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Written question asked by Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Ophthalmic Services: Voucher Schemes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to review the value of NHS optical vouchers; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing those values to reflect changes in the cost of spectacles and contact lenses since April 2024.

Answer

National Health Service optical vouchers are primarily targeted at children and individuals on low incomes to help with the cost of glasses and contact lenses. The NHS complex lens voucher is a separate contribution available to eligible individuals with complex prescriptions who do not qualify for a main NHS optical voucher on income grounds.

The value of NHS optical vouchers and associated supplements is kept under annual review as part of the Department’s usual fee-setting process. No decisions have yet been made on voucher values or supplements for 2026/27.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18475
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Costs Voucher schemes Ophthalmic services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk