Help with Optometrist Charges

Who gets free NHS eye tests?

The following people automatically qualify for free eye tests (tests to check for vision problems). Tell the optometrist beforehand that you are entitled to a free test.

• If you are under 16.
• If you are under 19 and in full-time education.
• If you are aged 60 or over.
• If you (or your partner) gets one of the following:
  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
• If you are registered blind or partially sighted.
• If you have diabetes or glaucoma.
• If you are aged 40 or over and have a close relative (parent, brother, sister, son, or daughter) with glaucoma.
• If you are advised by a hospital eye specialist (an ophthalmologist) that you are at risk of glaucoma.
• If you are under a hospital eye service and your eye test is carried out through the hospital eye department as part of the management of your eye condition.
• If you have been prescribed complex lenses. The optometrist will need to see your last optical prescription.
• If you are a War Pensioner and the eye test relates to your pensionable injury.
• If you have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
• If you are on a low income and have a certificate HC2 (see below). If you have an HC3 certificate you may get some help towards the cost.

Who gets help with costs of glasses and contact lenses?

• If you are under 16.
• If you are under 19 and in full-time education.
• If you (or your partner) gets one of the following:
  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
• If you have been prescribed complex lenses. The optometrist will need to see your last optical prescription.
• If you have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
• If you are on a low income and have a certificate HC2 (see below). If you have an HC3 certificate you may get some help towards the cost.

Following an eye test, an optometrist will issue a prescription if you need glasses or contact lenses. He or she will also give you a voucher if you qualify for help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. The voucher is intended to cover the full cost of glasses or contact lenses, but you may need to top it up with your own money if you want certain styles.

You can buy the glasses or contact lenses from the optometrist who did the eye test. You can also take the prescription to a different optometrist or optician if you prefer. It may be worth 'shopping around' to look for the best price and style to suit you.

How can people on a low income apply for help?

Some people on a low income may qualify for help with health costs such as eye tests or buying glasses or contact lenses. Your entitlement to help is based on your circumstances such as your level of income, savings, etc. Use form HC1 'Claim for help with health costs'. See below on how to get this form. You have to fill in the form giving various details of your circumstances. If your application is successful, you will receive either certificate HC2 or HC3.

• Certificate HC2 means that you will not need to pay the following health costs: prescription charges; NHS dental charges; eye tests, glasses and contact lenses; travel to hospital for NHS treatment; wigs and fabric supports.
• Certificate HC3 provides partial help with some of these health costs.

Certificates are usually valid for six months. If your circumstances remain unchanged after six months then, if necessary, you should make a new claim before the current certificate expires.

Can I claim a refund for a charge I have already paid?

If you are issued with certificate HC2 or HC3, you may be able to claim a refund if you have recently paid for an eye test, glasses or contact lenses. Claims must be received within three months of your paying the charge. Use claim form HC5.

How can I get the claim forms?

To get the forms HC1 or HC5 mentioned above:

• Contact your local office of the Department of Work and Pensions (the local Jobcentre Plus or 'social security' office) for a claim form. Find your local office in the phone book under 'Jobcentre Plus', OR
• Get them from an NHS hospital, OR
• Your dentist or optometrist may stock them, OR
• Phone the Department of Health Publications Orderline on 0300 123 1002 (minicom 0300 123 1003) and ask for a form to be sent to you.

Free eye tests for workers with computers and VDUs

If you use a computer screen or other type of VDU for much of your time at work, then you are entitled to free eye tests. This is laid down in the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. The tests have to be done by an optometrist and are paid for by your employer. Employers may issue vouchers for you to take to an optometrist to pay for the checks at the specified time intervals. If the prescription is required for VDU use, your employer must provide vouchers towards the cost irrespective of the time space between purchases.

How can I find out more?

This leaflet only gives a brief summary of help with optometrist charges and is for guidance only. It does not cover all situations nor is it a full statement of the law.

Further information about help with health costs

The official information booklet HC11 'Help with health costs' provides more details of this scheme. Your local Jobcentre Plus office, NHS hospital, pharmacist, doctor, dentist or optometrist may have leaflet HC11. The leaflet HC11 is also available on the internet. Go to the Department of Health's website - www.dh.gov.uk - and search for HC11.

Directgov

Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov brings together the widest range of public service information and services online.
Produced by the Central Office of Information, Directgov provides information from across UK government departments on topics ranging from travel safety and parental leave, to special educational needs, local NHS services, and benefits. The site also brings together an increasing number of online government services - including being able to download and/or complete certain benefit claim forms online.

Benefit Enquiry Line - BEL

England, Wales and Scotland - Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55
Northern Ireland - Tel: 0800 220 674 Textphone: 0800 243 787
For people with disabilities, their carers and representatives. It is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. BEL offers confidential advice and information on benefits and how to claim them. In addition they can also send out an extensive range of leaflets and claim packs and help you to complete a claim form over the phone.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Provides independent advice on many issues including benefits. Listed in the phone book under 'Citizens Advice Bureaux'. Also, see their excellent website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Details are here: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/Uksi_19922792_en_1.htm

What is the difference between optometrists and opticians?

Optometrists do eye tests to check your vision and to look for signs of eye disease. They also prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Opticians (dispensing) fit and sell glasses, but do not do eye tests.