How much does a home eye test cost?
A home eye test is free if you qualify for an NHS-funded visit. If you do not qualify, a private home eye test with First Care Optical costs £75. This page explains who pays what, so there are no surprises.
The short answer
| Your situation | Cost of the eye test |
|---|---|
| You qualify for a free NHS sight test and cannot leave home unaccompanied | Free |
| You qualify for a free NHS sight test but can get to an optician | Free at a practice; a home visit is private |
| You do not qualify for a free NHS sight test | £75 |
We check your eligibility for you when you call, before any visit is booked.
Who gets a free NHS home eye test?
Two things must both be true.
1. You are entitled to a free NHS sight test. In England this includes people who are:
- aged 60 or over
- diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- aged 40 or over with a parent, brother, sister or child who has glaucoma
- registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired
- receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Universal Credit (if you meet the criteria)
- holding a valid NHS HC2 certificate
2. You cannot leave home unaccompanied because of a physical or mental illness or disability. This applies whether you live in your own home or a care home.
If both apply, the NHS pays for the test and the visit. You pay nothing.
When both parts apply, you can have a free eye test at home — the NHS pays for the sight test and the visit. For voucher help after the test, see free eye test vouchers: who gets one?. For the full entitlement list and housebound rules in plain English, see who gets a free NHS eye test and home eye tests for disabled people.
Check NHS home eye test eligibility on our site, or read the NHS guide to free eye tests and optical vouchers.
What does a private home eye test cost?
Our private home eye test costs £75. You get the same examination, the same portable equipment and the same 40 to 60 minutes as an NHS visit.
The fee covers travel to your home, the full eye examination, an eye health check and a written prescription.
See our page on private home eye tests for when a private visit suits you. Return to the home eye tests overview for NHS and private routes.
What about the cost of glasses?
The eye test and the glasses are separate. You are never obliged to buy glasses from us.
- With an NHS optical voucher: if you receive certain benefits or need complex lenses, a voucher reduces the price of glasses. Being over 60 does not by itself entitle you to a voucher.
- Without a voucher: we confirm the price of any glasses with you before you order.
- Delivery and fitting: we bring your glasses back and fit them at home.
NHS optical vouchers explained — how help with glasses works alongside a home eye test for an elderly or housebound patient.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. We confirm any cost by phone before booking, and again before you order glasses. Evening and weekend visits cost the same as weekday visits.
Weekend and evening home eye tests are available at no extra charge.
How often will I need an eye test?
Most adults are advised to have an eye test every two years. Your optometrist may recommend more frequent tests if you have a condition such as glaucoma or diabetes. NHS-funded patients are covered for each test when it is clinically due.