Eye Test Cost: NHS & Private Prices Explained

The cost of an eye test in the UK depends on where you have your eyes tested, the type of appointment you choose and whether you qualify for NHS-funded eye care. If you pay privately, prices vary between providers. However, many people are entitled to a free NHS sight test. In England, this includes people aged 60 or over, children under 16, young people aged 16–18 in full-time education, and people who meet certain medical or financial eligibility criteria.

For some people who cannot get to an optician because of physical or mental illness or disability, an NHS-funded eye test at home may also be available.

This guide explains typical eye test costs, who may qualify for a free NHS sight test and what can affect the amount you pay.

How much does an eye test cost with OutsideClinic?

If you qualify for an NHS-funded home eye test with OutsideClinic, there is no cost to you for the eye test or the home visit. Eligibility depends on meeting the NHS criteria for a free sight test and being unable to visit an optician unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability. OutsideClinic can check your eligibility as part of the booking process.

If you don’t qualify for NHS funding but would still like the convenience of having your eyes tested at home, an OutsideClinic private home eye test costs £60. This allows you to have your eye health and vision checked by an optician without travelling to a practice.

The cost of any glasses you choose is separate from the eye test itself. If you are entitled to an NHS optical voucher, you may be able to use it towards the cost of your glasses.

Who can get a free NHS eye test?

You may be entitled to a free NHS eye test depending on your age, health, family history, income or other circumstances. The eligibility rules vary across the UK, so it’s important to check the criteria that apply where you live.

For an NHS-funded home eye test with OutsideClinic, there is an additional requirement. As well as being eligible for a free NHS sight test, you must be unable to visit an optician unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.

Here are some of the main reasons you may qualify for a free NHS sight test.

Free NHS eye tests for people aged 60 and over

If you’re 60 or over, you’re entitled to a free NHS sight test.

Being over 60 does not automatically mean that your eye test can take place at home. However, if you also find it difficult or are unable to visit an optician unaccompanied because of an illness or disability, you may qualify for an NHS-funded home eye test with OutsideClinic.

Free NHS eye tests for children and young people

Children under 16 are entitled to free NHS sight tests. Young people aged 16, 17 or 18 who are in full-time education can also qualify.

Whether a home eye test is available will depend on the person’s individual circumstances and whether they meet the NHS criteria for receiving their sight test at home.

Free NHS eye tests if you have diabetes

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re entitled to free NHS sight tests.

If your health or mobility also means that you’re unable to get to an optician unaccompanied, you may be able to have your NHS-funded eye test at home with OutsideClinic.

It’s worth remembering that a routine sight test is separate from NHS diabetic eye screening. Diabetic eye screening is a specific service designed to look for signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Free NHS eye tests if you have glaucoma

People who have been diagnosed with glaucoma are entitled to free NHS sight tests.

You can also qualify if an ophthalmologist has advised you that you’re at risk of developing glaucoma.

Family history can also affect your eligibility. If you’re 40 or over and your parent, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you can qualify for a free NHS sight test.

Free NHS eye tests if you’re registered as sight impaired or blind

You can qualify for free NHS sight tests if you’re registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, including people registered as partially sighted or blind.

If your sight loss, another health condition or a disability prevents you from visiting an optician unaccompanied, you may also meet the requirements for an NHS-funded home eye test.

Free NHS eye tests if you receive certain benefits

Some people receiving qualifying benefits can get free NHS sight tests. Depending on your circumstances, entitlement can also extend to a partner or certain dependants included in the award.

Qualifying support can include Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit and Universal Credit where the relevant criteria are met.

Benefit rules and eligibility thresholds can change, so it’s worth checking your current entitlement rather than assuming that receiving any benefit automatically gives you a free eye test.

Free NHS eye tests through the NHS Low Income Scheme

If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get help with eye care costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

People named on a valid HC2 certificate can qualify for free NHS sight tests. If you have an HC3 certificate, you may instead receive partial help towards eligible eye care costs, depending on what your certificate says.

Free NHS eye tests if you need complex lenses

You may also qualify for a free NHS sight test if you’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher. Your optician can advise whether your prescription meets the relevant criteria.

Does a free NHS eye test include a home visit?

Not automatically. There are separate criteria for having an NHS-funded sight test at home.

With OutsideClinic, you may qualify for a free NHS home eye test if you’re entitled to an NHS-funded sight test and you’re unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.

