Vision Express Eye Test Cost 2026: What You Pay and What Is Included
Vision Express operates over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland. Its standard private adult eye test is the Advanced Eye Test at £30, which bundles an OCT 3D retinal scan, a UV protection assessment and a dry eye assessment as standard, making it strong value for an enhanced examination.
How much is an eye test at Vision Express?
A private adult eye test at Vision Express costs £30. That price buys the Advanced Eye Test, which includes an OCT 3D retinal scan, a UV protection assessment and a dry eye assessment at no extra charge, making it better value than Specsavers (£35 with OCT) or Boots (£54.95 with OCT) where the scan is a paid add-on. If you qualify for an NHS-funded test (over 60, under 16, under 19 in full-time education, on certain benefits, or with diabetes or glaucoma) the standard test is free, and you can upgrade to the Advanced Eye Test with OCT from £6 (£10 in Scotland). A contact lens check costs £20-25.
Standard Test
£30
OCT scan included
Contact Lens Check
£20-25
Fitting or aftercare
NHS Eligible
Free
Same test quality
OCT Scan: Included in the £30 Advanced Eye Test
Vision Express sells its Advanced Eye Test, which bundles an OCT 3D scan, a UV protection assessment and a dry eye assessment, as its standard £30 private adult test. Unlike Specsavers (£10 extra) and Boots (£25 extra), the OCT scan is not a paid add-on, which makes the £30 price better value than competitors charging less upfront but adding OCT separately.
Important: OCT equipment availability can vary between branches, so confirm your local store offers it when booking. NHS-eligible customers get a free standard test and can upgrade to the Advanced Eye Test with OCT from £6 (£10 in Scotland).
Full guide to OCT scans and who should have one →What Your £30 Test Includes
- ✓Full visual acuity assessment at distance and near
- ✓Refraction to determine your prescription
- ✓Intraocular pressure check (glaucoma screening)
- ✓Slit lamp examination
- ✓Retinal examination
- ✓OCT scan at equipped branches (3D retinal imaging)
- ✓Discussion of results and recommendations
Promotions and Offers
Vision Express runs frequent promotions, including:
- •Free eye tests when purchasing glasses
- •Percentage discounts on frames with a valid prescription
- •2-for-1 glasses deals at select branches
- •Seasonal promotional pricing on standard tests
Check the Vision Express website for current promotions.
Vision Express vs Specsavers vs Boots
| Feature | Vision Express | Specsavers | Boots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard test | £30 | £25 | £29.95 |
| With OCT | Included | £35 (+£10) | £54.95 (+£25) |
| Effective OCT price | £30 | £35 | £54.95 |
| Contact lens check | £20-25 | £15-30 | £20-30 |
| UK stores | 550+ | 900+ | 550+ |
The OCT advantage: If your local Vision Express includes OCT in the standard price, you are getting £30 for what would cost £35 at Specsavers or £54.95 at Boots. The standard test price is £5 more than Specsavers, but the included OCT more than makes up the difference.
Vision Express branches on the NHS register
The NHS Organisation Data Service listed 440 open Vision Express optical sites in England on 4 September 2026, across 238 local authority districts. That is 6.9% of the 6,385 optical sites on the register in England. Every one of them can carry out an NHS-funded sight test for people who qualify.