I believe that if you are in reciept of state benefit you can get help with lenses and frames. Most opticians have a section for you to choose from that are entirely free. Then there is ones you can get if you pay �10,�20�30 extra and so on.
Prescriptions and sight tests are free to people aged 60 and over, . If you get the guarantee part of Pension Credit, you can
get help towards glasses. Even if you don�t get the guarantee credit, you may still get some help towards these costs if you have a low income and no more than �12,000 savings (�8,000 if you are under 60).
You need to fill in form HC1. Ask your optician before paying for treatment.
If you live near to a branch of Asda which has an in-store optician service, you'll find that their staff can give you plenty of advice regarding what's available. (They frequently run promotions aimed specifically at the over-60's).
Yes, in August I went to Asda, and they gave me a free eye-test and some glasses for �45. I wasn't receiving any benefits apart from my pension or the specs would have been much cheaper, and they were extremely helpful