Free NHS eye tests at home: who qualifies and how to book
Eye Care
If getting to an optician has become the hard part, here is the fact families are often relieved to learn: the NHS funds eye tests at home for people who cannot leave the house unaccompanied. Same test, same qualified optometrist, no travel, and for those who qualify, no bill. This guide explains exactly who is eligible and how to arrange it.
The short version
You qualify for a free NHS home eye test if two things are true: you are entitled to a free NHS sight test, and you cannot leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability. No GP referral is needed. A relative or care home can book on your behalf on 0800 080 6095, or you can book a home visit here.
The two-part test for a free NHS home eye test
Eligibility comes in two halves, and you need both.
1You are entitled to a free NHS sight test. The most common routes are listed below, and being 60 or over is the one that covers most of our patients.
2You cannot leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability. That includes mobility difficulty, frailty, dementia and memory problems, severe anxiety, and residents of care homes who cannot attend a practice alone.
Who gets a free NHS sight test?
You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if any of these apply:
Aged 60 or over Diagnosed diabetes Diagnosed glaucoma Aged 40+ with a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma Registered blind or partially sighted Certain benefits, e.g. Pension Credit Guarantee HC2 certificate Complex lens prescription
The benefits route also covers Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Universal Credit within the qualifying criteria. If you are not sure which applies, tell us your situation when you call and we will confirm eligibility before anything is booked. You can also use the eligibility checker on our eye care page.
Every 2 years
is how often most adults should have their eyes tested, and the NHS funds it at that interval for eligible patients. Sooner if your optometrist advises it.
What the home visit includes
A GOC registered optometrist brings portable equipment to your home: vision chart, trial frame and lenses, retinoscope, ophthalmoscope and whatever else your eyes need. The test takes around 30 minutes and checks your vision, your prescription and the health of your eyes, including signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular changes and diabetes-related changes. You receive a standard prescription you can use anywhere, and if anything needs a hospital's attention we explain the next step and arrange the referral.
If you need glasses, frames come to you too: we bring a selection to try at home, fit them when they arrive, and adjust them afterwards if they do not feel right. NHS optical vouchers can be used towards the cost for those entitled to them. Most glasses arrive within 7 to 14 working days. You can read a fuller walkthrough in what actually happens during a home eye test.
Not eligible? Here is what it costs privately
The same full examination by a GOC registered optometrist, at home, with no call-out fee. Glasses and extras are only charged if you order them.
Many families choose this when a parent narrowly misses the NHS criteria, or wants a check sooner than the NHS interval.
Do not put it off
Glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease can all take sight quietly before you notice symptoms. Routine tests exist to catch them early, while there is the most that can be done. If it has been more than two years, or vision has changed, book the test now rather than waiting for it to feel urgent.
How to book, in three steps
1Get in touch. Call 0800 080 6095 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or use the booking form. Relatives, carers and care homes can book on a patient's behalf with their consent.
2We confirm eligibility on the call. We check both parts of the NHS criteria with you and explain any costs before anything is arranged. NHS paperwork is a short form we help you complete during the visit.
3The optometrist visits. A confirmed appointment, ID shown at the door, and a family member welcome throughout. We cover Greater London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Check your postcode here.
Think you or a relative qualify?
NHS-funded where eligible. Affordable private option if not. Either way, the test comes to you.
Book a home eye testNHS home eye test FAQs
Do I need a GP referral for an NHS home eye test?
No. You or a family member can contact a home-visiting optician directly. We confirm NHS eligibility with you on the phone and handle the paperwork at the visit.
I am over 60 but I can leave the house with help. Do I qualify?
Possibly. The NHS test is whether you can leave home unaccompanied. If you can only go out with someone's help because of illness, frailty or disability, you may well qualify. Tell us your situation and we will give you a straight answer.
Is the home test as thorough as one in a shop?
Yes. It is carried out by a GOC registered optometrist with portable versions of the same equipment, and you receive a standard prescription you can use anywhere.
Does the NHS pay for the glasses too?
Not automatically. Some patients qualify for an NHS optical voucher towards glasses or contact lenses; the value depends on your prescription and circumstances. Any cost above the voucher is explained before you order.
Can a care home arrange NHS eye tests for residents?
Yes. We work with over 300 care homes across the South East, arranging planned rounds and adding new residents between visits. There is usually no charge to the home, and eligible residents' tests are NHS funded. See our care homes service.
What if my circumstances change and I no longer qualify?
You can continue as a private patient: a private home eye test is £30, with costs always explained before rebooking.
Arranging care for a parent?
Call us and we will check eligibility together in five minutes, with no obligation. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Call 0800 080 6095