Eye Tests: Who Pays At University?

University students are not eligible for free eye tests on the NHS, as most are over the age of 18. However, students aged 16, 17, or 18 who are in full-time education can get a free eye test on the NHS. Students can also get free eye tests at certain opticians, such as Ace & Tate, Tesco, Specsavers, and Boots Opticians. Typically, eye tests cost between £19 and £25.

University students have to pay for eye tests if they are over 18

The cost of an eye test for students who have to pay varies depending on the eye care provider, but it typically ranges from £19 to £25. Some companies, such as Ace & Tate, Tesco, Specsavers, and Boots Opticians, have offered free eye tests in the past, and it is worth checking for vouchers or discounts. However, these companies may try to sell you a pair of glasses after your consultation. While this can be useful for students who need prescription glasses, there is no obligation to make a purchase.

While university students over the age of 18 generally have to pay for eye tests, there are some circumstances in which they may be eligible for free eye care. This includes students who are receiving certain benefits or are found to be at risk of certain illnesses, such as glaucoma. Students who are registered as partially sighted or blind, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or meet other specific criteria may also be eligible for free eye tests.

In addition, students over 18 can obtain an HC1 form to assess their income and determine their eligibility for a free sight test and help with the cost of glasses. This form can be obtained from an optician, pharmacy, or post office.

Students can get free eye tests if they meet certain requirements

Students and Eye Tests: What You Need to Know

As a university student, you may be wondering if you have to pay for eye tests. This is what I can tell you: while university students are not automatically eligible for free eye tests, there are certain requirements you can meet to access free eye care.

Firstly, if you are under 16 or aged between 16 and 18 and in full-time education, you are entitled to a free NHS eye test. If you are a student over 18, you may still be able to access a free eye test if you meet certain criteria. For instance, if you are registered as partially sighted or blind, have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, or are at risk of developing glaucoma, you can receive a free eye test. Additionally, if you are a prisoner on leave from prison or are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher, you can also access free eye care.

Furthermore, if you or your partner receive certain benefits, such as Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, you may be eligible for free eye tests. It is also worth noting that some opticians occasionally offer free eye tests, so be sure to keep an eye out for these promotions.

In conclusion, while university students typically have to pay for eye tests, there are a number of ways to access free eye care if you meet certain requirements. These options can help ensure that you receive the eye care you need without incurring additional costs.

Students can get free eye tests at some opticians

Students aged 16, 17, or 18 who are in full-time education can get a free eye test on the NHS. However, this does not include university students, as most students join university after their 18th birthday.

There are some opticians that offer free eye tests regardless of age, such as Ace & Tate, Tesco, Specsavers, and Boots Opticians. These opticians may try to sell you a pair of glasses after your free consultation, but you are not obligated to purchase them.

Additionally, students may be eligible for free eye tests if they meet certain requirements, such as having issues with their eyesight or being at risk for certain illnesses like glaucoma. According to the NHS, you are eligible for free eye tests if you are registered as partially sighted or blind, have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, are at risk of glaucoma, are a prisoner on leave from prison, or are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher.

Furthermore, if you are under the age of 20 and are the dependent of someone receiving certain benefits, you may also be eligible for free eye care. These benefits include Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

Students can get funding to help pay for prescription glasses

Students and Eye Tests: What You Need to Know

University life can be demanding on your eyes, from long nights spent studying to constant screen use. Taking care of your eyes is important, and regular eye tests can help detect any problems early on. While university students typically have to pay for eye tests and prescription glasses, there are funding options and discounts available to help with the cost.

Optical Vouchers

If you're a university student in the UK, you may be eligible for funding to help pay for prescription glasses through the NHS Optical Vouchers scheme. This scheme is available to students who:

• Are aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education.
• Are a prisoner on leave from prison.
• Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher, which is offered to those with lenses of -10/+10 dioptres or more, or prism-controlled bifocal lenses.

The value of the optical voucher depends on the strength of your lenses, and you can use it to reduce the cost of your glasses or contact lenses.

Benefits and Low-Income Schemes

In addition to optical vouchers, there are other benefits and schemes that can help with the cost of eye tests and prescription glasses:

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance: If you, your partner, or civil partner receive this benefit, you may be eligible for free eye care and funding towards glasses.
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance: This benefit may make you eligible for free eye care and funding towards glasses.
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit: This benefit can provide eligibility for free eye care and funding for glasses.
• Universal Credit: Meeting the requirements for this benefit may make you eligible for free eye care and funding for glasses.
• NHS Low-Income Scheme (LIS): This scheme provides support for those on low incomes, and you can check your eligibility on the NHS website.

Student Discounts

Many opticians offer student discounts, which can help make eye tests and prescription glasses more affordable. For example:

• Ace & Tate: Offers free eye tests for students and a £10 voucher when you spend £100 or more on prescription glasses.
• Boots Opticians: Provides a 10% student discount on prescription glasses, with eye tests starting from £29.95.
• Vision Express: Features a 30% student discount and free eye tests when you spend £50 or more in-store.
• Specsavers: Offers a 25% student discount on glasses priced at £69 and above.

Claiming Refunds

If you believe you were eligible for free NHS eye care but paid for it, you can apply for a refund. You must submit a claim within 3 months of the payment date, along with a receipt from your optometrist.

Taking Care of Your Eyes

Remember, as a student, it's important to prioritize eye health. The demands of university life can strain your eyes, so regular eye tests are essential to ensure any problems are detected early on.

By taking advantage of funding options, student discounts, and staying on top of your eye health, you can ensure that your eyes remain in good condition throughout your university years and beyond.

Students can claim a refund for an eye test if they were eligible for a free one

As a university student, you will have to pay for eye tests if you are over 18, which most students are. However, if you believe you are eligible for free NHS eye care but have paid for an eye test, you can apply for a refund. You must obtain a receipt from your optometrist and submit your claim within 3 months of the payment date.

To be eligible for a free eye test, you must be:

• Aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education (excluding university)
• Registered as partially sighted or blind
• Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• Aged 40 or above, and your parent, child, or sibling has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• Advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you are at risk of glaucoma
• A prisoner on leave from prison
• Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher

Additionally, you may be eligible for a free eye test if you or your partner receive specific benefits, such as Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. If you are under 20 and a dependent of someone receiving these benefits, you may also qualify.

It is important to note that even if you do not meet the criteria for a free NHS eye test, some companies offer free eye tests for everyone, so it is worth exploring different options.

Frequently asked questions