A complete, unhurried sight test in your favourite armchair.
Our home eye tests give you a full eye examination in the comfort of your own home. Your appointment can include retinal photography where clinically appropriate, a full sight test, and help choosing suitable frames and lenses. Here is what actually happens during a home eye test, step by step.
All sight tests are carried out by GOC registered optometrists. NHS funded appointments are available for eligible patients, and private home eye tests are available for those who need a home visit but do not qualify for NHS funding.
A full one-hour examination, in your home
Every home test follows the same College of Optometrists protocol used on the high street. Nothing is skipped, nothing is rushed. The appointment runs at your pace, in a setting where you feel at ease.
Patient history & lifestyle
How you use your eyes day to day, family history of eye disease, medication, last test. Sets the priorities for the visit.
Distance & near acuity
Visual acuity at 6m using a portable LogMAR/Snellen chart, plus near vision testing at reading distance.
Refraction & prescription
Trial-frame refraction to determine your prescription. Subjective and objective checks for both eyes.
Internal eye health check
Ophthalmoscopy to examine the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels. Looking for signs of glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.
Retinal photography
Portable fundus camera captures images of the back of your eyes: useful for comparison at future visits and for sharing with your GP.
Findings & recommendations
We talk through everything we've found in plain English, recommend any frames or lenses, and write to your GP if needed.
A calm, unhurried appointment, in familiar surroundings
No waiting room, no rushed clinic schedule. A relative, carer or family friend is welcome to be present at any stage. We work entirely around your comfort and independence.
Arrival
Photo-ID badge shown. We set up at your kitchen table or wherever's comfortable.
Chat & history
A relaxed conversation about your eyes, medications and any concerns.
Sight tests
Acuity, refraction and the full clinical examination, paced to suit you.
Frames & lenses
If glasses are needed, choose from our travelling collection together.
Done
We pack up. Glasses are delivered and fitted at home within 10–14 days.
An eye test is much more than a prescription
It's one of the most thorough preventative checks you'll ever have. Your eyes can show signs of health problems years before symptoms appear.
Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve, often without symptoms until late. We screen the optic disc and ask about family history.
Age-related macular degeneration
The leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Early changes to the macula are picked up on retinal photography and dilated examination.
Diabetic retinopathy
Damage to the retinal blood vessels. We refer into the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme when needed.
Cataracts
Cloudiness of the lens, extremely common with age. We grade severity and refer for NHS surgery when ready.
Hypertension & cardiovascular signs
Changes in retinal blood vessels can reveal high blood pressure and stroke risk before any other symptom.
Dry eye & corneal health
We assess the cornea and tear film, and recommend lubricants or warm-compress routines if needed.
NHS-funded where eligible, affordable private tests for everyone else
Home eye tests are free at the point of use under the NHS Sight Test scheme if you qualify. If you don't qualify, our private home eye test is straightforward and affordable: the same clinical examination, brought to your living room.
NHS home eye test
- Full one-hour examination at home
- Retinal photography included
- NHS-voucher frames at no charge
- Home fitting & delivery
- GP letter if needed
Private home eye test
- Identical clinical examination
- Retinal photography included
- No call-out fee, no waiting list
Do you qualify for an NHS-funded home eye test?
You may qualify for an NHS funded home eye test if you are eligible for a free NHS sight test and you are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.
We can check this with you over the phone before booking. For the detail, see who qualifies for a free NHS home eye test.
You qualify for a free NHS sight test
You may qualify if you are aged 60 or over, have diabetes or glaucoma, are registered sight impaired, or meet another NHS eligibility category.
You cannot leave home unaccompanied
You may qualify for a home visit if a physical illness, disability or mobility issue means you cannot leave home without someone accompanying you.
Leaving home is distressing or unsafe
You may qualify if a mental health condition, dementia, memory difficulty or confusion makes it difficult or unsafe to attend a high street practice.
You live in residential care
You may qualify if you live in a care home, nursing home or supported living setting and cannot leave unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.
You need help communicating
You may qualify if a disability, learning difficulty, autism, sensory impairment or communication difficulty means you need support to access an eye test appropriately.
Not sure if you qualify?
Call us and our team will check the key details with you. It usually only takes a few minutes, and we will explain whether the NHS or private appointment route applies.
Things people ask before booking
How do you do an eye test at home: what equipment do you bring?
Will I get the same prescription as on the high street?
Can a family member or carer be present?
How long do the glasses take to arrive?
What if my eyesight has changed and I need to be referred to the hospital?
How often should I have an eye test?
Book your home eye test today
Takes two minutes online, or speak to our care coordinators. They'll talk you through NHS eligibility and private options on the call, at your pace.