Eye tests

Regular eye tests are important because your eyes don't usually hurt when something is wrong.

What your eye test will show

A sight test will show if you need to get glasses for the first time or change your current glasses.

A sight test is also a vital health check for your eyes. It can pick up early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before you’re aware of any symptoms, including:

• diabetes
• macular degeneration
• glaucoma

Many eye conditions can be treated if found early enough.

Your sight test

It’s recommended that adults have their eyes tested every two years, unless their optician advises them to have a sight test more often than that.

The way a sight test is carried out is governed by law. A sight test will identify:

• what your level of vision is
• whether you need glasses to correct your sight

Your eyes and the area around them will be examined, to look for signs of injury, disease or abnormality.

During your appointment, you may see more than one optician, for example:

• an optometrist or ophthalmic medical practitioner, who tests your sight to check the quality of your vision and your eye health
• a dispensing optician, who fits your glasses

If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, remember to take them with you to your sight test. You may be asked to wear them during the test.

What happens after a sight test?

At the end of your sight test, your optometrist will discuss the results with you. They will tell you whether:

• your sight needs correcting
• you need to be referred for further investigation

They will also give you an optical statement or prescription to say that:

• you don’t need glasses
• your current glasses don’t need changing
• you have been given a new or changed prescription
• you are being referred to your GP or an ophthalmic hospital (a specialist eye hospital)

You can take your new or changed prescription to any optician to have your glasses made up.

If you’re entitled to an NHS optical voucher, this will also be given to you after your sight test. You can take your voucher to any optician to buy glasses or contact lenses. For more information, see Am I entitled to an NHS optical voucher?

Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.