There are 10 optical voucher values. The value of a voucher ranges from £41.70 to £229.70, depending on the strength of the lenses you need.
If, for clinical reasons, you need tints or prisms in your glasses, the value of the voucher will be higher to reflect this.
If you receive an NHS optical voucher, you're free to take it to any supplier of your choice, provided they accept NHS optical vouchers. They'll ask you to show proof of your entitlement to optical vouchers.
If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than the value of your voucher, you'll have to pay the difference.
Some vouchers cannot be issued if there is no change to your prescription and your current glasses are in good condition.
Voucher values
Voucher A: £41.70
Glasses with single vision lenses:
- with a spherical power of no more than 6 dioptres and a cylindrical power of no more than 2 dioptres
Voucher B: £63.20
Glasses with single vision lenses:
- with a spherical power more than 6 dioptres, but less than 10 dioptres, and a cylindrical power of no more than 6 dioptres
- with a spherical power less than 10 dioptres and a cylindrical power more than 2 dioptres, but no more than 6 dioptres
Voucher C: £92.60
Glasses with single vision lenses:
- with a spherical power of 10 or more dioptres, but no more than 14 dioptres, and a cylindrical power of no more than 6 dioptres
Voucher D: £208.90
Glasses with single vision lenses:
- with a spherical power of more than 14 dioptres with any cylindrical power
- with a cylindrical power of more than 6 dioptres with any spherical power
Voucher E: £71.90
Glasses with bifocal lenses (lenses with 2 distinct optical powers):
- with a spherical power of no more than 6 dioptres, and a cylindrical power of no more than 2 dioptres
Voucher F: £91.20
Glasses with bifocal lenses:
- with a spherical power of more than 6 dioptres, but less than 10 dioptres, and a cylindrical power of no more than 6 dioptres
- with a spherical power of less than 10 dioptres, and a cylindrical power of more than 2 dioptres, but no more than 6 dioptres
Voucher G: £118.50
Glasses with bifocal lenses:
- with a spherical power of 10 or more dioptres, but no more than 14 dioptres, and a cylindrical power of no more than 6 dioptres
Voucher H: £229.70
Glasses with prism-controlled bifocal lenses of any power or with bifocal lenses:
- with a spherical power of more than 14 dioptres with any cylindrical power
- with a cylindrical power of more than 6 dioptres with any spherical power
Voucher I (HES): £214.00
This category covers glasses prescribed by NHS trusts (hospitals) that do not fall under any of the categories A to H.
Voucher J: £60.75
A voucher for contact lenses following a prescription issued by an NHS trust or NHS foundation trust.