Optician Discounts and Free Eye Tests for Over-60s
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
Once you are 60 you are entitled to a free NHS sight test, wherever you live in the UK. Glasses are not free on age alone, but several high-street opticians advertise over-60s offers and there is NHS help with the cost for people on certain benefits or a low income.
Free NHS sight tests at 60
The NHS says you qualify for a free NHS sight test if you are aged 60 or over. In Scotland, NHS eye examinations are free for everyone, whatever their age. You can have the test at any optician that provides NHS sight tests, which includes most high-street chains and independents; you do not have to use the same one each time, and you do not have to buy glasses where you were tested.
Other groups also qualify regardless of age, including people with diabetes or glaucoma, people aged 40 or over with a close relative who has glaucoma, and people receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. The full list is on the NHS page on free eye tests and optical vouchers.
How often you are tested is for the optometrist to decide, based on your eyes and general health. Regular tests matter more as we get older, because they can pick up conditions before you notice any change in your sight. If your vision changes suddenly, do not wait for a routine appointment: contact an optician, your GP or NHS 111 straight away.
Help with the cost of glasses
Being over 60 does not, by itself, entitle you to free or reduced-price glasses. An NHS optical voucher towards glasses or contact lenses is available if you:
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or certain other income-related benefits;
- hold a valid HC2 certificate from the NHS Low Income Scheme (an HC3 certificate gives partial help); or
- need certain complex lenses.
The voucher's value depends on the strength of your prescription. If the glasses you choose cost more than the voucher, you pay the difference.
If your income is modest but you do not receive Pension Credit, it is worth applying to the NHS Low Income Scheme, and worth checking whether you should be getting Pension Credit in the first place. See Pension Credit and free prescriptions and eye tests.
Over-60s offers at high-street opticians
The large chains compete hard for older customers, and offers change frequently. Here is what we could and could not confirm from the companies' own websites at the time of writing (November 2026):
| Optician | What we found |
|---|---|
| Boots Opticians | Has a dedicated "offers for over 60s" page, which at our last check described a percentage discount on a complete pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses. Linked to the Boots Advantage Card Over 60s Rewards scheme. Check the page for the current figure. |
| Specsavers | Has a dedicated over-60s offer page for a percentage off glasses from a certain price range upwards. We could not load the UK page to confirm today's percentage or threshold, so ask in store. |
| Other chains and independents | We could not confirm a standing over-60s discount. Many run general promotions such as two pairs for one price, which may be better value anyway. Ask. |
Other ways to pay less for glasses
- Ask for your prescription. After a sight test the optician must give you a copy of your prescription. You are free to take it anywhere.
- Compare at least two quotes. Prices for the same prescription differ widely, mostly because of lens coatings and thinning options.
- Question the extras. Ask what each coating or upgrade does and what the price would be without it.
- Reglaze frames you like. New lenses can often be fitted to your existing frames. Ask whether the optician will do this and at whose risk.
- Online glasses retailers can be much cheaper for simple prescriptions. For varifocals or stronger prescriptions, measurements taken in person are important, so many people prefer a shop. See online shopping for beginners.
- Ready-made reading glasses are inexpensive and fine for many people as a spare pair, but they are not a substitute for a sight test. See reading glasses and magnifiers.
If your sight is getting worse
If glasses no longer give you the vision you need, ask your optometrist or GP about a referral to a low-vision clinic, where magnifiers and other aids may be lent to you. Good lighting at home also makes a marked difference; see lighting for ageing eyes and large print books and puzzles.
How to claim and what to take
- Book a sight test and say you are over 60 and would like an NHS test.
- Take proof of age such as a driving licence, passport or bus pass. You will be asked to sign an NHS form confirming you qualify.
- If you get a qualifying benefit, take your award letter or HC2 certificate so the optical voucher can be issued.
- Take your current glasses and a list of your medicines.
- For a retailer's over-60s offer, mention it before choosing frames, and ask for the total price in writing before you order.
Common questions
Are glasses free for over-60s?
No. The sight test is free at 60, but help with the cost of glasses depends on your benefits, income or prescription, not your age.
Do I have to buy my glasses from the optician who tested my eyes?
No. You are entitled to your prescription and can buy anywhere.
How often can I have a free sight test?
As often as your optometrist judges you need one. They will tell you when to come back.
Is help available with hearing as well?
Yes. NHS hearing aids are available through your GP or local audiology service. See our hearing aids buying guide.
Where are the other discounts?
See the main over-60s discounts guide and what you get at 60.