Since the beginning of April 2006 all UK residents within Scotland qualify for free NHS eye examinations. The arrangements within Scotland allow considerable flexibility according to clinical need and the NHS eye examination no longer is purely a refraction (measurements for prescribing glasses). Therefore many medical eye problems can now be dealt with under the NHS outside the hospital eye department. The current provisions in summary are as follows.

Patients from the age of 16 and less than 60 qualify for an examination every two years unless they fall into one of the following categories where they qualify for a yearly test:-
The patient has glaucoma
The patient is over 40 years old and has a first degree relative with glaucoma
The patient has cataract(s)
The patient has a retinal disease or a macular disease (one affecting the central part of the retina)
The patient has high pressure within the eye
The patient is diabetic
The patient has a neurological disorder affecting any aspect of vision
The patient has one of a number of conidtions grouped under the category of external eye disease. This includes dry eyes (and general medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus which can give rise to dry eyes) and eyelid inflammation which is termed blepharitis

Children under 16 qualify for an examination every year of whom those who have significant optical needs are usually eligible for tests every 6 months. Such optical needs include necessary spectacle correction, squint or a prescription for short-sightedness which is likely to increase.

Patients age 60 or above qualify for an examination every year.

There is flexibility for additional examinations within these periods based on clinical need.