HC5(O) Optical Form

Glasses, contact lenses, sight test can be covered by the NHS only if you meet certain criteria.

Find out what is the HC5(O) NHS form to claim for a refund of optical costs. See who can be eligible for a refund, how to get one and much more.

Let's dive in!

HC5(O) optical form

What is a HC5 form?

The H5C form for optical care allows you to claim for NHS optical treatment refund.

You can claim if you are entitled to the Low Income Scheme and have a valid NHS certificate for full or partial help with healthcare costs.

If you wish to claim for another reason than a low income, you can complete the appropriate part in the form and send it together with the full explanation and receipt.

When are you entitled to free NHS sight tests?

Under certain circumstances, you will be eligible for free NHS sight tests such as:

• if you are under 16, between 16 and 18 in full time education or over 60
• if you are partially blind and registered
• if you have been diagnosed with illness affecting sight such as diabete or glaucoma or if you are diagnosed as at risk
• if you are a prisoner
• if you receive allowance such as Income Support, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
• if you are entitled to a NHS certificate for full help on your healthcare costs (HC2 certificate)
• if you are entitled to complex lens voucher as said by a clinic, meaning that your contact lenses are +10/-10 dioptres, or prism-controlled bifocal lenses.
• etc.

When to claim on optical healthcare costs?

You can claim on your optical healthcare costs for treatments related to:

• sight tests
• contact lenses
• glasses.

You can claim for loss or damage made to your contact lenses or glasses, only if this loss or those damages are due to illness. You will need to send an explanation letter to exactly explain the circumstances of the loss/damage.

You need to claim within a limit of 3 months after you paid for your last optical treatment.

Where to send the HC5 Optical Form

You can send your HC5 form properly filled in together with receipts and any evidence needed art the address: NHS Business Services Authority, Help with Health Costs, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6SN.