Eye Health

NHS eye tests NHS sight tests check vision and eye health. Some people qualify for free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers, including many children, certain older adults, people on qualifying benefits, and people with some medical conditions. Official link: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/

Vision problems

Common problems include:

• short-sightedness
• long-sightedness
• astigmatism
• blurred vision
• double vision
• dry eyes
• floaters
• flashes
• eye strain

Get urgent help for:

• sudden vision loss
• new flashes or many floaters
• a curtain or shadow over vision
• red eye with reduced vision
• severe eye pain
• chemical injury
• penetrating injury

Cataracts

Cataracts happen when the eye lens becomes cloudy. Symptoms may include blurred vision, glare, faded colours and difficulty driving at night. Treatment may involve cataract surgery.

Official link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/

Glaucoma

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and may not cause symptoms at first. Regular eye tests are important, especially if you are older, have a family history, diabetes, or are at higher risk.

Official link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/

Macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision. Symptoms can include blurred central vision, distorted straight lines, trouble reading, or difficulty recognising faces.

Official link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/

Visual impairment support

Support may include:

• low vision clinic referral
• magnifiers
• screen readers
• large print
• Braille
• audio information
• rehabilitation support
• mobility training
• social care assessment
• registration as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, where eligible

Ask your eye clinic, GP or local council about vision rehabilitation and support.

Children and parents

Children may need an eye check if they:

• squint
• sit very close to screens
• hold books close
• complain of headaches
• struggle with reading
• close one eye
• have poor coordination
• show school or learning difficulties

Parents should keep prescriptions, clinic letters and school evidence if vision affects learning.

Legal rights

You have rights to:

• safe care
• dignity and respect
• clear information
• informed consent
• confidentiality
• access to records
• reasonable adjustments
• complaints and investigation

Key protections include the NHS Constitution, Equality Act 2010, and Accessible Information Standard.

Accessible support

Ask for:

• large print
• Braille
• audio
• Easy Read
• screen-reader-friendly documents
• BSL interpreter
• spoken language interpreter
• longer appointments
• assistance navigating clinics
• carer or advocate involvement

Official link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

Evidence and accountability

Keep:

• eye test results
• prescriptions
• referral letters
• hospital letters
• scan results
• visual field results
• medication list
• symptom diary
• appointment dates
• names of clinicians
• complaint correspondence

If care is delayed or unsafe, contact the optician, GP, eye clinic, hospital PALS, NHS complaints team, or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Official links

• NHS eye test costs and vouchers: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
• Cataracts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/
• Glaucoma: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/
• Macular degeneration: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd/
• NHS 111: https://111.nhs.uk/
• NHS complaints: https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/
• NHS Constitution: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

Best rule: act fast for sudden vision changes, attend regular eye tests, keep records, request accessible formats, and escalate if sight is at risk.