Looking for an eye test in the UK? Here’s my most recent experience that I want to share with you.
One day, I noticed a stain on my lens, and I kept wiping it but it didn’t go away. I washed it with detergent, I rubbed it with a so-called professional glass cloth, it was still there.
Later I found out, the coating was gone. What can I do?
Nothing. Then I knew it was time to change my glasses.
My glasses was bought in Japan, from an optician store called 999.9. I’ve been using it for nearly 8 years!
The frame’s unique Gyaku-R (means: reversed R) temple hinge helps distribute the weight evenly. I wear it comfortably everyday, without a headache, or any pressure on my temples.
Now, since the coating is gone, maybe it’s time to retire these glasses.
I want to make sure my new one is as good quality as the one I’m using. So my question is, which optician store should I go to?
As I googled more, I found out the practice here in the UK is slightly different from where I lived, Germany, Japan and also Hong Kong.
The eye test in the UK is NOT FREE.
‘What? I have to pay for the eye test?’ That’s my first reaction.
I’ve never paid anything for an eye test. Germany, Japan, HK, are all free when you buy glasses with them.
But, the point is, is every eye test the same? It’s not.
Combining my previous experience and the latest eye test I had in the UK, I realised that those free eye tests I had before were not comprehensive.
Free Version Includes:
- Hot balloon test – to focus on a picture through a machine, and test out my approximate prescription.
- The test chart – to check if I can tell the correct numbers or alphabets.
- Colour blindness test – to see a number in green colour among a bunch of red dots.
- Red/green test – to check if I’m short or long-sighted.
- Focus on the pen top – are all muscles working okay?
These were the test items I had in Japan and Hong Kong.
Paid Version Includes MORE:
- Lifestyle and case history check – to see if there are any potential eye risks.
- Use a machine (maybe a focimeter) to get the current prescription, no more hot balloon.
- Use a tonometer to check eyes’ pressure – I was blown a puff of air in each eye. This can tell the early stages of glaucoma if high pressures are presented.
- The retinoscope – I was looking through a light beam, to give a closer guide of prescription.
- To give a slit lamp photo – a picture was taken for both eyes. You can see your blood vessels and nerves! This can detect high blood pressure and diabetes.
- The visual field screener – to see if I have a blind spot.
All of the above, plus the test chart, pen top focus and red/green test, that’s all I paid for £45. And it lasted for about 30 minutes. The whole process was pleasant and comfortable.
(If you want to have more details or a bigger picture of an eye test in the UK, this website may help)
How Much should an Eye Test Cost?
You may wonder, ‘£45 for an eye test? That’s not cheap!’
Yes, indeed. I was comparing different optician stores to look for a free eye test. Most of them don’t offer free eye tests, and it usually costs around £20-£30. Some of them mention the details of their eye test on the website.
I think it depends on your age, health conditions and also what you want. If you are young and fit, a simple eye test can probably fit your needs.
For me, that £10-£15 difference in eye tests is not an issue. You pay for the service you get. What I concern is, do they have good glasses for me? If I choose one optician store to do the eye test, I will most probably buy my new glasses there, isn’t it?
So, I prioritised the frame line-up more than the cost of an eye test, and that’s my choice.
How to Get a Free Eye Test in the UK?
If you are keen about a free eye test, bear in mind that NHS offers free eye tests. Do double check on for the latest information if you’re about to get a free test.
Click to see if you’re eligible for a free eye test
You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
- are under 16
- are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
- are 60 or over
- are registered as partially sighted or blind
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement
You’re also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
If you’re entitled to or named on:
- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice), you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
- a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help with the cost of a private sight test.
Note: Eye tests are free in Scotland.
After 2 weeks, I finally got my new pair of glasses. Look how nice is it! I’m very happy with my purchase!
