Before your eye examination

If you have any worries about your vision, then an eye examination with an optometrist (optician) is usually the best place to start. If they find any signs of an eye condition, they'll refer you to the right person for further tests. If you have a sudden change in your vision you should speak to an optometrist or medical professional immediately to get advice. Usually, this will mean going to Accident and Emergency (A&E), or eye casualty if there is one, but some sudden changes can be investigated by your local optometrist.

Most high streets have an optician’s practice where you can book an eye test. You can normally call up in advance to book an appointment or you may be able to walk in and be seen on the day - you don't need a letter or referral from your doctor. If you're unable to leave your home due to a physical or mental illness, you're entitled to an eye test in your home. You can find details for opticians in your area, including those who offer home visits, on the NHS website.

If you're entitled to an NHS eye test, you'll be set a recall date for your next NHS eye examination. If you choose to have a test before this date, you may be charged a private fee. This is because optometrists are only permitted to test your eyes at the recommended standard eye test intervals on the NHS. However, it's important to know that if you or your doctor is concerned about a change in your vision before your next test is due, the optometrist can see you earlier on the NHS. You must tell them when booking the appointment of the reason for your visit so you can check whether to expect a fee.

If your vision has changed, don't put off an eye examination because it’s not due yet, as it's important to discuss any concerns with the optometrist so that you get the care you need.

What to take with you:

• a reminder of any questions you may want to ask at your appointment
• a list of your medications, tablets, and treatments that you may be having for your general health (even if they may not seem relevant)
• any glasses you are currently using
• details of your usual ‘working distance’ – this is the distance between your eyes and the task you’re doing - for example, how far you sit from your computer screen or how close you hold a book when reading.
• any medical letters about your eyes from any treatment you've previously had.

Things to tell your optometrist in advance:

• If you're diabetic.
• If you or the person you have booked the appointment for have any additional needs including learning disabilities, autism or physical disabilities.

If you are worried about having an eye examination, remember that most people don't have an eye condition. Your sight changes naturally as you age and for many people glasses are all that is needed to see clearly. Most people will need glasses at some point as they get older, and it's important to remember that this isn't a sign that your eyes are unhealthy. Wearing glasses won't make your sight worse.

If you've developed an eye condition, detecting it early can mean treatment is more effective and can make a difference to how your sight may be affected in the future.

Eye examinations are quick and painless, and for some people they're free.

You don't have to buy glasses every time you have an eye examination. Don't let the cost of glasses put you off having your routine eye test. The College of Optometrists recommends that if you need glasses, you buy them from the optometrist who tested your eyes. This means ideally, you should choose an optometrist where you intend to buy your glasses. However, you're entitled to take a copy of your prescription to buy glasses somewhere else if you prefer.

Any changes you notice in your vision should be checked by your optometrist. Many eye conditions can be treated, and the earlier the treatment starts the better. Even if you do develop an eye condition, this doesn't mean that you'll lose your sight.

If you do have to pay, eye test charges vary depending on the optometrist you choose and whether they offer any additional tests. Ask your local optometrists what they charge and what's included in the fee.

Free and reduced charges for eye tests

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you are entitled to NHS free eye tests.

• Are you aged 60 or over?
• Are you under 16, or under 19 and in full time education?
• Do you live in Scotland?
• Do you or your partner receive income-based job seekers allowance (not contributions-based paid on its own), pension credit/ guarantee credit, Income based employment and support allowance (not contributions-based paid on its own), Universal Credit (take home pay related), or are named on a valid HC2 certificate?
• Are you under 20 and dependent on someone receiving any of the above benefits?
• Do you have diabetes or glaucoma?
• Are you age 40 or over and have a close relative with glaucoma?
• Does a hospital ophthalmologist say you are at risk of glaucoma?
• Are you registered blind or partially sighted?
• Do you require complex lenses (+ or – 10D or over)?
• Are you a prisoner on leave from prison?

NHS rules may change from time to time. If you think you qualify for free eye tests, speak to your optometrist before you have your eyes tested and they'll ask you to sign an NHS Sight Test Form.

There is more information on free eye tests here:

In Scotland: NHS community eyecare | NHS inform

In England: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers - NHS

In Wales: Get help with NHS eye care costs | GOV.WALES

In Northern Ireland: Eye care | nidirect

Disclaimer: This information aims to help you get the eye test that is right for you. However, RNIB can't recommend or endorse any individual optometrist or give any assurance in relation to any particular eye test. If you're unhappy with the service you receive and can't resolve it with your optometrist, you can contact the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS).