If you're aged 16 or over, you may be able to get help towards the cost of repairing or replacing your glasses when the breakage or loss is due to illness.
If you're under age 16 or live in Wales, there's no requirement for the breakage or loss to be due to illness.
To apply for this help, you must pay the cost of the repair or replacement at the opticians.
Once this has been paid, you must send us:
- a receipt showing the date the repair or replacement was supplied and the amount paid
- the name and address of the optician who supplied the glasses
- a letter explaining the cause of the breakage or loss
This must be sent to:
Health Exemption Services
NHS Business Services Authority
Bridge House
152 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SN
If you're under age 16, you must:
- Complete an HC5(O).
- Attach your receipt and optical prescription.
- Provide an explanation of why you’re claiming a refund.
- Send it to Primary Care Support England (PCSE).
The paying authority responsible for payment will decide if you're eligible to receive a refund on these grounds.
Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online.