The National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025
The UK Parliament has passed new legislation amending the National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 2017, specifically applicable to Wales. These regulations will come into effect on 1 April 2025.
Key Changes
The main changes introduced by these regulations include:
- Increased optical vouchers: The value of optical vouchers for people receiving certain benefits (e.g., Income Support, Pension Credit) will be increased from £39.50 to £45.00. This will help reduce the cost of glasses and contact lenses for those who need them.
- Extended eligibility for free eye tests: More people will be eligible for free eye tests under the new regulations. This includes children under 16, students aged 16-18 in full-time education, adults over 60, and people with certain medical conditions.
- Removed charge for low-income individuals: Individuals with a low income and who are not eligible for other exemptions will no longer have to pay for eye examinations.
- New charges for complex lenses: There will be a new charge for complex lenses, such as bifocal and varifocal lenses. This charge will be set at £20.00.
- Clarification of existing charges: The regulations clarify the existing charges for certain types of eye examinations and spectacles.
Background
The original National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Regulations 2017 established charges for eye examinations and spectacles in England and Wales. The Welsh Government has since introduced a number of amendments to these regulations specifically for Wales.
Impact
The new regulations are expected to have a positive impact on people in Wales who need optical services. They will reduce the cost of glasses and contact lenses for those on low incomes, and provide more people with access to free eye tests.
Further Information
For further information, please refer to the following resources:
- The National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025 / Rheoliadau’r Gwasanaeth Iechyd Gwladol (Ffioedd a Thaliadau Optegol) (Diwygio) (Cymru) 2025
- Welsh Government: Optical Charges
The National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025 / Rheoliadau’r Gwasanaeth Iechyd Gwladol (Ffioedd a Thaliadau Optegol) (Diwygio) (Cymru) 2025
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