What is an eye test and do I need to have them? 

Eye tests are an important way to check your vision and to make sure you're wearing the correct glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. In addition to checking how well you can see, they  also check for eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma (where the optic nerve is damaged in the eye), macular degeneration (an age-related condition that affects the middle part of the vision) and certain health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Early detection makes treating these conditions easier and more effective. 

Checking children's eyesight is particularly important, as up to 80% of what they learn is through sight*. Checking children’s eyes can also help prevent conditions like a lazy eye developing. Children usually get their eyes checked when they are a year old by a health visitor. It's advisable to get them checked again at about age three, then at least every two years until they are 16. Find out more about children’s eye tests here.

What happens during an eye test? 

Before your eye test 

Let us know when you’ve arrived and we’ll get you checked in for your appointment. Before your eye test we’ll usually begin with some preliminary checks. 

First, we may carry out an eye pressure check by blowing a puff of air onto your eye or a visual field test where you monitor flashing lights across a screen. These quick and painless checks will help us to identify the early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma. We’ll also take a digital retinal photograph to create a permanent record of your eye health. This allows us to monitor changes which may take place over time. 

During your eye test 

Your optician will thoroughly test your eyesight, at both near and far distances. They'll also check how your eyes change focus between near and far objects and how well your eyes work together. Plus, every adult sight test includes our Dry Eye Evaluation, beginning with a quick in-store questionnaire. From there, your clinician can identify the likely causes of your symptoms and recommend management options tailored specifically to you. Find out more about our Dry Eye Evaluation here. 

You will also get asked questions around your lifestyle and whether you have had any problems with your eyes or general health and will look for any eye conditions, as well as examine the general health of your eyes.

After your eye test 

After your eye test, we’ll chat through the best options for your vision and explain any recommendations, like glasses or contact lenses, so you know what’s right for you. 

If you need glasses, we’ll help you find lenses and frames that fit your look, face shape, and lifestyle.

How long should I expect to be in store? 

Depending on your individual requirements and the eye test you have chosen, an eye test may take different lengths of time. On average, you could spend up to 1hour 30 minutes in total with your optometrist and team during your visit.  This includes your pre-screening, eye test examination and shopping for your glasses or contact lenses.  

How often should I have my eyes tested? 

For adults and children with healthy eyes, the NHS recommends an eye test every two years. More frequent check-ups may be recommended for: 

• Children who wear glasses 

• People with diabetes (who aren't already having annual retinal screening) 

• People aged 40 or over with a family history of glaucoma 

• People aged 70 or over, if necessary 

• People with an eye condition that needs monitoring more often 

Your optician knows your eye health best and will recommend how often you should have your eyes checked. 

What types of appointments can I book? 

Whether you’re a glasses wearer, contact lenses wearer or both, we have different types of appointments for different needs. To make things simple, find out what type of appointment that would be suited to you here or if you’re not sure, you can contact us on 0345 125 3752.§