nhs

The Web site for Eyesight

Telephone 01923 779595

THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

WHAT IS AVAILABLE

For those people in the shown exempt groups eye examinations are available at no charge to you and vouchers can be obtained worth over £30.00 can be put towards the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.

ON A LOW INCOME?

Patients on a low income can apply for help with the cost of an eye examination and spectacles. Just ask us for an HC1 form.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

From 19th February 2001, the National Health Service introduced Point of Service (POS) checks. This means that patients requesting NHS eye examinations (sight tests) or vouchers for spectacles or contact lenses will be asked to provide proof of entitlement by showing supporting evidence.

IS THERE A PENALTY?

There is a Penalty Charge if anyone is found to have claimed when not entitled to. It is hoped that these arrangements will deter a small minority from making false claims as has proved the case when similar arrangements were introduced into dentistry and pharmacy.

UPDATE

From October 6th 2003 Pension Credit replaced Minimum Income Guarantee which is the equivalent of Income Support for the over 60s. Pension Credit like most government schemes is not straightforward. There are two parts to Pension Credit one is called Guarantee Credit and the other is Savings Credit. Those on Guarantee Credit receive the same benefits as those on Income Support but those receiving Savings Credit need to apply as anyone else on a low income.

NHS CATEGORIES

IF YOU ARE WITHIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES YOU, OR MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, MAY BE ENTITLED TO AN EYE EXAMINATION WITHOUT CHARGE, PAID FOR BY THE NHS:

Children under 16 years of age or under 19 and in full time education

Patients receiving benefits such as income support, working families tax credit, income based job seekers allowance, and disabled persons tax credit

Patients who are 60 or over

Patients with glaucoma or those over 40 with a close relative with glaucoma

Patients with diabetes

Patients who need complex lenses

Patients who are registered partially sighted or blind

Patients who have an HC2 form

YOU MAY ALSO BE ENTITLED TO A VOUCHER TO HELP TOWARDS THE COST OF SPECTACLES OR CONTACT LENSES IF YOU ARE WITHIN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

Children under 16 years of age or under 19 and in full time education

Patients receiving benefits such as income support, working families tax credit, income based job seekers allowance, and disabled persons tax credit

Patients who have an HC2 form