Yes — in most circumstances, you can use your NHS glasses prescription to order glasses online, including at Glasses Store. Your prescription belongs to you once it has been issued, and you are entitled to use it wherever you choose to have your glasses made. This has been the case since the deregulation of the optical market in the UK in 1984.
Here’s everything you need to know about using your NHS prescription online.
Your Prescription Belongs to You
After an NHS or private eye test, your optometrist is required to give you a written copy of your prescription. You do not have to ask for it — though it’s worth checking you’ve been given one at the end of your appointment.
Crucially, you are under no obligation to purchase your glasses from the optician who carried out your eye test. The prescription is your property and can be used at any optical retailer — on the high street or online.
The General Optical Council (GOC) — the body that regulates optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK — confirms that patients have the right to take their prescription to any optical retailer they choose.
What Your NHS Prescription Includes
A standard NHS glasses prescription will include values for:
- SPH (Sphere) — the main correction for short or long sight
- CYL (Cylinder) — correction for astigmatism, if applicable
- Axis — the orientation of any astigmatism correction
- ADD — additional near power if you need reading or varifocal lenses
- The date of issue and the optometrist’s details
One thing you may notice is that Pupillary Distance (PD) is not always included on an NHS prescription. Opticians who issue glasses in-store take this measurement as part of the dispensing process and don’t always write it on the prescription form. If your PD isn’t on your prescription, you’ll need it when ordering online. Our guide to what PD is and why it matters when ordering glasses online explains what it is and how to measure it yourself.
For a complete explanation of every value on your prescription, see our guide on how to read your glasses prescription.
Who Is Entitled to a Free NHS Eye Test?
NHS-funded eye tests are available to people who meet specific eligibility criteria. According to NHS guidance, you are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- Are under 16, or 16–18 and in full-time education
- Are 60 or over
- Are registered blind or partially sighted
- Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- Are 40 or over and have a parent, sibling, or child with glaucoma
- Have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
- Receive certain qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit and Income Support
- Are a prisoner on day release
If you don’t qualify for a free NHS sight test, you can still have a private eye test and use the resulting prescription online. Private eye tests typically cost between £20 and £60.
NHS Optical Vouchers: Can They Be Used Online?
This is an important distinction. Your NHS prescription can be used online — but NHS optical vouchers currently cannot be redeemed with online retailers.
NHS optical vouchers are issued to eligible patients to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses (in addition to the free eye test). They are only redeemable at registered NHS optical dispensing practices in person. The voucher value depends on your prescription — the stronger the prescription, the higher the voucher value. Complex lens vouchers are available for prescriptions of ±10 dioptres or higher.
If you are entitled to an NHS optical voucher, you will need to redeem it at a registered optician in person. However, if you choose to purchase glasses online and pay the full cost yourself, you can still use your NHS prescription to do so.
How Long Is an NHS Prescription Valid?
In most cases in the UK, a glasses prescription is valid for two years from the date of issue for adults. Your optometrist may specify a shorter period if your vision is changing rapidly or if there are specific clinical reasons to review your prescription more frequently. The validity period should be noted on the prescription itself.
If your prescription has expired, you will need a new eye test before ordering. You cannot use an expired prescription to order glasses.
Ordering With Your Prescription at Glasses Store
Glasses Store accepts NHS prescriptions for all orders. You enter your prescription values directly at checkout. All frames are available with single vision, bifocal, or varifocal lenses, and all lenses are glazed in-house.
The full glasses range starts from £10 for frames, with prescription lenses included in the price. Orders placed before 3pm for standard single vision prescriptions are eligible for next day delivery — see the shipping policy for full delivery details.
After placing your order, read our guide on what happens after you order glasses online for an explanation of the production and delivery process.
What If I’ve Lost My Prescription?
If you’ve lost your prescription, contact the optician who carried out your most recent eye test. They are required to retain records of your eye tests and should be able to provide you with a copy of your prescription — though some practices may charge an administrative fee for this.
Information on NHS eye test entitlement and optical vouchers is available at nhs.uk. The General Optical Council regulates optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK and provides information on patient rights regarding optical prescriptions. This article is informational and reflects UK regulations as of 2026 — always check current NHS guidance for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria.
