Who qualifies, what the voucher is worth, and what it buys here
NHS sight tests and vouchers
In Wales, children, over-sixties, people with diabetes or glaucoma, close relatives of glaucoma patients and people on certain benefits get a free NHS sight test, and many also get a voucher towards glasses. The voucher table on the prices page says what each is worth, and we take it in full against any frame.
The NHS pays for more eye care than most people realise, and the rules are the kind nobody explains. This page and the table on the prices page are our attempt. Bring proof of what you qualify for, and Val does the paperwork at the desk.
A free NHS sight test in Wales: under sixteen, or under nineteen in full-time education; sixty and over; diabetes or glaucoma; forty and over with a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma; registered blind or partially sighted; a complex lens prescription; on Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit within the earnings limit, or named on an HC2 certificate. The Welsh Eye Health Examination also covers people with sight in one eye only, retinitis pigmentosa, a hearing impairment, and anyone from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background over forty because of higher glaucoma risk.
An NHS voucher towards glasses goes to children, people on the benefits above, HC2 and HC3 certificate holders and people with complex prescriptions. Its value is set by the prescription, in bands A to J, from about £43 for a simple single-vision pair to over £200 for a complex one, with supplements for prisms, tints and small frames. Here it comes off any frame and lenses in full; there is no "voucher range" in a corner. Val checks your entitlement at the desk and does the form.
What is included
- Free NHS sight test for children, over-sixties, diabetics and more
- The Welsh Eye Health Examination for higher-risk groups
- Vouchers in bands A to J, taken in full against any frame
- Complex-lens, prism and tint supplements added
- Entitlement checked and the form done at the desk
- A repair or replacement voucher for children's glasses
What it costs
NHS sight test free if you qualify. Vouchers from £43 to over £200 depending on the prescription, taken in full against any frame and lenses here. Complex-lens supplements added on top. Prices include VAT where it applies. The prices page has every price, the NHS voucher table, and a contact lens plan builder.
Questions about nHS vouchers
I am over sixty. Is the test really free?
Yes, in Wales the NHS sight test is free from sixty with no other condition needed. The OCT scan is not covered by the NHS and is £20 if you want it added, which from sixty we recommend.
Can I use the voucher on a designer frame?
Yes. The voucher value comes off whatever you choose; if the frame and lenses cost more, you pay the difference, and if they cost less there is nothing to pay. We do not hide the good frames from voucher patients.
Book an eye examination.
Forty minutes with the optometrist, the OCT scan included, £35 or free on the NHS if you qualify. Tell us the days that suit and Val confirms a time within the working day. Sudden eye problem? Ring, and you are seen today.