Home Eye Test Cost: Domiciliary Visits, Who Qualifies for Free, and How to Book
If you or someone you care for cannot get to an optician, a home eye test brings the examination to you. Here is what it costs, who qualifies for free, and how to arrange one.
Who Qualifies for a Free NHS Home Eye Test
You qualify for a free NHS domiciliary (home) eye test if you meet both of the following criteria:
1. You qualify for a free NHS eye test
You are over 60, diabetic, on qualifying benefits, or meet any other NHS eligibility criterion.
2. You cannot leave home unaccompanied
Due to a physical or mental illness or disability, you cannot get to an optician without help. This includes dementia, severe arthritis, mobility issues, and agoraphobia.
If you meet both criteria, the home visit, the eye test, and any NHS optical vouchers are all free. The optician claims the cost from the NHS directly.
Private Home Eye Test Costs
| Provider | Cost | Household Discount | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutsideClinic | Free (NHS) | N/A | Nationwide (NHS-eligible only) |
| Specsavers Home Visits | Free (NHS) | N/A | Select areas |
| Visioncall | Free (NHS) | N/A | Nationwide (care homes and NHS eligible) |
| Private home opticians | £49-60 | £19-25 for second person | Varies by provider |
Some private providers offer a reduced rate for a second person in the same household (for example, a spouse or partner). Ask when booking.
What to Expect from a Home Visit
A home eye test is the same examination you would receive in a high street optician. The optometrist brings portable equipment and conducts the full test in your home:
- ✓Visual acuity assessment using a portable chart or hand-held device
- ✓Refraction to determine your prescription
- ✓Eye pressure measurement using a portable tonometer
- ✓Examination of the front and back of the eye
- ✓Discussion of results and recommendations
- ✓Help with glasses ordering if needed (frame selection from a portable range)
Duration: 30 to 40 minutes, slightly longer than an in-store appointment to allow for set-up and a relaxed pace. The optician will work at whatever pace is comfortable.
How to Book
Through your usual optician
Ask if they offer home visits. Specsavers and some independent opticians provide this service in select areas.
Through a specialist provider
OutsideClinic (outsideclinic.com) and Visioncall (visioncall.co.uk) specialise in home visits for NHS-eligible patients.
Through your GP
Your GP or district nurse can refer you to a domiciliary optician. Care home residents can ask the home manager to arrange a visit.