Need your eyes tested? Book now, it may be free

BRITONS who have missed their regular eye test during the pandemic a r e bei ng urged to visit their optician – especially as most can get the examination done f o r f r e e o n t he NHS o r through their employer.

One in five Britons have delayed a test over Covid fears, according to a survey carried out by charity Fight for Sight. One in ten have put off booking because of cost, even though most people are entitled to free examinations.

Those entitled to free eye tests on the NHS include anyone aged 60 or over, anyone aged 18 or under in full-time education, many people in receipt of benefits or tax credits, and those with glaucoma or diabetes.

But they are also available to the severely short or long-sighted – with a prescription of less than minus ten or more than ten dioptres – as well as those over 40 with a parent or sibling who suffers from glaucoma, which is common among the elderly.

Anyone who works at a screen for more than an hour a day can ask their employer to pay for their eye test. Employers must al s o pay t owards t he cost of glasses if they are needed exclusively for screen work.

Many of those eligible for a free eye test on the NHS are also entitled to vouchers towards the cost of glasses. The vouchers range in value from £14.60 to £215.50, with the biggest savings for those who need bifocals. You can donate old pairs of glasses to developing countries via the network of Lions Clubs – chilions.org.uk/specs.htm.

For a full list of entitlements, visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/freenhs-eye-tests-and-opticalvouchers/. colin. nicholson@ mailonsunday. co.uk