Your eye test explained
Boots Opticians
Opticians
Reading time: 5 minutes
Everything you need to know about your eye examination with Boots Opticians, what to expect from your appointment, plus the cost of eye tests & prescription glasses
Why choose Boots Opticians?
Your eye health is important to us. Our opticians use a range of services to ensure you can enjoy happy, healthy eyes for as long as possible in an affordable way. When you choose Boots Opticians, you can access:
• OTC advanced eye scans – an optical coherence tomography scan allows your optician to see what’s going on under the surface of your eye. This can help them detect any underlying conditions, like diabetes or age-related macular degeneration
• Big designer brands – plus our specially-designed own-brand frames
• Pay with Klarna – split the cost of your glasses into three, interest-free payments
• All additional pairs of glasses 1/2 price – Buy any pair of prescription glasses or prescription sunglasses and you’ll get every additional pair half price
• Free contact lens trial – choose from either a month’s supply of selected daily reusable lenses or up to five pairs of daily disposable lenses
• Our complete satisfaction guarantee – 30 day returns, 12 month warranty and lifetime glasses care and cover
• Over 60s discount – enjoy 20% off your first pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses
• Contact Lens Rewards Plan – enjoy savings on glasses, sunglasses, inclusive eye tests and 10% discount on Boots brands like No7 and Soltan
Why should I have an eye test?
It’s important to look after your eyes, as they play a vital role throughout your life. Having an eye test looks at how clearly you can see, whether you need any extra support with your long or short vision and how healthy your eyes are.
By coming for regular eye tests, not only will your optician be able to identify potential problems with your eyesight before they develop, but it also provides a window to your overall health. That’s because your eyes can be an early indication of common health problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Checking children's eyesight is particularly important, as up to 80% of what they learn is through sight.* Checking their eyes can also help prevent conditions like a lazy eye developing.
How often should I have an eye test?
Even if you can see clearly, having an eye test at least every two years is recommended for adults because your eyes change over time. We use them every hour of our lives, so it’s better to keep an eye on things and detect any problems early.
It’s also advisable to book an eye test if you’re experiencing any signs of presbyopia. Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects, and is a natural part of ageing. If you’re having to hold books or your mobile phone at arm’s length to be able to read them, book an appointment so your optician can prescribe glasses if needed.
Getting children's eyes regularly checked is crucial too, especially because they're still growing. They usually get their eyes checked when they are a year old by a health visitor. It's advisable to get them checked again at about age three, then at least every two years until they are 16.
What will happen at my eye test?
Check out our quick guides on what to expect from your eye test appointment to help you get the most out of it.
Before your eye test
Let us know when you’ve arrived, and we’ll get you checked in for your appointment. Before your eye test we’ll usually begin with some preliminary checks.
First, we may carry out an eye pressure check by blowing a puff of air into your eye or a visual field test where you monitor flashing lights across a screen. These quick and painless checks will help us to identify the early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma. We’ll also take a digital retinal photograph to create a permanent record of your eye health. This allows us to monitor changes which may take place over time.
During your eye test
Once inside the consulting room, you’ll spend up to 30 minutes with your optometrist where they’ll use a range of checks to look at various aspects of your eyesight.
They’ll establish how clearly you can see near and far and your ability to change focus. This tends to decrease with age and can often make your near vision blurry. They can also look for signs of conditions like cataracts, which become more prevalent as we get older.
Finally, they'll look out for key signs which indicate how good your general health is and whether you're at risk of any health conditions such as diabetes.
After your eye test
By the end of your eye test, we'll have enough information to recommend the best options for your eyesight based on your individual needs.
We'll talk you through the options and put together a personal eyecare recommendation for you, which will clearly explain what we've recommended and why, including details of any glasses or contact lenses you may need.
If you need glasses, we'll help you choose the best lenses for your visual needs. A member of our opticians' team will have all eyes on you by helping you choose your perfect pair of glasses with our trained personal shopper. We will help find your matched frames to suit your face shape giving you confidence when choosing your glasses. learn more here. Your personal eyecare recommendation will form part of a patient pack you can take away with you, so you can fully understand and feel in control of your eye health.
How long should I expect to be in store?
You'll spend up to 1hour 30 minutes in total with your optometrist and team during your visit. This includes your pre-screening, eye test examination and shopping for your glasses or contact lenses. Depending on age and complexity, such as glaucoma or other ailments, an eye test may take different lengths of time. Learn more on eye health and conditions.
How much does an eye test at Boots Opticians cost?
At Boots Opticians, a standard eye test costs £25, unless you’re eligible for an NHS eye test. Find out if you meet the criteria to have an NHS funded eye test here. Eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland, funded by the NHS.
Charges then apply for a 3D OCT eye scan which gives you a whole new dimension to your eye test. Please speak to your local store for more information on this
Book an eye test today
You can book an eye test by visiting your nearest Boots Opticians, book an appointment online or by calling 0345 125 3752.**
*Langley 1996
**Local call charges apply. Mobiles may vary
