You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are under 16, or under 19 in full-time education, aged 60 or over, registered sight impaired, have diabetes or glaucoma, are 40 or over with a close family history of glaucoma, or receive certain benefits. Wales and Northern Ireland have similar rules with some additions.
The NHS recommends a sight test at least every two years, or more often if your optometrist advises it. An eye test checks for conditions such as glaucoma, which cause no symptoms early on.
It is not required, but it is strongly recommended, because it checks your eye health as well as your strength.
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