CURRENCY

 

                     Entitlement for Optical Voucher

You can get vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

• are under 16
• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education
• need complex lenses
• are getting, or your partner gets:
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance do not count as they are not income-related)
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate

How to Utlise Optical Voucher

Once you have had your eyetest request the gos 3  voucher from your opticians if you require glasses (this is you entitlement and you are entitled to it) ensure it is filled out correctly as per example below:

Partial help

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you might get some help.

NOTE: If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.

Claiming for help when you go for your treatment

• There is more information about using vouchers on the back of your GOS2 form.
• You may be entitled to a GOS voucher if you have a new or changed prescription, or your glasses need replacing on the grounds of fair wear and tear. Ask for a GOS3 voucher form when you have your sight test, or when you order your glasses or contact lenses. A GOS3 voucher form is valid for two years, but you can only use it if you are still entitled to a voucher for glasses or contact lenses when you order them.
• The optician will ask you to fill in and sign GOS3 when you order your lenses or glasses to say why you are entitled to the voucher and to confirm that you have received your glasses or contact lenses. Show the optician proof of your entitlement to use a voucher.
• If you have a valid HC3 certificate, you can ask for a GOS3 voucher form. Show your HC3 to the optician when you order your glasses or contact lenses and ask if you can get any help towards the cost. Your voucher value will be reduced by the amount shown on your HC3.

You may be asked to show proof of your entitlement to a free sight test or optical voucher. Check the tables on the HC11 form at the NHS Business Services Authority website.

People who have lost or damaged their glasses or contact lenses

If you are under 16, you get a voucher towards the cost of repair or replacement.

If your glasses or contact lenses have been lost or damaged and you pay for replacement or repairs, you will only be considered for a refund if you are entitled to a voucher. But, your Primary Care Trust has to agree that the loss or damage was due to illness before payment can be made.

Ask your optician for Form GOS4 – it tells you what to do.

 How much is your NHS Optical Voucher worth?
The actual value of your NHS Optical Voucher depends on the power of your prescription. This is indicated by a code (A, B, E, or F) written on the front of the GOS3 Optical Voucher form. A box next to this code is ticked if tints or prisms are prescribed by your optometrist.