Forum : Pregnancy

No you don't get a free eye test when pregnant I went for an eye test about two months ago and was told I had to pay still even though am pregnant. You get free dental care and free prescriptions but not free eye care!!!!

You would think you could wouldn't you. I asked when I was pregnant as all NHS stuff is supposed to be free and they said eye tests weren't. So basically only the NHS prescriptions they can't make too much money on are free while maternity exempt. I noticed when I went to the dentist I didnt need any fillings replaced, the first time in about 7 years. Could this be because I didn't have to pay on this visit?!

No unfortunatly not, i tried, but it isn't covered, you only get free perscriptions and dental care ( providing you can find an NHS dentist ) xxx

Now I could be worng here but I am pretty sure that you get free eye tests anyway through the nhs, something changed in the law about 1 1/2 ago. I use duncan and todd and as I have sensitive eyes need to get my eyes tested every year instead of the normal 2 yearly and I never have to pay I got one just in february and didnt pay anything at all, I do have to pay for contact lense checks but not eye tests. hope this helps!
Dianne x

Hi there!
I had an eye test in Feburary and i had it free!! I only had to show them my excemption certificate which they made a not of and i am now entitled to free eye care until the baby turns 1, i still had to pay towards my glasses but they paid towards them aswell! I dont know if its because i go to an independent optician, or if its different ruling in wales where i am still registered with the optician, but they never even queried it! Hope this is of some help! xxx

If you work with computers, you are entitled to get your employer to pay for you eye tests - pregnant or not.

Hi!
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I know this thread is from a few years ago but I want to add that YES you may be entitled to a free eye test while pregnant. If you are on benefits you can have a free eye test under NHS even if your last test was less than 2 years ago. The information is nowhere on direct.gov or NHS website but your optician should know about it. I just had a full, long check up and it didn't cost me a penny even though my last test was 12 months ago.