NHS EYE CARE ELIGIBILITY

We’re proud to offer an NHS eyecare service in all of our M&S Opticians. As an NHS provider, we offer free eye tests for anyone who qualifies, and you may even be entitled to an optical voucher which allows you to select a free pair of glasses from our £49 range or contributes towards the cost if you decide to upgrade, or even choose contact lenses. Read below to find all about NHS eye care eligibility. 

NHS free eye tests eligibility

Anyone over the age of 60 and under the age of 16 is eligible for a free NHS eye test. However, you may also qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Under the age of 19 and in full time education
• Have diabetes or glaucoma
• Aged 40+ and have a close relative with glaucoma
• Registered blind or partially blind
• Receive income support or are on income based allowances 

Scotland Eligibility

All Scottish residents are entitled to an NHS funded sight test every two years or as dictated by your optician. This only applies to eye tests that are carried out in our Scotland stores.

We also offer a number of specialist eye care services, please contact your local in store opticians for more details.

NHS optical vouchers eligibility

In some circumstances, the NHS will also provide optical vouchers, which count towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses. At M&S Opticians we offer free glasses from our £49 range with your optical voucher.

You may be eligible for help towards the cost of glasses and contact lenses if you’re:

• 15 or under
• Under 19 and in full-time education
• Prescribed complex lenses
• If you receive income support or income-based allowances

What can I get with my optical voucher?

If you qualify for an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost of your glasses you may be wondering what you can get with your voucher.

At M&S Opticians can choose a pair of glasses from our £49 range for free with your voucher. If you would like to choose a pair from our other ranges, you will pay the difference. For example, if you choose a frame from our £59 range, you will pay just £10.

Before you voucher is issued, your prescription needs will be considered and accounted for. Selected vouchers will be able to receive free varifocals from our £49 frame range. All prescriptions covered with the voucher come with M&S standard lenses and if you would like to upgrade to branded lenses or add a tint or coating, this will be subject to an additional charge.   

You can also take advantage of our half price second pair offer, which includes prescription sunglasses.

Free kids eye care

All under 16s and under 19s in full time education are entitled to a free NHS eye test. If they have a prescription, they will also be entitled to an optical voucher for free glasses from our kids £49 range. There is also an option to use the voucher towards the cost of glasses from our other ranges. For example, if you would like glasses from our kids £79 range, you will only pay £30 with the optical voucher.

For more information, contact your local store who will be happy to assist you.

What to bring to your eye test

If you do receive free NHS eyecare, you’ll be asked to provide proof of entitlement when you attend your appointment. You will need to bring along a document to your appointment to show that you qualify for an NHS-funded eye test and/or an NHS optical voucher for glasses (if applicable).

Learn more about NHS eye care eligibility

Still unsure if you’re eligible for free NHS eye care or unsure of what proof you need? Pop into M&S Opticians or book an appointment. Get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to offer help and guidance in relation to eligibility.

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