Why is having a free regular NHS-funded eye examination so important?
Who is eligible to have a free NHS-funded eye examination?
How to find an optometry practice
Why is having a free regular NHS-funded eye examination so important?
It's easy to neglect your eyes because they often don't hurt when there's a problem.
The most important thing you can do to look after your eyes is to have a free regular NHS-funded eye examination at a community optometry practice (opticians), even if you’re not worried about your vision.
The optometrist examining your eyes will check your vision. You may need glasses or contact lenses to see better, prevent eye strain or to reach the legal requirements for driving or other occupations. Some people (including those on a low income, children aged under 16 and those aged 16-18 in qualifying full time education) may be entitled to help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses in the form of a NHS optical voucher.
A NHS eye examination helps detect eye problems and signs of other significant health conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and, in rare cases, brain tumours) before they become more serious. The optometrist can refer you for any further help you need, including to an ophthalmologist in the hospital eye service if clinically appropriate.
Another important reason to have a regular eye examination, particularly as you get older, is to help prevent the risk of falls and thus help maintain your independence. NHS Inform has some useful information on preventing falls, including specific information relating to how looking after your vision and hearing can help with this.
Who is eligible to have a free NHS-funded eye examination?
Free NHS-funded eye examinations are available in Scotland to all UK residents, refugees, asylum seekers and some eligible overseas visitors.
If you’re unable to leave home unaccompanied because of a physical or mental illness or disability, you can arrange to have a home visit from an optometry practice that provides this service.
How to find an optometry practice
A list of community optometry practices that provide free NHS-funded eye examinations (including home visits for eligible people) can be found on NHS Inform.
Where possible, please try and telephone ahead and book an appointment before attending a community optometry practice.
Further information on free NHS-funded eye examinations can be found in the Your Guide To Free NHS Eye Examinations In Scotland leaflet, as well as on NHS Inform.