NHS OPTICAL VOUCHERS
Help With the Cost of Your Glasses
The NHS provides optical vouchers to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses for those who qualify. Vouchers can be worth up to £215.50 – significantly reducing or even covering the full cost of your new glasses. Here’s everything you need to know about claiming yours
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Get an NHS Voucher?
You may be entitled to an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you fall into one of the categories below.
You Qualify If You Are:
Under 16 years old
Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
A prisoner on leave from prison
Receiving Income Support
Receiving Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Receiving Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Receiving Universal Credit (and meet criteria)
Named on a valid NHS HC2 certificate (full help)
You May Get Partial Help If:
You’re named on a valid NHS HC3 certificate (partial help based on income)
You have a complex prescription needing tinted or specialist lenses (clinical reasons)
You are a hospital eye service patient needing complex lens prescriptions
You qualify for repair or replacement vouchers (GOS4) due to wear and tear or breakage
HOW MUCH YOU GET
NHS Voucher Values
The voucher value depends on the strength of your prescription. Stronger prescriptions get higher value vouchers. Here are the current 2026 rates.
Voucher A
£42.40
For prescriptions under +/- 6 dioptres
Voucher B
£64.20
For prescriptions +/- 6 to 9.99 dioptres
Voucher C
£94.20
For prescriptions +/- 10 dioptres or more
Higher value vouchers are also available for complex lenses, prisms, tints and small frames. Vouchers can be used at any optician or online retailer that accepts NHS vouchers – including most major UK retailers.
HOW TO CLAIM
Getting Your NHS Voucher
Claiming an NHS optical voucher is straightforward. Here’s how it works in three simple steps.
1
Get an Eye Test
Visit any NHS registered optician for an eye test. If you’re eligible for help with costs, your eye test will be free. The optician will give you a signed prescription and a GOS3 voucher form to use towards your glasses or contact lenses.
2
Choose Your Glasses
Compare prices using GlassesCompared to find the best deal. Most major UK retailers accept NHS vouchers – both online and on the high street. Your voucher covers part or all of the cost depending on your prescription.
3
Use Your Voucher
Take your GOS3 voucher form to any optician or eyewear retailer that accepts NHS vouchers. You’ll sign the form when you order your glasses and again when you receive them. The retailer claims the value back from the NHS – you only pay any difference if your glasses cost more than your voucher value.
GOT QUESTIONS?
NHS Voucher FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for an NHS voucher?
The simplest way is to ask your optician – they can check your eligibility during your eye test. You can also check online at the NHS website by searching “NHS Help with Health Costs” or by completing an HC1 form (available from your optician, GP, or Jobcentre Plus). If you receive certain benefits or have a low income, you’re likely to qualify for full or partial help.
Where can I use my NHS voucher?
You can use your GOS3 voucher at any optician or eyewear retailer that accepts NHS vouchers. This includes most major UK chains like Specsavers, Vision Express, Boots Opticians, and Glasses Direct, as well as many independent opticians and online retailers. Always check before ordering, the retailer will confirm whether they accept NHS vouchers.
How long is my NHS voucher valid for?
A GOS3 voucher form is valid for two years from the date of your eye test. However, you can only use it if you’re still entitled to a voucher when you place your order. If your circumstances change (for example, you’re no longer receiving a qualifying benefit), the voucher may no longer be valid.
What if my glasses cost more than my voucher value?
You only pay the difference between the voucher value and the cost of your glasses. For example, if your voucher is worth £64.20 and your glasses cost £100, you’d pay £35.80. Many retailers – particularly online, have ranges where the full price is covered by the voucher, meaning you pay nothing.
Can I use my voucher for sunglasses or contact lenses?
NHS vouchers can be used for prescription sunglasses (where tinted lenses are clinically necessary) and prescription contact lenses. The voucher value is the same whether you choose glasses or contact lenses. You cannot use a GOS3 voucher for non-prescription sunglasses or cosmetic contact lenses.
What happens if I lose or break my glasses?
You may be eligible for a GOS4 repair or replacement voucher if your glasses are lost, broken, or damaged. The criteria are stricter than for new glasses – usually the loss or damage must be due to illness or fair wear and tear, not just accidental damage. Speak to your optician for advice on whether you qualify.
READY TO COMPARE?
Find Glasses That Accept NHS Vouchers
Got your GOS3 voucher in hand? Use GlassesCompared to find the best deal from UK retailers that accept NHS optical vouchers – and stretch your voucher value as far as it will go.