The expert has highlighted seven little-known ways people could save(Image: Getty)
With the autumn budget announcing an increase to the National Living Wage by 3.9% to £13.21 per hour, a health expert is urging Brits to check their eligibility for several savings and allowances. They say many people could be saving hundreds of pounds spent every year on glasses, contacts and eye health.
Krina Halai, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts is urging people to check eligibility for £3,250 allowance and NHS vouchers. She said: "With the cost-of-living stretching people's finances further than ever, it's important families are aware of the support that is available to them."
She added: "If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can speak to your optician who will be able to explain the options available as per your individual circumstances." Below is a run-down of everything you need to know.
Krina says: “People living with sight loss could be entitled to the Blind Person's Allowance – an added tax-free allowance to the yearly Personal Allowance, for those registered and certified as severely sight impaired (SSI). Instead of being an outright £3,250 payment, the allowance increases the amount of income you can receive before paying Income Tax, from which you could potentially transfer the unused portion to a spouse.
"To qualify in England and Wales, you must have a valid certificate that acknowledges you're blind or severely sight impaired completed by a consultant ophthalmologist. A similar certification process is applicable for those living in Scotland and Northern Ireland."
People who are working can still apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme
Krina says: “Before paying full price for your next pair of glasses, it’s worth checking whether you’re entitled to NHS help. Depending on your circumstances and prescription, you could receive an optical voucher worth anywhere between £42.50 to £233.56 towards glasses.
“Children and some young people in full-time education can qualify, while those on the NHS Low Income Scheme may receive partial or full help along with the cost of prescription glasses or contact lenses."
You can apply even if you’re working and earning a salary, so don’t assume you’re not eligible, as both full and partial help can be given depending on the criteria. Krina says: "To apply, your total savings can't exceed more than £16,000, however, it's useful to know that any help you're entitled to is also available to your partner and dependent children.
"If rising costs are making eye care harder to afford, then it's definitely worth checking if you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme, as you may be granted full or partial help depending on your circumstances."
If you've recently paid for an eye test, glasses or contact lenses, don't assume it's too late to be able to get help with the cost. Krina says: "If you find out later that you were entitled to NHS support after you’ve paid, then you may be able to claim some or all of the cost back.
"There's a three-month time limit from the date you paid, so it's worth checking your eligibility sooner rather than later and keeping hold of any receipts."
Those who have already paid for eligible eye care may have just three months to claim costs back
Krina says: “If you have been formally diagnosed with glaucoma, you could be entitled to a free NHS sight test. If you're aged 40 or over and have immediate-family history of glaucoma, then you can also qualify., You may also be entitled if an ophthalmologist has advised you that you're at risk of developing the condition."
Krina says: “Children's glasses can very easily get lost or damaged, particularly at school or while playing sports, but parents shouldn't automatically assume that they have to pay the full replacement costs themselves. Those under 16 may be entitled to an NHS optical repair or replacement voucher towards glasses or contact lenses that have been lost or damaged.
"There are conditions attached, including whether the glasses are already covered by a warranty or insurance policy, so parents should check before buying a replacement."
Krina says: “People with high or complex prescriptions might be eligible for added NHS support even if they don't qualify for any of the other schemes. The NHS complex lens voucher is available to those who need complex lenses, including prescriptions of +10/–10 dioptres or more.
"The vouchers are currently worth £15.81 towards single-vision lenses and £40.57 towards bifocal lenses. While it may not cover the entire cost of your glasses, it is worth speaking to your optician to check if you meet the criteria." For more information on the eye care support available, please visit: https://www.feelgoodcontacts.com/eye-care-hub
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