Eyecare FAQs

Your eyes cannot be replaced. You will not necessarily have any symptoms or pain. The eye test can pick up very early signs of any problems; the earlier treated the better. The eye test can detect underlying health problems that you aren't aware of, such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, some brain tumours and multiple sclerosis. The eye test will detect if your vision can be improved. You may just be used to seeing less clearly so don't realise it can be improved upon. Good Vision gives a better quality of life. For children, it is essential that their eyes are functioning normally for them to perform well at school. Don't accept that poor vision is due to your age. It may be possible to improve it further. It is important your vision meets certain legal standards for driving and certain occupations.

Even if you are not aware of any problems you should have your eyes tested every 2 years. The eye test is a regular health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision. It may need to be more frequent depending on you age and medical history. Your Optometrist will normally advise you when you should return for your next eye test and usually they will send a reminder letter to you.

The NHS provide FREE eye tests and help towards the cost of glasses for qualifying customers. Further information on whether you qualify for this support is available here. If you do not qualify for NHS support you will have to pay for your eye test, which costs £30.

NHS eye tests are free in Scotland.

Those in the following categories are entitled to an NHS eye test without charge and may also be entitled to a voucher to offset the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses prescribed: Children under 16 or under 19 still in full-time education. All those aged 60 and over and people receiving Income Support or Working Family Tax Credit.Those receiving Disabled Person's tax credit if aged 70 or less, it will have been taken off the maximum credit shown on their tax credit award notice.Those receiving an income-based jobseekers allowance (Contributory ISA does not count), Diabetics Glaucoma sufferers and those who are aged 40 and over and are the parent/brother/sister/child of a person with glaucoma. Also, those diagnosed by a consultant ophthalmologist as being at risk of developing glaucoma. The blind and partially sighted People entitled to NHS complex lens vouchers and those who have a valid HC2 certificate. If you are not in the above categories you will have to pay for your eye test, which costs £30. NHS eye tests are free in Scotland.

Your Optometrist can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy by looking inside your eyes. The earlier any changes are detected, the more likely it is they can be monitored and treated to prevent loss of sight. Early treatment is essential so an annual eye test is the best step you can take to protect your eyes. See our section on Diabetic Retinopathy.

You can book an eye test online using the 'Book an appointment' button at the top of the page, or by calling your local store.

If you have booked online you can change your appointment using this link to log into your account https://www.visionexpress.com/eye-test/cancelling-appointment-online, if you have booked via store then telephone the store. Alternaitvely use the link in your reminder SMS to cancel or reschedule your appointment. 

If you have booked online you can change your appointment using this link to log into your account https://www.visionexpress.com/eye-test/cancelling-appointment-online, if you have booked via store then telephone the store. Alternaitvely use the link in your reminder SMS to cancel or reschedule your appointment. 

Children can be tested at any age. It is recommended that an optometrist sees them before they start school and start learning to read. Often, vision problems can be the reason why a child does not perform well at school, for example because they cannot see the board. The earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment. Children's eyes are fully developed by the time they are 8 years old so it is very important to have any problems detected before this.

Only 60% of schools now provide eye tests.
Poor sight can be misattributed to special needs.
1 in 5 children have an undetected eye problem, which can be easily found by an Optometrist during an eye test.
However, when they are checked at school, it is not a full eye test. Their distance vision is normally checked but this will not detect all levels of long-sight. Short sight and large squints may be detected, but the school checks are not usually carried out by an eyecare professional. For a full eye test you should take your child to a registered Optometrist. If left undetected for too long, some sight defects cannot be corrected.

Your child's first eye check is usually at the end of their first year. They should then be retested before they start school by an Optometrist, who will pick up any problems that may lead to poor development at school. At primary school, your child's eyesight should be assessed by the local health board. However, only 60% of schools now provide eye tests, so it is important you register your child with an Optometrist.

Some of the most common symptoms that could indicate your child may be experiencing problems with their sight are:

Sitting too close to the television
Looking cross eyed
Holding a book too close to their face when reading
If detected early enough we can ensure children's eye problems have a minimum impact on their lives.

At Vision Express our children's eye test covers seven keys steps:

Personal and family history recorded by Optometrist.
A thorough, personalised eye test adapted to your child's age and capabilities.
Your child's vision compared to expected levels of development and growth.
Relevant health checks carried out by looking inside the eyes.
Particular attention given to investigating squints and 'lazy eyes'.
Eye muscle balance checked to ensure correct coordination.
Additional tests if required, including colour and 3D vision.

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer which generally affects children under five years of age. Symptoms include a white reflection or absence of 'red eye' in flash photographs. It is treatable, but if signs are noticed they must be checked out as soon as possible. For more details visit our Retinoblastoma page or CHECT.org.uk

Children's glasses take a lot of 'wear and tear'. Following the simple steps below can help prolong the life of their glasses.

Glasses should always be taken off with both hands to stop them bending out of shape.
Never put glasses 'lens down' on surfaces, as they may scratch.
Always keep glasses in a case when they are not being worn.
Clean glasses daily for clearer vision.

A natural, age-related eye condition, presbyopia  commonly appears around the age of 40, when you may notice that you struggle to clearly see nearby objects such as a book or your phone. You may notice that you have to increase the font size on screens. This happens because our eyes lose some elasticity over time, which affects our ability to focus at different distances. Contact lenses for presbyopia combine multiple prescriptions in one lens, so you can see at distances near, far, and in-between.

Astigmatism is a common eye condition where the quality of your vision differs in various parts of your eye, resulting in blurred, fuzzy, or distorted vision. Our eyes are actually more oval shaped than round, and this condition usually occurs because the eye is even more elongated than usual. Astigmatism can occur whether you are short- or long-sighted, and you can correct it with monthly or daily disposable toric contact lenses.