FREE EYE TEST

Eyes. We all use them but unfortunately somewhere along the line- they will probably start to fail us. For some, it might be from the day they are born and for others, it might be after eighty years of 20/20 vision but one thing is for sure, you will have to visit the optician at least once in your life. These visits are not cheap but there is a range of options that could help you get a free eye test and even save you loads on the costs on your next pair of specs or contact lenses.

Eyes. We all use them but unfortunately somewhere along the line- they will probably start to fail us. For some, it might be from the day they are born and for others, it might be after eighty years of 20/20 vision but one thing is for sure, you will have to visit the optician at least once in your life. These visits are not cheap but there is a range of options that could help you get a free eye test and even save you loads on the costs on your next pair of specs or contact lenses.

Free eye tests in the UK?

So, you had to squint whilst watching Come Dine With Me last night?

Don’t fret, it probably just means you’re due to have an eye test and if you live in the U.K. then there is a plethora of options to help you spare those pennies.

The NHS and Specsavers have a particularly great deal which could see you walking into the shop and out again with a new pair of glasses - and without paying a penny! So, let’s find the best option for your eyes and your wallet.

NHS and Specsavers

The NHS is Britain's proudest institution but if you have any experience with their optometry department then you will know that it leaves something to be desired.

Luckily, for fifteen years, the NHS has had an agreement with Specsavers - the U.K.’s largest chain of opticians - to provide eye tests on their behalf. For many, this will be free and a select few can even get considerable discounts on glasses and lenses through NHS supplied vouchers.

Almost anybody can get a subsidised appointment and the list of those eligible for discounted glasses is extensive and a little complicated.

Generally, seniors, those who receive any sort of government benefits and students in full-time education or training can get a free appointment and from that group, a select handful will also be eligible for glasses at no extra cost.

The process is relatively simple, either stop by or give Specsavers a ring to organise your appointment. They might ask you to bring some documents along such as your birth certificate or passport so don’t forget to ask!

TIP: If you are under 18 and in full-time education you are entitled to a free eye test in the U.K. and a free pair of glasses too.

Specsavers has provided us with a useful page to help determine how much money you can save on your next pair of glasses and if you’re able to bag a free eye test with them.

Free eye tests at Tesco, Vision Express and other high street stores

If you don’t have a Specsavers in your vicinity then not to worry, there are a couple of other options for you to save.

Tesco

The supermarket giant Tesco likes to stretch their many hands out into different fields and unsurprisingly commands their own chain of in-store opticians in branches across the U.K. and Northern Ireland.

The great thing about Tesco Opticians is that since its inception they have continuously offered a free eye test to anyone and everyone who wants it. The fact is that they want you to come in the door in the hopes that you will purchase a pair of fancy new frames. Most of Tesco’s frames and lenses are affordable, circling around seventy pounds which - if combined with an NHS voucher - would come to the grand total of twenty pounds.

Boots Opticians

Although we normally associate the name Boots with expensive face masks, mascara and perfume, free eye tests are a regular offering from this high street name although not without some caveats.

Boots is known for releasing offers regularly and changing them quickly. One deal it has stuck with as long as we can remember, however, is a ‘free eye test when you buy any pair of glasses’ which you can find here with a load of other discounts.

Vision Express

Surprisingly, even Vision Express - a higher end store - has the same opportunities for free eye tests as the current market leader Specsavers. The same rules apply regarding those who are able to get one too and they have given us a handy table to quickly check if you can get one.

There are perks to choosing Vision Express instead of other shops for your eye test although fair warning: their products are usually a little more expensive.

The first perk is that the service is sublime, the staff really pay attention to detail and go the extra mile to help you have a pleasant stay. The second is that they only use the most innovative and recent eye examination technology so you’re really getting the best that money can buy for nothing at all!

So where should I go for my free eye test in the U.K.?

There are so many options for you to get a free test that it really depends mostly on your location and how convenient it is to get to one of the stores.

First things first: Check and double check whether you come under one of the groups that are able to get a subsidised appointment. If so, then simply visit your nearest optician or if you want the best-of-the-best then find your nearest Vision Express.

If you are not eligible and still don’t want to break the budget then check where your nearest Tesco Optician is where everyone is allowed a free eye test with no catch. They even have the most reasonably priced frames too so you can save from all angles! Now that is a bargain.