The NHS recommends having your eyes tested every 2 years, or more often if your optometrist advises it. Eye tests are carried out at opticians, and they are free on the NHS if you are in an eligible group, such as being under 16, aged 60 or over, or having diabetes or glaucoma. Everyone else pays for a private sight test.
Get urgent help if...
The NHS advises you to go to A&E or call 999 if you:
- suddenly cannot see from 1 or both eyes
- suddenly have severe eye pain
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or seeing flashing lights or shapes
- you have a dark shadow moving across your vision
- you have pain in 1 or both eyes
- your eye is red and painful
- your eyes feel painful or uncomfortable in bright light
Why regular eye tests matter
An eye test checks more than whether you need glasses. The NHS says optometrists are trained to spot eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, and they can refer you to a GP or hospital eye clinic if they find a problem.
If you think your sight is getting worse, the NHS advises seeing an optician rather than waiting for your next routine test.
Who can get a free NHS eye test in England
You can get a free NHS sight test if you:
- are under 16
- are aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- are aged 60 or over
- are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- are 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- have been advised by an eye doctor that you are at risk of glaucoma
- are a prisoner on leave from prison
- are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
- receive certain benefits, including income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Universal Credit if you meet the criteria
Some people under 20 who are dependants of someone receiving these benefits also qualify. If you have an HC3 certificate for partial help with health costs, you may get help towards the cost of a private sight test. The NHS sight test must also be clinically necessary.
The rules for optical vouchers, which help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, are similar but not the same. Being aged 60 or over does not on its own make you eligible for a voucher. Check the NHS page linked below for the full criteria.
NHS or private
Opticians can offer NHS sight tests to people who are eligible. If you think you qualify, tell the practice when you book. If you are not eligible, you pay for a private sight test.
Prices vary between practices, so ask what the test includes before you book. If you are entitled to an optical voucher and can prove it, the NHS says the voucher will be issued straight away.
After your test, the optometrist is legally required to give you your optical prescription, or a statement saying you have been referred for further tests. You do not have to buy glasses from the practice that tested your eyes.
What happens at an eye test
You will be examined by an optometrist or ophthalmic practitioner, who is trained to recognise abnormalities and conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. According to the NHS, the test includes:
- an examination of the inside and outside of your eyes
- a check of how well your eyes focus and work together
- a test of your colour vision, where needed
If the optometrist finds something that needs more checks, they may refer you to a GP or a hospital eye clinic. It helps to bring your current glasses or contact lenses and to mention any changes you have noticed in your sight.
How to check an optician is registered
Optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK are regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC). You can search the GOC register for an individual optometrist or dispensing optician, or for a registered optical business.
If you have a complaint about an optician, the NHS advises raising it with the practice first. If that does not resolve it, you can contact your local integrated care board for NHS services, or the Optical Consumer Complaints Service.
Find an optician
Our eye and vision care guide lists opticians and eye clinics by city, including practices that offer NHS sight tests.
Sources: NHS: Visiting an optician | NHS: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers | NHS: Vision loss | General Optical Council | GOC register search.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice call NHS 111.