Eye tests and glasses in England: who gets a free NHS sight test, what an optical voucher is, and how often to test
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
The NHS sight test is free for under-16s, 16 to 18-year-olds in full-time education, people aged 60 or over, people with diabetes or glaucoma or at risk of it, and HC2 holders. Optical vouchers for glasses go to a much narrower group. Most adults are advised to test every two years.
In short
- This post is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is based on the NHS, NHSBSA, UKHSA and GOV.UK pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and applies to England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
- Eye tests are done by an optician, not by your GP. The NHS free sight test is for specific groups, not everyone.
- The right to a free contribution towards glasses or contact lenses (an optical voucher) covers a narrower group than the right to a test.
- The NHS advises most people to have an eye test every 2 years, more often if the optician recommends it.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- NHS: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
- NHS: How often can I have a free NHS sight test
- NHSBSA: Sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
- NHSBSA: NHS Low Income Scheme
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