Eye tests are important because they can:

• Detect changes in your vision

• Identify early signs of eye conditions

• Sometimes pick up signs of general health problems (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)

NHS Sight Tests – Who is eligible?

You may be entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

• Are under 16

• Are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education

• Are aged 60 or over

• Receive certain benefits (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit)

• Are registered as partially sighted or blind

• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

• Are aged 40 or over with a close relative with glaucoma

• Have been advised by an eye specialist that you are at risk of glaucoma

If you are unsure, your optometrist can help check if you qualify.

How often should I have an eye test?

Most people should have an eye test every 2 years, but your optometrist may recommend more frequent checks depending on your eye health.

What happens during an eye test?

A sight test is simple and usually takes around 20–30 minutes. The optometrist will:

• Ask about your vision and general health

• Check how well you can see at different distances

• Examine the health of your eyes

• You may also be advised about glasses, contact lenses, or further care if needed.

Optical Vouchers – Help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses

If you are eligible, you may also receive an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost of:

• Glasses

• Contact lenses

The value of the voucher depends on your prescription.

Who can get an optical voucher?

You may qualify if you:

• Receive certain benefits or low-income support

• Are named on a valid HC2 (full help) certificate

Your optician will advise you and apply the voucher directly when you choose your glasses or lenses.

How do I book an eye test?

You can book an appointment directly with your local optician. No GP referral is needed.

When should I seek urgent care instead?

Routine eye care is for regular check-ups. If you have sudden changes in vision, pain, or other urgent symptoms, you should contact an optician offering urgent eye care services. Please see our information on Urgent Care (Acute Community Eyecare Scheme)

What are shared care services?

Shared care services allow you to be seen by a specially trained local optometrist (optician) for certain ongoing eye conditions, instead of always needing to attend hospital.

This means you can:

• Be seen closer to home

• Have shorter waiting times

• Receive care that is safely shared between your hospital eye specialist and optometrist

What services are available?

Cataract Post-Operative Care

If you have had cataract surgery, your follow-up appointment may be carried out by a local optometrist.

At this appointment, the optometrist will:

• Check how well your eye is healing

• Assess your vision

• Look for any signs of complications

If needed, you will be referred back to the hospital eye service.

Repeat Measures (Eye Pressure Checks)

Some patients need repeat checks of their eye pressure (also called intraocular pressure or IOP).

In this service:

• Your optometrist will take repeat measurements

• This helps confirm whether your eye pressure is within a normal range

• The results are shared with the hospital or specialist team if required

Find a participating practice

Stable Ocular Hypertension (OHT) Monitoring

If you have stable ocular hypertension (raised eye pressure without glaucoma), you may be monitored in the community.

Your optometrist will:

• Check your eye pressure

• Monitor your eye health and vision

• Look for any signs of change or progression

If there are any concerns, you will be referred back to the hospital eye service.

Find a participating practice

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring the following to any of the above appointments:

• Your current glasses

• A list of your medications

• Any eye drops you are using

Is there a cost?

These services are provided as part of the NHS, so there is no charge if you have been referred into the scheme. Your optometrist may be equipped to offer adjunctive tests for more detailed examination of the eyes which you can pay extra for if you wish to avail of these.

What is Hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It is generally safe and effective, especially for long-term use, but in rare cases it can affect the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye).

Who needs screening?

Under NHS guidelines, you will usually be invited for screening if:

• You have been taking hydroxychloroquine for 5 years or more, or

• You are at higher risk (for example, high dose, kidney problems, or existing eye disease)

Why do I need eye screening?

Long-term use of hydroxychloroquine can, in some people, lead to a condition called Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. This condition can damage your vision if not detected early.

Eye screening helps to:

• Detect early signs of retinal changes

• Prevent permanent vision loss

• Ensure it is safe for you to continue your medication

Most patients do not develop eye problems, especially with proper monitoring.

What does the screening involve?

Your appointment is painless and typically lasts 30–60 minutes. It may include:

• Vision test – reading letters on a chart

• Retinal scan (OCT) – detailed images of the back of your eye

• Visual field test – checks your central vision

• Retinal photographs – images to monitor any changes over time

Sometimes, drops may be used to widen your pupils (this can temporarily blur your vision).

How often will I be screened?

Usually once a year after 5 years of treatment

More frequently if any abnormalities are detected

Are there any symptoms I should watch for?

Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why screening is important.

What happens if a problem is found?

If early signs of retinal damage are detected:

• Your specialist will review your medication

• You may be advised to stop hydroxychloroquine

• Further monitoring or referral may be arranged

Stopping the medication early usually prevents further damage.

Contact your optician if you notice:

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Difficulty reading

• Changes in central vision

Important things to remember

• Do not stop your medication unless advised by your doctor

• Attend all screening appointments

• Inform your doctor if you have any vision changes