This could include people whose mobility, health condition or other needs make travelling to an optician difficult without assistance.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, OutsideClinic can check your eligibility during the booking process. If you don’t qualify for NHS funding but still want an eye test in your own home, OutsideClinic’s standard private home eye test fee is £60.

Does an NHS eye test include free glasses?

A free NHS eye test does not automatically mean your glasses will be free. If you’re eligible, you may receive an NHS optical voucher to help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

The value of the voucher depends on your prescription. If your chosen glasses cost more than the value of your voucher, you’ll need to pay the difference. If they cost less, the voucher will cover the cost, but you won’t receive any remaining value as cash.

OutsideClinic can explain how your NHS optical voucher can be used if you need new glasses following your home eye test.

What’s included in an OutsideClinic home eye test?

An OutsideClinic home eye test is designed to provide a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health without you having to travel to an optician. A qualified optician brings portable testing equipment to your home, carries out the examination and explains the results to you during the appointment.

Appointments typically take around an hour, although the exact length will depend on your individual needs and what the optician finds during the examination.

A discussion about your eyesight and health

Before examining your eyes, your optician will spend some time getting to know you and understanding your needs.

They’ll ask about your general health, medical history, family medical history and any problems or changes you’ve noticed with your vision. It’s useful to have your current glasses and details of any medication you take to hand before the appointment.

This conversation gives your optician important context before carrying out the clinical tests.

A check of how clearly you can see

Your eyesight will be checked using a portable version of the familiar letter chart you might have seen at a high-street optician.

OutsideClinic’s portable test chart can display letters, pictures and other symbols, helping the optician assess your vision according to your individual needs.

An assessment of your glasses prescription

Your optician will check whether your existing prescription is still right for you and whether a new or updated prescription could improve your vision.

This involves looking through different lenses and comparing which ones give you the clearest vision. Your optician can then fine-tune your prescription based on the results.

An eye health examination

An eye test isn’t only about finding out whether you need new glasses. Your optician will also examine the health of your eyes.

OutsideClinic opticians carry portable clinical equipment that allows these checks to be performed in your home. Depending on what is clinically appropriate, this can include equipment such as an ophthalmoscope and portable slit lamp to examine different structures within and around the eye.

These checks can help your optician identify signs of eye conditions that may require monitoring, further investigation or referral.

An eye pressure check when appropriate

Your appointment can also include a check of the pressure inside your eyes using a portable tonometer.

Eye pressure is one of the measurements opticians use when assessing your overall eye health and can be particularly relevant when looking for signs associated with conditions such as glaucoma.

Portable technology brought to your home

OutsideClinic opticians bring specialist portable equipment with them, allowing the key elements of an eye examination to take place in your own home.

This equipment can include a portable test chart, tonometer and slit lamp, alongside other clinical equipment used to examine your vision and eye health. Your optician also carries a tablet and portable printer so relevant prescriptions, reports or recommendations can be produced during the visit.

Your results explained to you

Once the examination is complete, your optician will explain what they’ve found and talk you through the results.

This includes discussing your prescription and any eye health findings that may need attention or follow-up. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions about your eyesight and the results of your test.

Help choosing glasses if you need them

If your eye test shows that you need new glasses, you don’t have to make a separate trip to choose them.

Your OutsideClinic optician can show you a range of frames during your home appointment. You can try them on at home and discuss the lens options that are suitable for your prescription and everyday needs.

There’s no obligation to buy glasses simply because you’ve had an eye test. If you do order a pair, the cost of your glasses is separate from the cost of a private eye test.

A complete eye test without travelling to an optician

The main difference with an OutsideClinic eye test is where it takes place. Rather than travelling to a practice, the optician and portable testing equipment come to you.

OutsideClinic states that its home eye tests assess the same areas of your vision and overall eye health as an eye test carried out at a high-street optician, while allowing you to have the appointment in familiar surroundings.

How often should you have an eye test?

Most people should have their eyes tested at least every two years, although your optician may recommend more frequent eye tests depending on your age, eye health, medical history or changes to your vision.

You shouldn’t wait until your next routine appointment if you notice a change in your eyesight or have concerns about your eyes. Your optician can advise how often you should have an eye test based on your individual needs.

Book an OutsideClinic home eye test

Looking after your eyesight doesn’t have to mean travelling to an optician. With OutsideClinic, you can have a professional eye test in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re eligible for an NHS-funded home eye test, your appointment and home visit are free. Alternatively, you can book a private home eye test for £60.

Book your OutsideClinic home eye test today and let our team help you check your eligibility and arrange a convenient appointment.