LWCRA - am I entitled to free glasses and eye test?

cjk15

thanks for reading.

I’m finding it difficult to understand the NHS page re. Funding and eye vouchers for those claiming benefits.

I get the basic universal credit allowance plus the LWCRA rate on top amounting to £808 each months. I’m really overdue an eye exam and haven’t been in 3 years due to my mental health condition and being afraid I can’t afford whatever I’ll be charged. My last glasses cost over £200 from specsavers and I just dont have this amount free which has put me off going.

can anyone advise if I’ll be entitled to an optical voucher? I don’t mind paying for an eye test but it’s the cost of the glasses that worries me. I feel I’ll become embarrassed when I’m there if I’m not able to afford any. Both of my eyes are 5+ prescription so pretty strong and I really need my eyes retesting as I’m struggling with my current 3 year old glasses.

thank you everyone and have a lovely day.

poppy123456

You will be entitled to it if you or a partner received earnings of £935 or less in your last assessment period. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

cjk15

thanks Poppy. I read that part on the NHS page but it wasn’t within the entitled table and stated below that I can get help with health costs but I though that might be in the form of a HC1 form which I don’t have.

thank you for clarifying

Rachel_Scope

Hi @cjk15.

Welcome to the community 😊 I've found some information here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/ . It explains the eligibility criteria and has some phone numbers to call if you're still unsure.

I wear contact lenses and glasses too and understand how expensive glasses are at the opticians! There are online shops that sell glasses, I've used Glasses Direct before and they were more reasonably priced. I'm sure there are many others that are similar.

Ross1975

I am on LCWRA too and my eye tests are free, I'm able to get free glasses too, only certain ones though.

My contact lenses and contact lense tests I have to pay for though.