Independent guide. Not affiliated with any optician chain. Not medical advice.

How Much Is an Eye Test in the UK?

Updated 30 March 2026

Millions of people in the UK qualify for a free NHS eye test and do not realise it. If you are over 60, under 16, on certain benefits, or have diabetes or glaucoma risk, you pay nothing. For everyone else, a private eye test costs between £20 and £35 at most high street opticians.

£0

NHS (if eligible)

Over 60, under 16, benefits, diabetes, glaucoma risk

£25

Specsavers

Standard sight test at most branches

£25-35

Boots Opticians

Standard to enhanced with OCT scan

Quick Answer

A standard eye test costs £25 at Specsavers, £25-35 at Boots, and £30 at Vision Express. But around 12 million people in the UK are entitled to a free NHS eye test. Use the checker below to see if you qualify.

Eye Test Prices by Provider

What you will pay at each major UK optician for a standard test, enhanced test, and contact lens check.

ProviderStandard TestEnhanced TestContact Lens CheckNotes
Specsavers£25£35 (inc. OCT)£15-20Largest UK chain. Often run free test promotions.
Boots Opticians£25-35£45-55 (inc. OCT)£20-30Advantage Card discounts. Enhanced test recommended for over 40s.
Vision Express£30£40-50 (inc. OCT)£20-25Part of the EssilorLuxottica group.
Asda Opticians£20-25Not available everywhere£15-20Often cheapest on the high street. Limited locations.
Optical ExpressFree (with purchase)£50+ (inc. OCT/topography)From £20Free test but focused on upselling laser/lens surgery.
Independent optician£25-50£40-80£20-40Prices vary. Often more time per appointment and specialist expertise.

NHS Eye Test Eligibility Checker

Enter your details to find out if you qualify for a free NHS eye test and what you would pay privately.

You probably need to pay for a private eye test

£25-35

Typical private eye test cost

Every 2 years

Recommended test frequency

This is a guide only. Your optician will confirm NHS eligibility at your appointment. Some additional groups qualify, including prisoners, people on the NHS complex lens voucher scheme, and those diagnosed with certain conditions.

NHS Free Eye Test Eligibility

Complete list of groups entitled to a free NHS-funded sight test in England.

GroupFree NHS Test?Recommended Frequency
Children under 16YesAnnually recommended
16-18 in full-time educationYesEvery 2 years
Adults 60 and overYesEvery 2 years (annually if 70+)
Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)YesAnnually
Glaucoma diagnosedYesAs directed by specialist
Aged 40+ with close relative with glaucomaYesAnnually
Registered blind or partially sightedYesAs needed
Receiving Income Support / income-based JSAYesEvery 2 years
Receiving income-related ESAYesEvery 2 years
Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee CreditYesEvery 2 years
Receiving Universal Credit (earnings threshold)YesEvery 2 years
NHS Tax Credit Certificate (HC2/HC3)YesEvery 2 years
Working adults under 60, no conditions, no benefitsNoEvery 2 years (self-funded)

In Scotland, all residents are entitled to a free NHS eye test regardless of age or circumstances. In Wales, free NHS eye tests are available for people under 25 and over 60 (extended from the England criteria). Northern Ireland provides free NHS eye tests for all residents.

What Happens During an Eye Test?

Standard Eye Test (20-30 mins)

  • History and symptoms discussion
  • Visual acuity test (reading letter chart)
  • Refraction (finding your prescription with trial lenses)
  • Eye muscle movement assessment
  • Slit lamp examination (front of the eye)
  • Ophthalmoscopy (back of the eye / retina)
  • Intraocular pressure check (glaucoma screening)
  • Visual field screening if indicated

Enhanced Eye Test (30-45 mins)

  • Everything in the standard test, plus:
  • OCT scan (3D cross-section image of your retina)
  • Wide-field retinal photography
  • Detailed macular health assessment
  • Optic nerve head analysis
  • Early detection of conditions not visible with standard tests
  • Digital record for comparison at future appointments
  • Costs £15-30 extra on top of the standard test

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an eye test cost at Specsavers?
A standard eye test at Specsavers costs £25. This includes a full sight test with an optometrist, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. They often run promotions offering free eye tests when you buy glasses. If you are eligible for an NHS-funded test, there is no charge.
How much is an eye test at Boots Opticians?
A standard eye test at Boots Opticians costs £25 to £35 depending on your local branch. Their enhanced eye test, which includes OCT (optical coherence tomography) retinal scanning, costs around £45 to £55. Boots Advantage Card members sometimes receive discounts or free standard tests during promotional periods.
Who gets a free NHS eye test?
You qualify for a free NHS-funded eye test if you are: under 16, aged 16-18 in full-time education, 60 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, aged 40 or over with an immediate family member diagnosed with glaucoma, a prisoner on leave, or receiving Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit (meeting the earnings threshold).
How often should I have an eye test?
The NHS recommends an eye test every two years for most adults. However, your optician may recommend more frequent tests if you have diabetes (annually), glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma (annually), are over 70 (annually), or wear contact lenses (annually). Children should have their first test before starting school and then annually.
What is the difference between an eye test and a contact lens check?
A standard eye test checks your general eye health and measures your prescription for glasses. A contact lens check (also called a contact lens aftercare appointment) is a separate appointment specifically for contact lens wearers. It checks the fit of your lenses on your eyes, assesses corneal health, and updates your contact lens prescription. Contact lens checks typically cost £15 to £30 on top of your regular eye test.
Can I get an eye test on the NHS if I work?
Yes, employment status alone does not determine NHS eligibility. You qualify based on age, health conditions, and benefits status. If you are over 60, have diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma and are over 40, or receive qualifying means-tested benefits, you get a free NHS eye test regardless of whether you work. Your employer may also be required to pay for eye tests if you use VDU/computer screens regularly under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
Do I need to pay for an eye test if I use a computer at work?
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, your employer must pay for an eye test if you regularly use a VDU (computer screen) as a significant part of your job. This is separate from NHS eligibility. If the test shows you need glasses specifically for VDU use, your employer must also contribute towards the cost. Ask your HR department about their process for requesting a VDU eye test.
How much does a private eye test cost for children?
Children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test, so you should not need to pay. All major UK opticians (Specsavers, Boots, Vision Express, independent opticians) provide free eye tests for children. Children are also eligible for an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of glasses if they need them. The voucher values range from £39.10 to £215.50 depending on the prescription.

Related Resources

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