contribution  based), Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or receiving Tax Credits and meeting qualifying conditions)
  • On a low income and named on a HC2 certificate for full help with health costs or a HC3 certificate for partial help with health costs

You may be asked to show proof of your entitlement to free NHS sight tests.

You can get help with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses if you are:

  • Aged under 16
  • Aged 16,17 or 18 and in full time education
  •  Prescribed Complex Lenses (your optician will advise on your entitlement)
  • Claiming benefit (Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or receiving Tax Credits and meeting qualifying conditions)
  • On a low income and named on a HC2 certificate for full help with health costs or a HC3 certificate for partial help with health costs.

The optometrist who tests your eyes will give you a prescription if you need glasses or contact lenses. If you qualify for help with the cost you will also be given a voucher.

You can use the voucher as full or part payment towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses of your choice at an optician of your choice.