Access to GPs (General Practioner), Dental and Opticians Services

In the UK, if you are sick or experiencing a health problem that is not an emergency, your first step is to go and see your local doctor.

To find your nearest GP, Dentist, Pharmacist, Optician, NHS walk-in centre or hospital please Click Here.   

General Practioner These doctors are also known as a GP (General Practitioner). Your GP is responsible for dealing with the health concerns and problems of the people within the local community. Your GP can also give vaccinations and carry out basic surgical operations if necessary.   If your GP is not able to deal with your health problem or concern, they will refer you to a consultant or to a hospital for tests or treatment.

Every UK citizen is entitled to be registered with a local GP. Visits to the surgery are free. Click Here to find your nearest doctor’s surgery.

If your doctor writes a prescription for some medicine for you, you need to take the prescription to a chemist (pharmacist) who will give the prescribed medicine to you. There is a charge of £6.30 for each prescription. (In some cases you will not have to pay prescription charges, but certain criteria need to be met). For more information regarding NHS charges and eligibility for free treatment, please Click Here.

Dentists If you are experiencing problems with your teeth or want to go for a check up or have your teeth cleaned, you need to go and see the dentist. Your dentist will carry out a check up and carry out any necessary treatment such as fillings, removing teeth or fitting bridges and dentures. Dental treatment is not free for everyone. Dental practices can take private and NHS patients and most practices take a mixture of both.

You will not have to pay for your treatment if you meet a certain number of criteria, but you need to check if your surgery offers NHS treatment as some surgeries will only take private patients.

If you are not eligible for free NHS dental treatment or help with the cost, you will have to pay 80% of the cost of the treatment up to a maximum of £372.00 per course of dental treatment. NHS charges are fixed but private charges can vary. Your dentist will advise you on whether or not they will treat you as an NHS or private patient.

Click Here for more information about dental treatment in the UK and Click Here for more information from the British Dental Health Foundation. GPs and dentists are managed by Primary Care Trusts. These organisations are responsible for ensuring that health and social care services are effectively provided.

Opticians As with dental treatment, some people are entitled to NHS help in paying for eye examinations, glasses or contact lenses. Boots Opticians outlets have leaflets containing information regarding the entitlement of NHS treatment. Click Here for more information about opticians in the UK.