With the cost of living and energy bills increasing, it's hardly surprising that many Brits might delay a visit to the opticians. Eye tests can cost anywhere from £20 to £100, depending on where you go.

However, did you know that certain people can access free eye tests and optical vouchers through the NHS? This particularly applies to people of specific ages and those claiming various benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Below, the Mirror has looked at who qualifies for this and what steps you can take. If you've paid for an eye test but later find out you're eligible for free appointments, you could also be entitled to a refund.

Who can get free NHS eye tests?

According tothe NHS, 10 groups of people automatically qualify for free NHS sight tests. For England, this encompasses the following:

• People who have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma


• People who are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma


• People who have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you're at risk of glaucoma


• Prisoners on leave from prison


• People who are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement


• People entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)


• People under 16


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


• People aged 60 or over


• People who are registered as partially sighted or blind

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You may also qualify if you or your partner receives specific government benefits. Dependants under 20 may also be eligible, provided you are claiming:

• Income Support


• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance


• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance


• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit



• Universal Credit (provided you meet the criteria)

Further advice from the NHS adds: "People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test."

What are NHS optical vouchers?

Optical vouchers are documents handed out by an optician following an eye examination. They offer a specific amount of money to assist eligible people in covering the costs of glasses or contact lenses.

Generally, you will be eligible for an optical voucher if any of the following conditions are met:

• You are a prisoner on leave from prison


• You are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – an optician can advise you about your entitlement


• You are under 16


• You are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)


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

Similarly, if you or a partner receives certain benefits, you might qualify for an NHS optical voucher. These benefits include:

• Income Support


• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance


• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance


• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit


• Universal Credit (provided you meet the criteria)

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How can I check my eligibility?

To determine if you qualify for free NHS sight tests, glasses, or contact lenses, visit the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website. It offers a quick, free eligibility test that typically takes around three minutes.

If you are eligible, the site will then guide you through the process to receive your assistance. If you believe you've been incorrectly charged for eye examinations, you might be entitled to a refund.

Guidance from the NHS adds: "If you paid for a sight test but think you may qualify for an NHS-funded sight test, or you're about to have a test and you're not sure if you qualify, ask the optometrist for a receipt that shows you paid for the test and the date of payment.

"You'll need to download, print and return an HC5(O) refund form along with your original receipt. The form tells you where to send it."

For more information, head to the NHS website.