Get a FREE eye test

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some branches might have suspended their booking requests or may not be offering free eye tests, so check ahead of booking.

Here's everything you need to know about getting a free eye test in the UK - and how to nab yours now. Please note, not all high street opticians offer this complimentary service, so it’s always best to double-check with your local branch before booking your appointment.

Our exclusive eye health package with David Clulow

Exclusively available to Vision Direct customers, enjoy two premium services for the price of one: a thorough eye test AND a contact lens check-up at no extra charge. This first-class eye health package is worth £50 but can be yours for only £25 - that’s what most opticians charge for a standard eye test!

Each service will take 25 mins (50 in total), ensuring it will be thorough enough, without wasting your time. Plus, you get to enjoy access to aftercare, expert advice and David Clulow’s fabulous range of designer glasses.

For more information on the important hygiene measures David Clulow have set up click here.

How to book your eye test:

Step 1: Register or sign into your Vision Direct account to book your eye health package
Step 2: After your eye test & contact lens check-up, pay £25 at your selected store
Step 3: Enjoy access to aftercare, expert advice and a range of designer glasses

Book now

For more information, visit our common questions page (FAQs).

More eye tests: Boots and Vision Express

Did you know that most high street opticians also offer free eye tests in the UK, funded by the NHS? The problem is that most people don't! They can be pretty quiet about it, but it's a good and convenient way to grab yourself a freebie. Again, they will ask you a few questions, but you won't have to pay a penny. Before booking, make sure you check your eye test will be free with no strings attached. You can get a free eye test at Boots or Vision Express - it's super easy to book your appointment online, or simply, go into your local opticians and check what free eye test options they offer.*

*Please note these are just standard eye tests and don't include a contact lens check-up or fitting. Our exclusive premium eye health package includes both services and you can easily book your appointment here.

Eligibility for NHS-funded free eye tests

NHS funds free eye tests in the UK, for millions of eligible people across England, Scotland and Wales. Excluding branch promotions, most of the free eye tests provided by high street opticians are funded by the NHS. This means that if you have an eye condition or are on a low income, you're entitled to a free eye test at least every two years. So, why not make the most of it to lower your health costs?

For example, if you or your partner receive:

• Income support
• Employment and support allowance
• Pension credit guarantee credit
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Universal credit and meet certain criteria
• Certain tax credits

You may also be entitled to a free valid NHS sight test if you have an existing eye condition, or are at risk of glaucoma - check if you’re eligible here. If you've already paid for a sight test but qualify for a free eye test via the NHS, you may also be able to claim a refund on your sight test fees - visit the NHS website to find out more about your entitlement to an NHS optical voucher.

Free eye tests for students

If you're 16, 17 or 18 years of age and are in full-time education then great news: you're eligible for free NHS eye tests! How it works: the NHS works with high street opticians (Boots, Vision Express), as well as supermarkets (such as Tesco) to make free eye tests available for students. Those under 16 also get free NHS eye tests, whether they're studying or not.

What happens after an eye test?

If you haven't had your first eye examination yet, there's absolutely nothing to worry about. It's a routine process during which a trained optometrist measures the quality of your eyesight and works out what prescription and eye care would suit you best.

Taking an online eye test beforehand might ease your mind, as you'll get an idea of how they work. There are a million reasons why you should ensure you have regular eye tests or checkups and be proactive about your vision. Contact lenses are the easiest, most convenient option to go with, but you'll need to have a contact lens fitting that's a little different to a regular eye test. There, opticians will actually measure the diameter of your eyes, to make sure the lenses fit your eyes and feel comfortable and let you know what type of lenses you'll need: spherical, toric for astigmatism, bifocal/varifocal etc.

The only thing you need to look out for is what happens after your eye test. Once you get your results, it's well within your rights to leave and use your prescription to get your contacts at a different retailer. We hate to brag, but with our hassle-free service and super-friendly customer care - it’s hard to beat our deal. Oh, and we also offer a free contact lens trial!

Terms & conditions

The free eye tests advertised above are funded by the NHS, for those on the eligibility list. The information stated was accurate as of 07/04/2021, but the pricing or list of participating branches may have changed since then. To avoid disappointment, check the terms and conditions of the branch you book with prior to booking, as some stores are not booking routine eye tests due to pandemic restrictions or may have suspended free appointments.