Opticians, including urgent eye problems

Opticians are eye experts. They are your first stop to keep your eyes healthy through regular routine eye tests or if you notice any change in your vision. 

They can also make sure you have the right glasses or contact lenses if you need them. 

Adults should have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if you have certain medical conditions which may affect your eyes, even if you don’t wear glasses. An eye test can help to spot problems or conditions like glaucoma or cataracts earlier. 

Find an NHS sight test

Urgent eye problems 

The Greater Manchester Urgent Eyecare Service can help if you have any of the following problems – avoiding a trip to A&E or your GP! 

• A red or painful eye 
• Something in your eye that won’t come out 
• A sudden change in vision 
• Flashes or things floating across your eyes (not provided by all opticians) 

The service is available throughout the week, and at weekends and evenings at some locations (always call first as this is not a walk-in service).  

You will be able to explain your eye problem to the optician. After that you might be given self-care information, booked in for an appointment, referred to hospital eye services or referred to your GP practice if you need help with other issues. 

Call your local optician to use the service. If they don’t take part in the service, find one that does. 

Help with costs

Some people are entitled to a free NHS sight test or an optical voucher to reduce the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Free NHS sight test

You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

• are under 16
• are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
• are 60 or over
• are registered as partially sighted or blind
• have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
• are a prisoner on leave from prison
• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement
• are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test.

Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)

NHS optical vouchers

You’re entitled to an optical voucher for help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you:

• are under 16
• are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
• are a prisoner on leave from prison
• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – an optician can advise you about your entitlement
• are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)