Get help with your university decisions here! TSR Decisions Drop In 2025

NHS eye tests for gap yearers?

the NHS website says that "under 19s in full time education" receive free eye tests, and a glasses voucher.

I'm 18, but on a gap year...does that mean that I'm not entitled to free eye care? I cant afford new glasses, :frown:

but I am, however taking advantage of Boot's free eye test :redface:

Reply 1

Psyk

I would guess not as you aren't currently in full time education. Will your parents not pay for new glasses?

Reply 2

Juwel

Probably not. There's a rather rigourous definition of full-time education (I think it's 12 hours of your week are spent on a course).

Reply 3

Perfectly_Imperfect

Psyk

I would guess not as you aren't currently in full time education. Will your parents not pay for new glasses?

ahah...no!

I've had no money off my parents since I was 14, when i started working PT.

and thanks for replying :smile:

Reply 4

Psyk

Perfectly_Imperfect

ahah...no!

I've had no money off my parents since I was 14, when i started working PT.

and thanks for replying :smile:

Did you even have to pay for your own food?! Glasses are quite essential really if you need them, so unless you just want ones that look better then I really can't imagine why your parents would refuse to pay for them if you're not in a position to do it yourself..

Reply 5

Perfectly_Imperfect

I'm not paying for my own food....yet!

I'll have to beg my mum to buy me them if I need them, but I'm still not sure if she will, money is a bit tight at the minute :frown:

Reply 6

Psyk

Perfectly_Imperfect

I'm not paying for my own food....yet!

I'll have to beg my mum to buy me them if I need them, but I'm still not sure if she will, money is a bit tight at the minute :frown:

Well fair enough if your parents would struggle to afford them, but it would be harsh of them not to buy them for you if they could easily afford it. Being able to see is pretty important!

If money really is that tight I think there is something you can apply for to give you a discount. Can't remember what it's called but I saw it on a poster in the opticians.