For some of us, visiting your optician can be a daunting thought, especially if you havn’t been for a while. However, regardless of age or physical health, routine eye examinations are extremely important for everyone, and are both quick and painless, too. Stotts, Brown and Sutcliffes opticians are delighted to offer a comprehensive eye examination to all members of the community including new and existing customers, and we are thrilled to announce that our Branches are now based across six locations in the North West, ensuring that regular NHS eye tests and optical expertise are readily available to the communities in Burnley, Urmston, Chorley, Unsworth, Swinton, Nelson, and the surrounding areas.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR AN NHS EXAMINATION?
You will qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:
- you’re aged under 16
- you’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
- you’re aged 60 or over
- you’re registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
- you’ve been diagnosed with diabetesor glaucoma
- you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
- you’re a prisoner on leave from prison
- you’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement
You’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- receive Income Support
- receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
- are awarded Universal Credit
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
If you’re named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
Optometrists recommend that most people should get their eyes tested every two years. However, in some circumstances, they may recommend more frequent NHS sight tests; for example, if you’re:
- a child wearing glasses
- have diabetes
- aged 40 or over and have a family history of glaucoma
- aged 70 or over
WHAT IF I’M NOT ENTITLED TO A FREE NHS EYE TEST?
If you don’t qualify for a free NHS sight test, there will then be a fee for a private sight test which is £25.00. Please do not hesitate to contact your nearest branch with any queries that you may have as we will be happy to offer our expert advise and guidance.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you further (insert our contact page / locations page here)