Yes, but it depends on your earnings. Universal Credit claimants are not automatically entitled to free glasses. You need to meet specific earnings thresholds from your last UC assessment period to qualify for an NHS optical voucher, which provides financial help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
You may also qualify for a free NHS eye test under the same conditions.
The Earnings Thresholds for UC Claimants
To qualify for NHS-funded sight tests and optical vouchers, you must be receiving Universal Credit and meet one of the following conditions based on your take-home pay in your last UC assessment period:
| Your Situation | Earnings Threshold |
| No children and no limited capability for work | £435 or less |
| You have a child element in your UC, OR have limited capability for work or LCWRA | £935 or less |
If your earnings were above these thresholds in your last assessment period, you do not qualify for the NHS voucher through Universal Credit, even if you receive UC.
If you have no earnings at all, you qualify automatically regardless of other circumstances.
What Is an NHS Optical Voucher Worth?
The NHS optical voucher contributes toward the cost of glasses or contact lenses. The value depends on the strength of your prescription. There are 10 different voucher values ranging from £42.40 to £233.56.
If your glasses or lenses cost more than your voucher value, you pay the difference. If they cost less, you receive only the voucher amount and cannot get a cash refund for the remainder.
You can use your NHS optical voucher at any optician that accepts them. You are not required to buy from the optician who tested your eyes.
How to Claim a Free Eye Test and Optical Voucher on Universal Credit
- Book an appointment with any registered optician and tell them when booking that you believe you are eligible for an NHS-funded eye test through Universal Credit
- At your appointment, confirm your eligibility by showing your UC award letter or your most recent UC statement showing your take-home pay from your last assessment period
- The optician will issue a GOS3 optical voucher with your prescription details if you qualify
- Take the voucher to any participating optician to put toward glasses or contact lenses
If you are not sure whether you qualify, you can complete an HC1 form available at your GP surgery, pharmacy, or NHS website to apply for an HC2 or HC3 certificate. An HC2 certificate covers full help with health costs. An HC3 certificate provides partial help.
If you paid for glasses or an eye test and later find out you were entitled to NHS funding, you can claim a refund using form HC5. Note that for prescription charges specifically, you must ask for form FP57 at the time of paying, as it cannot be issued retrospectively.
Proof of Eligibility
The easiest proof is your latest Universal Credit statement downloaded from your UC online account. It shows your assessment period earnings clearly. Alternatively, your original UC award letter from the DWP confirms you are a UC claimant.
Some opticians, particularly large chains, are familiar with the UC eligibility rules and will help you through the process.
Eye Test Frequency
If you qualify for NHS-funded eye care through Universal Credit, you are entitled to a free eye test every two years. Your optician may recommend more frequent tests if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma, or if you are over 70.
Other Routes to Free or Low-Cost Glasses
If you do not meet the UC earnings thresholds, you may still be eligible for a free eye test and optical voucher through another qualifying criterion:
- You are under 16
- You are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- You are 60 or over
- You are diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- You are a close relative of someone with glaucoma and are aged 40 or over
- You receive Income Support, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA
- You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- You hold a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate from the NHS Low Income Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Universal Credit claimants get free glasses?
Yes, if your earnings in your last UC assessment period were within the qualifying thresholds. The thresholds are £435 or less for claimants without children or limited capability for work, and £935 or less if you have a child element or limited capability for work.
How much is the NHS optical voucher worth?
The voucher value ranges from £42.40 to £233.56 depending on your prescription strength. Higher prescriptions attract higher voucher values.
Do I need to use the NHS voucher at the optician who tested me?
No. You can use your NHS optical voucher at any optician that accepts NHS vouchers. Ask the optician who tested you to give you the GOS3 voucher form with your prescription, and take it elsewhere if you prefer.
Can I get free glasses if I work but receive Universal Credit?
It depends on your earnings. If your take-home pay in your last assessment period was £435 or less (or £935 or less if you have a child element or limited capability for work), yes. If your earnings were higher, you do not qualify through UC, but you may qualify through the NHS Low Income Scheme using form HC1.
What if I paid for glasses and then found out I was eligible?
You can claim a refund using form HC5. For prescription charges only, you must request form FP57 at the time of paying, as it cannot be issued later.
Do I get a free eye test as well as free glasses on Universal Credit?
Yes. If you meet the earnings thresholds, you are entitled to both a free NHS eye test and an optical voucher toward glasses or contact lenses.
