If you paid for a sight test, glasses, or contact lenses before finding out you were entitled, you may be able to claim a refund.
Refunds must be claimed within 3 months of the date you made payment.
If the claim is outside the 3 months, you must include an explanation for why the claim is late. Not knowing you could claim is not an accepted reason.
If you're paying optical charges in instalments, you can claim a refund after you've paid the value of your optical voucher. Speak to your optician if you do not know the value of your optical voucher.
If you're under age 16, you must speak to your optician to claim a refund.
Follow the guidance for if you live in:
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.
England
Download and complete an HC5(O) form.
You must include your receipts and optical prescription.
To claim a refund of optical charges paid online, send the payment invoice with your HC5 and optical prescription.
You can send the form to us by email at hc5refundquery@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or by post to:
Health Exemption Services
NHS Business Services Authority
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
If you receive a War Pension payment or an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payment, you must send the form by post to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. The address is shown on the HC5(O) form.
It takes up to 8 weeks from the date your application is received for your refund to be paid.
Scotland
Download, print and return an HC5 refund form with your original receipt and optical prescription.
The HC5 form tells you where to send it.
To claim a refund of optical charges paid online, print and send the payment invoice with your HC5 and optical prescription.
If you cannot print this form, contact Practitioner Services on 0131 275 6386.
Wales
Order an HC5 by calling 0345 603 1108.
The HC5 form tells you where to send it.
You cannot claim a refund of glasses or contact lenses bought online.
Northern Ireland
Complete an HC5 form.
You can get the form in person from your Social Security Office or Job and Benefits Office.
The HC5 form tells you where to send it.