Home Eye Test Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for a Home Eye Test?
You may be eligible for a home eye test if you are unable to attend a high-street optician without assistance due to a physical or mental health condition, mobility difficulties, or because you live in a care or nursing home. This page explains eligibility for both NHS-funded and private home eye tests. For an overview of the service, see Home Eye Tests.
Eligibility for NHS Home Eye Tests
The NHS funds home eye tests for patients who meet specific criteria and are unable to leave home unaccompanied. Eligibility is based on mobility, health conditions, and living circumstances rather than age alone. For full details about NHS-funded visits, see NHS Home Eye Tests.
Common Reasons Patients Qualify for NHS Home Eye Tests
Patients may qualify for an NHS home eye test if they experience reduced mobility, long-term illness, dementia, learning disabilities, severe anxiety, or are housebound or bedbound. Residents of care homes are commonly eligible due to their living circumstances. See Care Home Partnership Services for care-home-specific services.
NHS Optical Vouchers for Glasses
If you are eligible for an NHS-funded eye test, you may also be entitled to an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if they are required following the examination. Voucher eligibility is assessed separately from eligibility for the eye test itself. Our team will explain this clearly during the appointment. For information about NHS-funded examinations, see NHS Home Eye Tests.
NHS Optical Vouchers
Eligible patients may receive an NHS Optical Voucher to help towards the cost of glasses following an NHS-funded eye test.
👉 Learn more about NHS Optical Vouchers
Who Is Eligible for an NHS Optical Voucher?
You may be eligible for an NHS optical voucher if you receive certain benefits or tax credits, hold a valid NHS exemption certificate, or meet NHS criteria as a care home resident. If a voucher is issued, it can be used towards the cost of glasses, with any additional cost discussed clearly in advance. For details about glasses following an eye test, see Glasses Supply & Home Delivery.
What If You Are Not Eligible for an NHS Home Eye Test?
If you do not meet NHS eligibility criteria, you can still access professional eye care through a private home eye test. Private appointments offer flexibility and timely access without NHS eligibility requirements. Learn more about this option on Private Home Eye Tests.
Do You Need a GP Referral?
In most cases, a GP referral is not required to arrange a home eye test. Our team will assess eligibility and help organise an appointment. If you are unsure, we are happy to advise.
Who Can Arrange a Home Eye Test?
Home eye tests can be arranged by patients themselves, family members, carers, or care home staff acting on behalf of a resident. We ensure consent and communication are handled appropriately in every case.
What Happens Next?
Once eligibility is confirmed, we will arrange a suitable appointment time and explain what to expect during the visit. For a step-by-step guide, see What to Expect.
Check Eligibility or Book a Home Eye Test
If you are unsure whether you or someone you care for is eligible for a home eye test, we are here to help. Contact us to discuss eligibility or to arrange an appointment. Go to Contact or return to Home Eye Tests.