Millions of people could be missing out on financial help with glasses, contact lenses and eye tests, with support available even for some households where people are working.
An eye care expert is urging people to check what they are entitled to before paying for their next pair of glasses, highlighting seven ways to cut the cost of looking after their eyesight.
The support includes a tax allowance worth £3,250 for people registered as severely sight impaired, NHS optical vouchers worth up to £233.56 and help with replacing children's glasses if they are lost or broken.
There are also schemes for people on lower incomes, those with glaucoma and people who need particularly complex prescriptions.
Free eye tests and glasses from your employer
In the UK, employers are legally required to provide eye tests for employees who are Display Screen Equipment users - computers or laptops, mostly - which includes most office workers, IT staff, designers, developers, customer service agents, and anyone who spends most of their working day at a computer.
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 says that employers must arrange an eye test for DSE users if they request one and provide glasses if they need them only for DSE use. Employers must also assess DSE workstations and take steps to reduce any health risks.
Ask your manager or HR department for details.
Krina Halai, dispensing optician at Feel Good Contacts, said: "With the cost-of-living stretching people's finances further than ever, it's important families are aware of the support that is available to them.
"If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can speak to your optician who will be able to explain the options available as per your individual circumstances."
1. People with sight loss could get a £3,250 tax allowance
People who are registered and certified as severely sight impaired (SSI) could qualify for Blind Person's Allowance.
This is an additional tax-free allowance on top of the standard Personal Allowance, increasing the amount of income someone can receive before paying Income Tax.
Ms Halai said: “People living with sight loss could be entitled to the Blind Person's Allowance – an added tax-free allowance to the yearly Personal Allowance, for those registered and certified as severely sight impaired (SSI).
"Instead of being an outright £3,250 payment, the allowance increases the amount of income you can receive before paying Income Tax, from which you could potentially transfer the unused portion to a spouse.
"To qualify in England and Wales, you must have a valid certificate that acknowledges you're blind or severely sight impaired completed by a consultant ophthalmologist. A similar certification process is applicable for those living in Scotland and Northern Ireland."
2. Get up to £233.56 towards the cost of glasses
People who qualify for NHS optical vouchers could receive between £42.50 and £233.56 towards the cost of glasses, depending on their circumstances and prescription.
Children and some young people in full-time education may qualify, as can people receiving help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
The support can also go towards contact lenses in eligible circumstances.
Ms Halai said: “Before paying full price for your next pair of glasses, it’s worth checking whether you’re entitled to NHS help. Depending on your circumstances and prescription, you could receive an optical voucher worth anywhere between £42.50 to £233.56 towards glasses.
“Children and some young people in full-time education can qualify, while those on the NHS Low Income Scheme may receive partial or full help along with the cost of prescription glasses or contact lenses."
3. Working households can still get help with eye care
People do not necessarily have to be out of work to qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Those who are employed and earning a salary can still apply, with eligibility based on their income and circumstances. Depending on the assessment, they could receive full or partial help with eligible health costs.
Ms Halai said: "To apply, your total savings can't exceed more than £16,000, however, it's useful to know that any help you're entitled to is also available to your partner and dependent children.
"If rising costs are making eye care harder to afford, then it's definitely worth checking if you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, as you may be granted full or partial help depending on your circumstances."
4. Already paid for glasses? You may be able to claim the money back
People who have already paid for an eye test, glasses or contact lenses may still be able to get financial help if they later discover they were eligible for NHS support.
However, there is a time limit to be aware of.
Ms Halai said: "If you find out later that you were entitled to NHS support after you’ve paid, then you may be able to claim some or all of the cost back.
"There's a three-month time limit from the date you paid, so it's worth checking your eligibility sooner rather than later and keeping hold of any receipts."
5. Glaucoma patients and some relatives could get free eye tests
People diagnosed with glaucoma may qualify for a free NHS sight test.
The support can also extend to people aged 40 or over who have an immediate family history of glaucoma, as well as those who have been advised by an ophthalmologist that they are at risk of developing the condition.
Ms Halai said: “If you have been formally diagnosed with glaucoma, you could be entitled to a free NHS sight test.
"If you're aged 40 or over and have immediate-family history of glaucoma, then you can also qualify. You may also be entitled if an ophthalmologist has advised you that you're at risk of developing the condition."
6. Parents could get help replacing lost or broken children's glasses
Parents facing the cost of replacing glasses lost or damaged by their children may not have to pay the full amount themselves.
Children under 16 may qualify for an NHS optical repair or replacement voucher towards glasses or contact lenses.
There are conditions, including whether the glasses are already covered by a warranty or insurance policy, so parents should check their eligibility before buying replacements.
Ms Halai said: “Children's glasses can very easily get lost or damaged, particularly at school or while playing sports, but parents shouldn't automatically assume that they have to pay the full replacement costs themselves.
"Those under 16 may be entitled to an NHS optical repair or replacement voucher towards glasses or contact lenses that have been lost or damaged.
"There are conditions attached, including whether the glasses are already covered by a warranty or insurance policy, so parents should check before buying a replacement."
7. Complex prescriptions could unlock extra NHS support
People with particularly strong or complex prescriptions may qualify for an additional NHS voucher towards the cost of their lenses.
The NHS complex lens voucher is available to eligible people who need complex lenses, including prescriptions of +10 or -10 dioptres or more.
The vouchers are currently worth £15.81 towards single-vision lenses and £40.57 towards bifocal lenses.
Ms Halai said: “People with high or complex prescriptions might be eligible for added NHS support even if they don't qualify for any of the other schemes.
"The NHS complex lens voucher is available to those who need complex lenses, including prescriptions of +10/–10 dioptres or more.
"The vouchers are currently worth £15.81 towards single-vision lenses and £40.57 towards bifocal lenses. While it may not cover the entire cost of your glasses, it is worth speaking to your optician to check if you meet the criteria."
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