An NHS eye test can be carried out in your home if you are usually entitled to a Free NHS eye test but are not able to get to an opticians unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness, or disability and fall into one of the categories listed opposite/below.
Are you eligible for a free NHS eye test at home?
What do we mean by a physical or mental illness?
There are many conditions and reasons why someone might not be able to leave their home unaccompanied. It’s best to talk to us about your situation so we can determine if you do meet the criteria, but to try and help make it a little clearer, here are a few examples. Conditions may include (but aren’t limited to):
Cognitive impairment
Dementia
Severe arthritis
A diagnosed mental illness
A condition that affects your mobility
A condition that affects your short term memory
An illness that requires constant medication (for example, oxygen)
A temporary medical reason prohibiting you from leaving your home (such as vertigo)
A temporary illness that prevents a person from leaving the home unaccompanied
A medical professional has advised you not to leave home without help
Whatever the reason is, if you or someone you know can’t leave the home without the assistance of another person, then get in touch to find out if you’re eligible to have a home eye test.
NHS Sight Test Entitlement
Aged 60 or over
Sight-impaired or severely sight-impaired
Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
Considered to be at risk of glaucoma, as advised by an ophthalmologist
Aged 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
In receipt of certain benefits *
Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate
Eligible for an NHS Complex Lens Voucher (our optician will advise on the entitlement)
* You’re also entitled if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone receiving: Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
