Eye Examinations

You are generally entitled to a free NHS eye examination if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Under 16
• 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
• 60 or over
• Registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
• Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• 40 or over, and your genetic mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• Advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
• Eligible for an NHS complex voucher (ask you optician)
• On certain benefits (including Income Support, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Tax Credit, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit)
• On a low income, you may be able to get help with the cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses through the NHS Low income Scheme.

You are only allowed an examination at intervals recommended by your eye-care practitioner or if you are experiencing any eye problems or health issues connected to your eyes before you are due.

Here in Wales an additional specialist service has been set up in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government to provide free eye-care for certain selected groups of patients who may be at higher risk of eye disorders, as well as patients who develop a sudden eye problem. Our Optometrists have undergone further training to enable The Optic Shop to offer The Eye Health Examination Wales (EHEW).

You may qualify for an EHEW if you reside in Wales and:

• have an eye problem that needs urgent attention
• are referred to us by your GP
• have sight in one eye only
• are registered as sight impaired
• have a hearing impairment and are profoundly deaf
• have retinitis pigmentosa
• are of Black or Asian ethnicity
• are at risk of eye diseases because you are a genetic father, mother, child or sibling of someone with an eye disease that can be inherited, such as Glaucoma, Diabetes Mellitus, Age Related Macular Degeneration or Retinitis Pigmentosa

Pigmentosa If you are in any doubt about whether you qualify for an EHEW or if you are worried about any eye symptoms please do not hesitate to ask us for advice.