University Students: Entitled To Free Glasses?

University students are not entitled to free glasses, although there are some circumstances in which they may be eligible for help with the cost. Students who are under 18, registered as blind or partially sighted, have diabetes or glaucoma, are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher, or are receiving certain benefits, may be entitled to free eye care. Additionally, students over the age of 19 who are in full-time education are entitled to a free sight test.

Are university students eligible for free eye tests?

University students are often on a tight budget, so it's important to know what financial support is available for healthcare services like eye tests. In the UK, there are a few ways that university students may be able to access free eye tests.

Firstly, students who are under the age of 18 are entitled to free eye tests on the National Health Service (NHS). However, as most university students are over 18, this option is not available to them.

There are some other routes to accessing free eye tests for university students, though. Students who are receiving certain benefits or tax credits are eligible for help with healthcare costs, including eye tests. This includes students who are receiving Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit. Students who are under the age of 20 and are dependents of someone receiving these benefits are also eligible.

Additionally, students who have certain health conditions may be eligible for free eye tests. This includes students who are registered as blind or partially sighted, have diabetes or glaucoma, are aged 40 or over and have a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma, or have been told by an ophthalmologist that they are at risk of glaucoma. Prisoners on leave from prison are also eligible for free eye tests.

Finally, some opticians may offer free eye tests to all students, regardless of their age or circumstances. For example, the company Specscart offers free eye tests to students of all ages.

While university students may have to pay for eye tests, there are options available to help with the cost of prescription glasses. The NHS provides optical vouchers to students who are aged 16-18 and in full-time education, prisoners on leave from prison, or eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher. These vouchers can be used to help with the cost of glasses. Additionally, students who are receiving certain benefits or are dependents of someone receiving benefits may also be eligible for help with the cost of glasses.

What are the criteria for free eye tests?

Criteria for free eye tests

Age-based criteria

You are eligible for a free eye test if you are:

• Aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education.
• Under 16 years old.
• 60 years old or above.

Health-based criteria

You are eligible for a free eye test if you:

• Are diabetic or have glaucoma.
• Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of developing glaucoma.
• Are 40 or older and have a parent, child, or sibling with glaucoma.
• Are visually impaired, either blind or partially sighted.
• Are in prison or a prisoner on leave.

Financial-based criteria

You are eligible for a free eye test if you:

• Are entitled to an NHS complex lens voucher.
• Are receiving certain benefits or are under the age of 20 and are the dependent of someone receiving the following: Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit.
• Are on a low income.

Do university students get prescription glasses for free?

University students do not automatically get prescription glasses for free. However, there are some ways that students can get help with the cost.

NHS optical vouchers

If you are a student aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education, you are eligible for a free NHS optical voucher to use towards the cost of a pair of glasses. You can also get an NHS optical voucher if you are a prisoner on leave from prison or eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher. Complex lens vouchers are offered by the NHS for those who have lenses of -10/+10 dioptres or more or prism-controlled bifocal lenses. These vouchers currently offer £14.90 towards single-vision lenses and £38.15 towards bifocal lenses. These values vary each year.

Benefits

If you or your partner receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for help with the cost of glasses. The benefits include:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit

If you are under 20 and a dependent of someone receiving these benefits, you will also be eligible.

Low-income scheme

There is also a scheme for those on a low income to receive support. You can find out more about this scheme on the NHS website.

Refunds

If you believe that you are eligible for free NHS eye care but have paid for it, you can apply for a refund. You must get a receipt from your optometrist and make the claim within three months of the payment date.

How can students save money on glasses?

While university students are not entitled to free glasses, there are still ways to save money on them. Here are some tips on how to do that:

Understand what features are worth the extra cost

Some features of glasses are more important than others, and some may be unnecessary. For example, high-index lenses are thinner, lighter, and more comfortable than regular lenses, but they are also more expensive. They are a good choice for those with strong prescriptions, but people with lower-strength prescriptions can usually skip them. Photochromic lenses, which react to UV light and darken in sunlight, are a good choice for those who want to avoid carrying prescription sunglasses. However, they won't darken inside cars, so they may not be suitable for driving. Progressive lenses offer three prescriptions in one lens, but they can be disorienting and expensive. Anti-glare coating improves the quality of your vision and the look of your glasses, but it can be pricey.

Comparison shop

It pays to shop around and compare prices at different stores, both online and offline. Online retailers like Zenni Optical, Warby Parker, GlassesUSA, and EyeBuyDirect often offer glasses at more affordable prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. They also often have virtual try-on tools and free shipping and returns. However, it's important to check the return policy before buying, as some online retailers may offer another pair instead of a refund. Additionally, keep an eye out for price-match guarantees, sales, and special discounts offered by sellers at various times of the year.

Look for student discounts

Many companies offer student discounts, so be sure to ask about them. For example, some retailers offer discounts for buying multiple pairs of glasses, which can be useful if you need prescription sunglasses or a backup pair.

Use loyalty cards and memberships

Some retailers offer discounts for members of clubs or organizations. For example, AARP members can get discounts on eyewear at certain stores.

Pay with pretax dollars

If you have a health savings account or flexible spending account through your work, you can use those funds to pay for glasses.

Take advantage of vision insurance and other benefits

Vision insurance can help cover the cost of glasses, and traditional medical insurance may also cover eye check-ups. Additionally, students who are under 18, or under 20 and dependents of someone receiving certain benefits, may be eligible for free eye care.

What are the common vision problems faced by students?

Students often face a variety of vision problems, which can impact their learning and academic performance. Here are some of the most common vision issues faced by students:

• Refractive errors: These are the most frequent eye problems among students. Refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances), and presbyopia (loss of the ability to focus up close). Such conditions can often be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD affects the central part of the retina, causing damage to sharp and central vision. It can lead to difficulty seeing objects clearly, reading, and driving. AMD usually affects individuals over 40 and is the leading cause of permanent impairment of reading and close-up vision in older adults.
• Cataract: Cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It can occur at any age, even at birth, and can be treated with surgery. However, access barriers such as insurance coverage or treatment costs prevent many individuals from receiving the necessary treatment.
• Diabetic retinopathy (DR): DR is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. It involves progressive damage to the blood vessels of the retina, which is necessary for good vision. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to reducing the risk of vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve, resulting in vision loss or blindness. It can occur with normal or elevated eye pressure. The two main types are open angle, which progresses slowly without noticeable symptoms, and angle closure, which appears suddenly and is painful.
• Amblyopia ("lazy eye"): Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision impairment in children. It occurs when the eye and brain don't work together properly, favouring the other eye. Unless successfully treated in early childhood, amblyopia can last into adulthood and cause permanent vision impairment.
• Strabismus: Strabismus is a condition where the two eyes are misaligned, causing them to cross in (esotropia) or turn out (exotropia). It is caused by a lack of coordination between the eyes, resulting in reduced or absent depth perception.

While university students themselves are not typically entitled to free glasses, students aged 16-18 in full-time education are eligible for free eye tests and optical vouchers to contribute to the cost of glasses.

Frequently asked questions