NHS Eligibility
Who qualifies for a free NHS home eye test?
Short answer: You qualify for a free NHS home eye test (also called a domiciliary sight test) if you are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of a physical or mental illness or disability. This includes people living in care homes, nursing homes, sheltered or supported housing, and patients with dementia, stroke recovery, severe mobility problems or terminal illness. The NHS pays the full cost — eligible patients are never charged.
The full NHS eligibility criteria
The NHS funds a home sight test (the official term for a home eye test) for anyone who cannot get to a high street optician unaccompanied. You meet the criteria if any of the following apply:
- You are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness, or because of a disability.
- You live in a care home, nursing home, sheltered housing, supported living or hospice.
- Your mobility is so limited that travelling to an optician would be unsafe or cause significant distress.
- You have a long-term condition such as dementia, advanced Parkinson's, severe arthritis, or you are recovering from a stroke.
- You are receiving end-of-life or palliative care at home.
You only need to meet one of these criteria, and the assessment is made in good faith — there is no paperwork or means-test for the sight test itself.
What "unable to leave home unaccompanied" really means
This is the criterion that confuses most people. It does not mean you must be bedbound. It means you cannot safely travel to a high-street optician on your own — for example, you need a carer or family member with you, you cannot use public transport, or the journey itself would leave you exhausted or anxious.
Needing a wheelchair, walking frame, or oxygen counts. Severe sight loss that makes independent travel unsafe counts. Significant cognitive impairment counts.
What if I'm not sure?
Call us on 0800 654 6934. We'll ask three or four short questions and tell you on the spot whether you qualify. If you don't, we'll explain the private option and the cost honestly before you commit.
Who pays for the test?
The NHS pays the optometrist directly. Eligible patients are never charged for the sight test, and we will tell you before the visit whether you qualify. If you also need glasses, you may be entitled to an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of frames and lenses — see our eligibility guide for the voucher rules.
Source: NHS Business Services Authority, NHS Sight Test Service rules; General Ophthalmic Services contract (England).
Need to speak to someone?
Our team will check your eligibility over the phone in under two minutes — no obligation.