Eye Examination (WGOS 1)
WGOS 1 and 2 services are the main NHS optometry services provided by optometry practices from fixed premises and in people’s homes across Wales.
WGOS 1 Overview
This is an eye examination that includes a sight test for glasses and a focus on disease prevention and patients’ well-being. The results help create a personalised Patient Management Plan (PMP) including, where needed, an optical prescription for the patient.
Who is eligible for free WGOS 1 services?
WGOS 1 is available to all patients, regardless of where they reside, providing they meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.
The criteria for free eye tests under WGOS 1 are set by Welsh Government.
Most optometrists can also offer an NHS Wales funded Eye Examination if:
- You’re 16 or under
- You’re a full-time student aged 16,17 or 18
- You’re under 18 and you are a care leaver or are in the care of a Local Authority
- You’re over 60
- You’re on certain benefits or hold a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (Income Support, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Tax Credit, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit and meet the criteria)
- You’re named on a valid HC2W certificate
- You’re named on a valid HC3 (partial help) certificate
- You’re registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired
- You have diabetes
- You have glaucoma or are considered to be at risk of glaucoma by an ophthalmologist
- You are over 40 and are the genetic father, mother, sibling or child of someone with glaucoma
- You are reliant on only one eye for seeing (You are uniocular)
- You are at risk of developing eye disease based on ethnicity (You are 40 years of age or over and self-certify as Asian or Black or you are under 40 years of age and self-certify as Asian or Black with additional risk factors associated with glaucoma or diabetes).
- You are hearing impaired, even with the use of hearing aids
- You have Retinitis Pigmentosa
- You have been prescribed complex lenses under the NHS optical voucher scheme
- If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with the cost of sight tests, glasses and contact lenses through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
- You are a prisoner on leave from prison
- For full eligibility criteria - Get help with NHS eye care costs | GOV.WALES
Contact your local optometry practice if you are unsure of your eligibility.
Patients can get a mobile service at home if they qualify for WGOS 1 and their physical or mental illness or disability makes it impossible or unreasonable for them to get eye care at an optometry practice’s fixed premises.
If you have new eye or vision symptoms, contact your local optometry practice straight away for advice.