Cost of Eye Tests for Home Educated 16+

England

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/1546.aspx

At the time of writing in April 2022 this page has a link to form HC11 (version 17) if you scroll down.

"Children under 16, and young people aged 16, 17 and 18 in full-time education* get free NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment for any course of treatment that starts before your 18th birthday or, if you are in full-time education, your 19th birthday, NHS sight tests, NHS wigs and fabric supports. You also: Get help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, May get help towards the cost of repair or replacement of glasses or contact lenses, May get help with travel costs for NHS treatment.

*Full-time education means you must be receiving full-time instruction at a recognised educational establishment, or another setting similar to a school, college or university (for example, home education). If you are not in full-time education, you still may be able to claim for help with health costs if you have a low income."

"Response from NHS to recent query 16+ home ed on Facebook Group for NHS Help with Health Costs: "As you are still receiving child benefit, showing proof of the benefit alone will be enough for you to obtain the help with health costs. If the optician has any further queries please ask them to contact us on 0300 330 1343"

The Association of Optometrists will advise members in England on making accurate claims (When this information was publicly available for England, it was accurate. It is now members-only and cannot easily be checked

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Specsavers chain is the most likely not to be aware of the law.

Wales

When the AOP information for Wales was publicly available, it was incorrect. It is not possible to check now without being a member.

For the CORRECT information for Wales, please see the NHS page and this letter from the Health Minister (text below)

From Mark Drakeford, Minister for Health and Social Services, Welsh Government, November 2014: "Guidance on eligibility for free NHS sight tests for this category of persons has been updated. The Welsh Government has recognised that elective home education for persons aged 16,17 or 18 is comparable to a school, college or university, solely for the purpose of sight testing and optical vouchers. Accordingly, persons in this category who are educated from home are entitled to a free NHS sight test and, if necessary, optical vouchers for help towards the cost of glasses. A person wishing to claim a free eye test under these criteria is required to provide proof of date of birth or child benefit award notice to the treating optometrist. The optometrist ought to accept proof of evidence and declaration of home education in good faith and provide the service. A copy of the guidance sent to the Optometrists and Opthalmic Medical Practitioners can be found at http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/docmetadata.cfm?orgid=735&id=246420"