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Eyesight: Testing

Asked by Mr James FrithLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 2 February 2026UIN 107115

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will consider extending NHS sight test eligibility criteria by listing learning disability as a risk factor.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock

Whilst adults with a learning disability do not automatically qualify for free National Health Service sight tests, they may qualify under other categories of exemption, for example being in receipt of income-related benefits or through the NHS low-income scheme.

To support children and young people with learning disabilities, free NHS sight tests are available within special educational settings across England, that choose to host a service.

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