Whether you regularly wear glasses, opt for contact lenses, or are simply worried about your eyesight, getting an eye test is important — and as a student, more so than you might think. Long nights hunched over a laptop, two-hour lectures straining to see the board, and endless all-nighters all take a toll on your eyes.
We know adding another thing to your life admin list isn't ideal, but prevention beats cure. Once you've settled into university, make it a priority to book an eye test at your local opticians. Your eyes will thank you.
A student budget doesn't stretch far at the best of times, but here's how you may be entitled to free or discounted eye tests.
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Do Students Get Free Eye Tests?
Students can get free eye tests — but only if you're aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education (not including university). Sorry, university-age students.
However, there are exceptions. University students may still be entitled to free NHS eye tests if they have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma.
Do University Students Get Free Eye Tests?
Unfortunately, university students aren't eligible for a free NHS eye test, since the majority are older than 18. If that's you, you'll need to pay in most circumstances — though the discounts listed below can make a real difference.
If you are entitled to any of the following benefits (or you're under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving them), you may qualify for an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost of glasses:
Income Support
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit
Are Eye Tests Free in Scotland?
Yes — eye tests are free in Scotland for all UK residents and for refugees or asylum seekers. You do not need to be on benefits or in full-time education for the exemption to apply.
How Much Does an Eye Test Cost in the UK?
Standard eye test prices vary by provider. Current 2026 prices are:
Specsavers: from £25 for a standard test
Boots Opticians: from £29.95 for a standard test
Vision Express: from £30 for an Advanced Eye Test (includes OCT 3D retinal scan, eye health screening, UV assessment, and dry eye assessment)
NHS Free Eye Tests: Who's Eligible?
You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
Are under 16
Are 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education (excluding university)
Are 60 or over
Are registered as partially sighted or blind
Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
Are 40 or over and a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you're at risk of glaucoma
Are a prisoner on leave from prison
Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician can advise)
What Proof Do You Need for a Free Eye Test?
Reason you qualify | What to show as proof
|
|---|---|
Aged 16, 17, or 18 in full-time education | Passport, student card, or driving licence |
Aged 60 or over | National Insurance number, passport, or driving licence |
Registered as partially sighted or blind | Certificate of registration as partially sighted or blind |
Diagnosed with diabetes | Doctor's name and surgery address |
Diagnosed with glaucoma | Statement confirming glaucoma diagnosis |
At risk of glaucoma (advised by ophthalmologist) | Statement confirming risk of developing glaucoma |
Receiving benefits entitling you to NHS eyecare funding | Entitlement letter stating the benefits you receive |
Partner receiving qualifying benefits | Partner must be married or cohabiting; must provide partner's details and proof of benefit |
Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit | Award notice from the Pension Centre |
Named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate | A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate |
Need for complex lenses | No proof needed — the optician will decide during the eye test |
Where University Students Can Get Free or Discounted Eye Tests
Ace & Tate
Ace & Tate offers a free eye test with any purchase of glasses. Find your nearest branch and book online — a great option if you're already planning to buy new frames.
Specsavers
Specsavers standard eye tests start from £25. They don't offer free eye tests specifically for students, but do offer a 25% student discount on glasses priced £70 and above (including designer styles from £100). Present a valid TOTUM card or other student photo ID at the time of purchase. In-store only; cannot be combined with other promotions.
Vision Express
Vision Express Advanced Eye Tests start from £30. Students get a generous 30% Vision Express student discount on eyewear (or save 30% when you spend £50 or more in-store), plus a free eye test for students. Vision Express also offers 20% off contact lenses.
Boots Opticians
Boots eye tests start from £29.95. They no longer offer free eye tests for students (unless eligible under NHS regulations), but do offer a 10% student discount on prescription glasses and more through Student Beans.
Acuitis Opticians & Hearing Care
Get a free eye test and 2-for-1 on glasses with the Acuitis Opticians student discount.
M&S Opticians
M&S Opticians offer a 20% student discount, plus a free online hearing check — two in one.
Feel Good Contacts
Feel Good Contacts has several student discount tiers on offer:
15% off for new customers (all products)
6% discount for existing customers (all products)
14% discount for new customers (glasses only)
5% discount for existing customers (glasses only)
SmartBuyGlasses
Use a SmartBuyGlasses student discount for 15% off prescription lenses or 10% off frames and lenses.
Rawlings Opticians
15% off all eyewear with a Rawlings Opticians student discount.
Vision Direct
5% student discount for existing customers or 12% for new users, plus a free online trial of the best-selling everclear ELITE contact lenses.
MySpectacles
15% off your online order with a MySpectacles student discount.
Zeelool
12% off online purchases with the Zeelool student discount — a Student Beans exclusive.
Lenstore
£10 off your first purchase as a new customer (minimum £50 spend), or £5 off for existing customers.
Why Should Students Get Regular Eye Tests?
Getting your eyes tested regularly ensures any problems are caught early and corrected. Here's why it's worth making time for:
The correct prescription improves your quality of life — and your ability to study effectively
Eye tests can detect conditions you may not realise you have, including cataracts, glaucoma, and more
Good vision is important for your everyday safety, including driving
You may need your prescription updated to be stronger or weaker
Eyes can't be replaced — catch problems early while you can
Signs Your Eyesight May Be Deteriorating
Some signs of poor eyesight can be subtle. Book an appointment if you notice any of the following:
Objects look blurry or fuzzy
Objects appear to have a halo in bright light
Headaches caused by straining or squinting
Glare when looking at headlights or in bright sunlight
Floaters — dots, lines, or specks that drift across your vision
Double vision
Needing brighter light to read comfortably
Reduced vision when driving
New to university and feeling run down? You might also be dealing with freshers' flu — common in the first few weeks of term and easy to manage once you know what to look for.
Unlock even more with Student Beans
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