Is Eye Care Covered by NHS?

 

eye care in Colchester
    

Your eyesight is among the most critical parts of your body’s well-being. So, you should treat eyecare as a priority. With perfect eyesight, you can see clearly reducing the instances of being involved in accidental collisions and falls that can cause serious injuries. Besides, good eye condition means your overall well-being.

The NHS understands the importance of proper vision care and offers free eye examinations and vouchers to eligible people in the UK. Are you in need of eye care in Colchester or anywhere else in the UK, but you aren’t sure if you qualify for the free or subsidised care offered? Here are the critical details to know:

Who Can Receive Free NHS Eye Tests?

The first group that NHS prioritises is children. It’s because of the importance of good vision at this age. Those below 16 years are in school and good eyesight can help them to register improved performances in their academics. So, NHS offers them free tests once every 2 years. You can have more free tests if a qualified optician advises so.

If you’re 16 years to 18 years, you’re also eligible to free NHS eye tests provided you attend full-time education. You need to produce documents to prove you’re eligible. The requisite documents include your passport, student card, and your driving license.

Do you want to see a Colchester Optometrist, and you’re 60 years or older? You also qualify for a free eye test once every two years. The documents you should present to prove you qualify for the test include a National Insurance number, passport, and driving license.

Colchester Optometrist

People registered as partially sighted or blind are also eligible for NHS free eye tests. You’re supposed to produce your registration certificate to receive the free test. The tests also cover people with glaucoma and those who have been advised by a qualified ophthalmologist that they’re susceptible to glaucoma.

Another special group that’s covered is those who receive income benefits. Prisoners or those on leave from prison also receive free eye tests. It also covers people over the age of 40 years with close relatives suffering from glaucoma

Free Mobile Sight Tests in the UK

In some cases, it may not be possible for you to travel and meet your optometrist for an eye test. In this case, the NHS finances your mobile sight test. The optometrist can then come to your home or any location you’re in to administer your eye test.

Who Qualifies for NHS Optical Voucher?

Optical lenses don’t come cheap in the UK. If you’re in the groups mentioned above, you’re also eligible for an optical voucher. The voucher helps in covering the cost of your glasses or contact lenses.

Claiming Eye Care Refund

If you pay for eye care in Colchester and qualify for a free NHS test, you should get a refund. The optometrist should give you a receipt indicating the date of the test and the amount you paid. You then fill out the HC5(O) form and submit it with your payment receipt.

The refund also applies in case you purchase glasses or contact lenses. You need to submit your dully filled HC5(O) form with a receipt showing the day of the payment and the amount. Moreover, you’re expected to attach your optical prescription.

Take Care of Your Eyesight

Even if you’re eligible for free NHS eye care, you still need to take responsibility for your vision. The measure that can improve your vision include:

  1. Improve your diet
  2. Avoid smoking
  3. Exercise regularly

Your eyesight is a critical part of your life. Therefore, you should treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

Location: Colchester, UK

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