created by NHS published on 23 October 2026

This is a fully funded NHS service for eligible pupils in participating Special Educational Settings, but consent is required before a sight test can take place.

The NHS In-School Sight Testing Service is now available in participating special educational settings across London. It provides specialist sight testing in a familiar environment, helping reduce barriers to eye care.

Parents/carers and pupils need to opt in before a sight test can take place. If your child's school is participating, please look out for the consent information and respond promptly if you would like them to receive the service.

Please share this message with other families and contact your child's school if you need further information or help with the consent process.

Parent and pupil frequently asked questions:

What is the NHS In-School Sight Testing Service?

It is an NHS service that provides sight tests for children and young people in participating special educational settings. The eye care team has specialist experience and training to support children and young people with SEND.

Why is having a sight test important?

Vision difficulties can sometimes be hard to recognise and may affect learning, communication, participation, independence and wellbeing. A sight test can identify eye health or vision needs and help make sure the right support is put in place.

Where will the sight test take place?

The test will take place at the participating special school, in a familiar environment with the aim of minimising disruption to the pupil's usual school day.

Who can use the service?

Children and young people attending participating special educational settings can be offered an NHS sight test. The school will let families and pupils know when the service is available locally.

How often will a sight test be offered?

The service normally offers an annual NHS sight test, unless the eye care professional advises that a different interval is clinically appropriate.

Does my child automatically receive a sight test?

No. This is an opt-in service. Consent is required to receive the sight test.

Who can give consent?

Where the pupil is able to give their own consent, they can do so. Where a child or young person is unable to give consent, consent must be obtained from an appropriate person authorised to give it, such as a parent, guardian or other adult with care of the child. The school or eye care team can explain the consent process if you are unsure.

What do I need to do to opt in?

Look out for the consent information provided through the school. Complete and return the information requested as soon as possible if you or your child would like to take part. If you have not received it, please contact the school.

Can a parent or carer attend the sight test?

Yes. Parents and carers can attend if they wish to do so. Please speak to the school about local arrangements.

What happens during the sight test?

A qualified eye care professional will assess the pupil's sight and eye health using approaches appropriate to their individual needs. The service is designed for children and young people with SEND and is delivered in the familiar school environment.

What happens after the sight test?

The pupil will receive a written eye health and vision outcome report. Information can also be shared with relevant people involved in the pupil's care and education where the required consent has been given. If further assessment or treatment is needed, the eye care team can arrange or recommend an appropriate referral.

What if glasses are needed?

Where corrective lenses are clinically required, the service can support access to spectacles. Pupils can be offered a choice of suitable frames, with NHS financial support applying in line with the standard NHS offer. The eye care team will explain the options available.

Does the service cost families or the school?

The sight-testing service is NHS funded. Where glasses are required, NHS support is available in line with the standard NHS offer; the eye care team can explain the options and any choices that may involve an additional payment.

What if my child already wears glasses or sees an eye specialist?

Please provide relevant information on the consent form or tell the eye care team. The service can take existing eye care into account, and where appropriate the outcome report and referrals can help support continuity of care.

What if my child finds eye tests difficult?

The service is specifically designed for children and young people in special educational settings. Eye care professionals are required to have appropriate experience and training in supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Speak to the school about any adjustments, communication needs or approaches that may help your child.

Who will receive information about the results?

The pupil will receive a written report and, for a child, it will also be provided to the appropriate parent, guardian or adult with care of the child. Sharing with the school or relevant healthcare professionals is subject to the applicable consent arrangements.

Who should I contact if I have questions or need help with the consent process?

Please contact your child's school in the first instance. The school can help with the information provided for the service and explain how to contact the eye care team where needed.