The Prescription Pricing Authority issues certificates entitling certain people to financial help with optical treatment, including:
- HC2 and HC3 Certificates for people who are on low incomes, as part of the NHS Low Income Scheme . These can help people with the cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses.
- NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificates offering free NHS sight tests for people who receive a Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
Other groups of people who may be entitled to financial help with their optical costs are listed below. Links lead to the relevant subsections of the Department of Health Reference Guide , which offers a more complete listing of what government assistance can be claimed towards healthcare and related costs.
children and young people
people aged 60 and over
some people receiving government benefits
diabetics
people diagnosed with, or at risk of, glaucoma
hospital patients (including outpatients)
blind and partially sighted people
people who need complex lenses
some war pensioners
The reference guide also lets you know what to do if you are entitled to help.
The type of benefits on offer include:
If you need more information and guidance about free NHS optical services, call the Freephone Adviceline on 0800 91 77 711.
