Are You Entitled to a Free Eye Test?

Your sight is one of the most important thingsproblems that could affect us badly in later life.
you possess, which is why it's crucial that you doIf you are on certain benefits, you can also
everything you can to look after your eyes. Likereceive free eye tests, as can your parents - and
going to the dentist, you should also regularlyso can those who are affected by diabetes or
have check-ups for your eyes because youglaucoma. If you are immediately related to
never know when a problem might arise thatsomeone who has glaucoma - the child, brother or
could've been prevented had it been caught earliersister - then you can also receive free eye tests
in its development.once you have reached the age of 40.
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS)In addition to the above, anybody who has an
provides free eye tests to many people thatexemption certificate (HC2) can receive free eye
qualify under a list of requirements. Even if you dotests, as can their partners.
not qualify and have to pay for your eye tests, itFinally, if you need certain complex contact lenses,
is still worth having one.you are eligible to receive free eye tests and
However, we all know how much more appealingshould do so regularly to ensure that your
it is to undertake something if it's free, which iseyesight is always being treated with the correct
why it's so good that the NHS provides freestrength of lens to avoid further damage and
tests for many people. In Scotland, eye tests areallow you the freedom of better sight.
free for everybody courtesy of the NHS,If you undergo an eye test, you may be told that
meaning there is no excuse not to have youryou need glasses. The NHS can help with this,
eyes tested if you live north of the border.again if you qualify, so it's worth finding out if this
In England, children aged 16 and under all qualifyis the case.
for free eye tests, and this age extends to 18 ifOur sight is important and must be looked after
the individual is still in full time education. On theso, if you fall under any of the groups above, a
other end of the scale, free eye tests arefree eye test may help diagnose problems that
available to anybody older than 60, which is usefulhave yet to fully develop meaning that your
as it is around this age that eyesight can weakeneyesight will be better in the future.
significantly and it is imperative to discover any