NHS Optical Voucher

A NHS Optical Voucher helps towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

You can get a voucher if you:

• Are under 16 years of age
• Are in full time education and aged 16, 17 or 18
• Need complex lenses
• Are entitled to, or named on a valid NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate
• Are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• Are getting, or your partner gets:
• • Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance (Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income related), or
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

Partial help:

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help.

If you are a war pensioner, you may be entitled to help for the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if the treatment is for your pensionable disablement. For more information contact:

The Treatment Group Veterans Agency
Norcross
Blackpool
FY5 3WP

(You can get a pre-paid addressed envelope from some Post Offices)

Repair or Replacement of Glasses or Contact Lenses:

You can get a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement if you:

• Are under 16 years of age;

If you are 16 years of age or over you may be entitled to a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement, if we agree that:

• The loss or damage was due to illness or disability; and
• You cannot get help through a warranty, insurance or after sales service; and
• You would be entitled to a NHS voucher for glasses or contact lenses.

If you wish to claim assistance with costs, due to financial hardship, you must contact your local NHS Board.

NOTE: If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.