Get a free eye test through PRSI

The Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is an Irish government system wherein employees and employers contribute a certain amount of money to the ‘Social Insurance Fund’ so that the government can use it to fund several social welfare schemes and pensions. PRSI contributions are calculated based on an individual’s earnings.

The Treatment Benefit Scheme, a government program run by the Department of Social Protection further allows individuals who have made the right amount of PRSI contributions to have access to free or subsidised health services, including optical, dental and oral care and even hearing aids and hair wigs.

Many people in Ireland who are employed and self-employed are eligible for a free eye test PRSI offers once every second calendar year. They can also receive a contribution for one pair each of reading and distance glasses, bifocal or varifocals or contact lenses for optical purposes funded once every two years.

• Eligibility for a free eye test
• How to redeem the free eye test PRSI offers?
• Why regular eye tests are important?

Eligibility for a free eye test

Individuals may qualify for a free eye test if:

• They are paying PRSI contributions (Class A, E, P, H, or S).
• They have enough PRSI contributions. Employees need at least 39 contributions paid or credited in the relevant tax year, while those self-employed must have 5 years (260 weeks) of contributions paid.

How to redeem the free eye test PRSI offers?

Here are a few steps you can take to redeem the free eye test PRSI offers:

1. Check your eligibility – Visit the MyWelfare or DEASP website to check your PRSI contributions and eligibility.
2. Choose an optician – Select an optician registered under the Treatment Benefit Scheme. Many major opticians in Ireland are registered and participate in this scheme.
3. Book your appointment – Inform the optician that you’d like to use your PRSI benefits for a free eye test. They will process the application on your behalf through the Department of Social Protection.
4. Provide Your PPS Number – The optician will need your PPS (Personal Public Service) number to verify your eligibility. Once proven eligible, you can get a standard sight test free of cost.

Why regular eye tests are important?

There are several reasons to get your eyes tested at least once every two years.

• Detect eye problems – They can help in the early detection of eye conditions and vision problems, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
• Detect other health problems – Regular eye tests are also important to identify general health problems besides vision-related issues. Missing them can result in overlooking early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.
• Insight into overall health – A comprehensive eye test can help healthcare professionals provide insight into an individual’s overall health, including brain, heart and kidneys.

There’s no doubt that regular eye tests are essential to safeguard both eye health and overall well-being. Even if it hasn’t reached up to two years, you should get your eyes checked if you suspect any problem with your eyes and you should seek immediate attention from your optician. To buy affordable contact lenses and prescription glasses, look no further than Feel Good Contacts.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eye care professional before purchasing any products. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.