NHS Eligibility for Home Eye Tests
You may qualify for a free NHS-funded eye test at home if travelling to a high street optician is difficult
Who qualifies for an NHS home visit?
To receive an NHS eye test at home, two conditions must usually be met.
You must find it difficult to attend a high street optician on your own due to a physical or mental health condition.
You must also fit into one of the standard NHS categories below.
Home Visit Requirements
You are eligible for a home visit if you cannot attend a traditional high street optician unaccompanied due to:
A physical illness or disability
A cognitive condition, such as dementia, or another condition affecting independent travel
Being housebound or bedbound due to poor health or frailty
NHS Eligibility Categories
If you qualify for a home visit, you may also be entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test if any of the following apply:
Age and Education
You are aged 60 or over
You are under 16
You are aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education
Medical Conditions
You have been diagnosed with diabetes
You have been diagnosed with glaucoma
You are aged 40 or over and have a close relative with glaucoma (parent, sibling, or child)
You have been advised by an eye doctor that you are at risk of glaucoma
You are registered as blind or partially sighted
Income and Benefits
You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
You receive Universal Credit and meet the income criteria
You receive Income Support
You receive Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
You hold a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
You are named on a valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs
Not Sure If You’re Eligible?
If you are unsure whether you qualify for an NHS-funded home eye test, we are happy to help. We can talk through your circumstances and let you know whether a home visit may be available.