T his grant provision is to contribute towards the cost one pair of prescription spectacles, the cost of contact lenses; or towards the cost of laser and lens surgery. In some circumstances, the trustees will consider applications for two pairs of prescription spectacles if for example, multifocal lenses are not suitable.
Grant Policy - Spectacles and Contact lenses
You must apply for this grant in advance of incurring any costs in purchasing your new spectacles, contact lenses or laser and lens surgery.. Retrospective applications will NOT be considered
Based on the recommendation of your optician, the trustees will consider making:
- A maximum contribution of 100% of the cost of single vision spectacles (includes the frame and lenses) or contact lenses, capped at £150
- A maximum contribution of 100% of the cost of varifocal spectacles (including frame and lenses) or contact lenses capped at £270
The grant allowance does not provide for any lens extras such as transitions, polarised, sunglasses or lens finishes beyond basic lens protection, normally included in the price of the spectacles.
Guidance notes for applicants
If you require two pairs of prescription spectacles i.e., if your optician has advised multifocal spectacles are not suitable, the trustees will consider making a further contribution of up to 100% of the costs of the second set of spectacles capped at £150 for single vision spectacles (i.e. the maximum award you may receive is capped at £300). Supporting evidence from your optician will be required.
A maximum of one application may be made on any change in prescription or provided two years have lapsed. To apply for a spectacle or contact lens grant, you must grant, you must have visited your optician for an eye test no more than four weeks prior to submitting your application.
A copy of your eye test results should be submitted with a completed application form.
Your optician must provide, on letterheaded paper, written confirmation of the cost and detail of the lenses recommended for your prescription and the frame you have chosen. This information should be submitted with the application form.
Applicants should be aware that optical grants are awarded at the discretion of the Trustees.
Grant Policy - Laser Eye and Lens Surgery
The trustees will consider a grant towards the cost of surgery to improve your eyesight, 'refractive surgery' or 'vision correction'.
To apply for a grant, you must have had a consultation with a registered Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon/laser vision specialist and obtained a recommendation in writing, for the appropriate type of surgery for you and the cost of surgery to each eye.
Laser Eye (Refractive) Surgery
Laser Eye Surgery or Laser Vision Correction - (SMILE/Lasik/Lasek including Wavefront). A contribution of 100% of the cost of the Laser Eye Surgery will be considered up to a maximum grant contribution of £1,500 per eye.
Lens Surgery
Lens Surgery - Phakic intraocular lens surgery (PIOL) and Refractive Lens exchange (RLE-Multifocal lens). A contribution of 100% of the cost of Lens surgery will be considered up to a maximum of £2,600 per eye.
Applicants should be aware that optical grants are awarded at the discretion of the Trustees.
Process on receipt of a grant application
You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt of your application normally within one week of receipt.
Applications are sent to the trustees on a weekly basis and a response is usually provided within approximately two/three weeks although you should be aware that at times it may take longer.
Confirmation, in writing, of the outcome of your application, will be sent as soon as a decision is given by the Trustees. If a grant is awarded, details of how to access the grant will be included in the offer letter.
Application forms
You can download the printable application form by clicking this link: Optical Grant Application Form
Return to Apply for a Grant