Eye tests are important, you only get one pair in your lifetime!

Did you know you can get free student eye tests in selected stores (and on the NHS)? We’re going to show you how and where to get free eye tests, student discounts at the opticians and information on why getting your eyes tested regularly is super important.

Can students get free eye tests?

At what age do you get a free eye test, you might be wondering? You must be aged 16, 17 or 18 and be in full-time education by the NHS. There are some exceptions, though…

Do uni students get free eye tests?

Students who attend University, unfortunately, can’t get a free eye test under the NHS and therefore have to pay for it.

Places uni students can get a free eye test

Places like Tesco, Boots and Specsavers used to offer free student eye tests, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case anymore. 

So, do students get free eye tests anywhere anymore? Below are other places to get free student eye tests, get low-cost eye tests or discounts on eyewear if you’re a student.

Ace & Tate FREE student eye test

Ace & Tate offers free eye tests for students. Plus, we do an exclusive Ace & Tate student discount, where you can get a £10 voucher when you spend £100 or more on prescription glasses. Check out these Ace & Tate locations to find your local branch and book an eye test.

Specsavers student eye tests

A Specsavers eye test costs anywhere between £20-£25. Unfortunately, Specsavers free eye test for students doesn’t exist anymore either. However, you can get a Specsavers student discount on glasses.   

NHS student eye tests

The NHS offers vouchers towards your eye tests and eyewear under certain conditions.

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

• Are under 16
• Are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (excluding university)
• 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).

Boots opticians student eye tests

Boots also no longer offer free eye tests (unless eligible under NHS regulations), but they do offer a generous Boots opticians student discount at 10% off prescription glasses and more.

Optical Express student eye test

We offer an exclusive Optical Express student discount to get you guys the best deal from this reputable optical service. Get 15% off when you shop online.

Acuitis Opticians & Hearing Care

Get a free eye test and 2 for 1 on glasses with our Acuitis Opticians student discount.

Rawlings Opticians

Get a 15% Rawlings Opticians student discount on all eyewear.

Lenstore student eye test

Get a free eye test and contact lens check-up when you use our Lenstore student discount.

What is the cost of an eye test in the UK?

The typical price for an eye test is between £20-£25, depending on whether you use local opticians or a larger chain. In fact, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fees for sight tests will increase from £21.71 to £22.14.

Are eye tests free in Scotland?

If you are a UK resident, you can get a free NHS eye examination in Scotland.

These eye checks are different from those you may have had in other parts of the UK. It is not just to test your sight, it’s a more thorough examination to check the health of your eyes, and to look for signs of other health problems. It means that any problems you have with your eyes can be found before they become more serious.

However, there are certain types of eye examinations that incur a fee. Check out the NHS guide to eye examinations in Scotland for more information.

Do students pay for glasses?

If you’re between 16-18 years old and in full-time education (excluding university), then you’re eligible for a free NHS optical voucher to use towards the cost of a pair of glasses, meaning free glasses for students (in some cases. No pun intended!).

You are also entitled to an NHS optical voucher if you:

• Are under 16
• Are a prisoner or on leave from prison
• Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
• Complex lens vouchers are offered by the NHS for those who have lenses of -10/+10 dioptres or more, or prism-controlled bifocal lenses. These vouchers are worth £14.90 for single vision lenses and £38.15 for bifocal lenses
• Students over 18 can also get an HC1 form used to assess their income and based on this, may be entitled to a free sight test and even help towards the cost of glasses. You can get an HC1 form from an optician or pharmacy.

Obviously, being a student means being on a tight budget, so take advantage of student discounts and free services such as free eye tests where possible.

How often can I have a free NHS sight test?

It’s recommended that you get an eye test every 2 years. This includes free student eye tests too. However, if you’re especially concerned about your eye health, you should contact your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist so they can assess if earlier appointments are necessary. Keep in mind that you may need to pay for these appointments.

Reasons to get an eye test

Getting your eyes tested regularly can ensure any problems are caught early and corrected. Here’s a whole list of reasons to regularly get your eyes tested:

• Having the correct prescription for your eyes can help improve quality of life
• They can detect conditions you may not realise you have, such as cataracts, glaucoma and more
• Good vision ensures your safety in everyday life
• Check if your current prescription needs updating to be stronger or weaker
• To check if you meet the legal requirements to drive or operate other vehicles
• Eyes can’t be replaced!

We hope this has given you all the information you need about eye tests as a student and eyewear. Sign up to Student Beans to redeem our free eye test offers or get discounts on eyewear.