Optician Services
Optician Services
If you are having problems with your eyes, visiting an optician is the best place to start.
Optometrists are highly trained to recognise abnormalities and conditions that could be causing your eye problems. They will prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and, if necessary, they will refer you to a GP or a hospital eye clinic for further investigations.
If you are having problems with your eyes, visiting you optician is the best place to start.
Optometrists are highly trained to recognise abnormalities and conditions that could be causing your eye problems. They will prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses, and, if necessary, they will refer you to a GP or a hospital eye clinic for further investigations.
You can find your local opticians by visiting NHS Choices.
You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- are under 16
- are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- are 60 or over
- are registered as partially sighted or blind
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an eye doctor (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 you about your entitlement
You also qualify for a free NHS sight test if you:
- get Income Support
- get Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- get Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- get tax credits and meet the criteria
- get Universal Credit and meet the criteria
- have a low income and are named on a valid NHS HC2 certificate for full help with health costs
Dental Services
Dental Services
Everyone should be able to access good-quality NHS dental services. There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area.
There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area.
Simply find a dental practice that’s convenient for you, whether it’s near your home or work, and phone them to see if there are any appointments available.
Dental practices won’t always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients – you may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.
You can find the most convenient dentist to you via NHS Choices.
If you think you need urgent dental care, try contacting your usual dentist as some practices offer emergency dental slots and will provide care if clinically necessary.
You can also call NHS 111, who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.
Do not contact your GP, as they will not be able to offer urgent or emergency dental care.
Dentistry is one of the few NHS services where you have to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care. The information on this page explains what you may have to pay for your NHS dental treatment.
- Emergency dental treatment – £20.60
This covers emergency care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling. - Band 1 course of treatment – £20.60
This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate. - Band 2 course of treatment – £56.30
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3. - Band 3 course of treatment – £244.30
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other laboratory work.
For more information about charges you can visit NHS Choices.
