GPs, Opticians & Dentists
Use the contacts on the right to find a doctor (GP), optician or dentist - or use the local telephone directory.
Doctors
If you're under 16, you can only make decisions about your own health care if the doctors think you're capable of understanding what's involved in making those decisions. However, doctors have to keep what you tell them confidential except in extreme cases.
GP and hospital services are free to everyone.
Prescription medicines are free for:
- everyone under 16
- full time students up to the age of 19
- people on income support
- pregnant women (and for a year after your baby is born)
Dentists
Many dentists only accept private patients – you may have to search quite hard to find a practice which takes NHS patients.
You should visit a dentist once every six months for a check up or sooner if you have a problem.
Dental health treatment for NHS patients is free for:
- everyone under 18
- full time students up to the age of 19
- people on income support
- pregnant women (and for a year after your baby is born)
Opticians
You should get regular eye tests and immediately if you think you have a problem.
Eye tests are free for:
- everyone under 16
- full time students up to the age of 19
- people on income support
- pregnant women (and for a year after your baby is born)
If you do need glasses the optician will give you a prescription. You don't need to buy your glasses/contact lenses from the optician that tested you, so shop around for the best deal.
