Eye care guide
How often should you have an eye test?
Usually every two years. Some people need one every year, such as children and people with diabetes, and your optometrist tells you which applies to you. Come sooner if your sight changes. Most eye conditions, glaucoma especially, cause no symptoms at first, so a regular eye test is how they get found early.
- ★★★★★213 five-star Google reviews
- NHS and private patients
- Free parking outside
How often, by age and health
These are the most often the NHS will normally pay for a routine eye test in England. They are not a rule that everyone must be seen that often: your optometrist sets your recall based on your eyes, and tells you when you are next due.
- Under 16: up to every year. Younger children with a squint, a lazy eye or glasses may be seen every six months.
- 16 to 69: every two years.
- 70 and over: up to every year, if your optometrist advises it. Others stay on two years.
- Diabetes: up to every year, at any age.
- 40 or over, with a parent, brother, sister or child who has glaucoma: up to every year.
- Raised eye pressure (ocular hypertension): every year, or as your optometrist advises.
Many people on this list also get their eye test free. See who gets a free NHS eye test.
When to come sooner
Do not wait for your two years if you notice any of these. Book an eye test:
- Things look blurred, far away or close up, or you are holding your phone further away
- Headaches, tired eyes or eye strain, especially after reading or screen work
- Glare from headlights, or you feel less confident driving at night
- Your varifocals or reading glasses no longer seem right
- A child squints, sits close to the TV, rubs their eyes or struggles at school
Go to A&E or call 111 straight away for sudden loss of vision, a shadow or curtain across your sight, a sudden shower of floaters or flashing lights, or a painful red eye. These need seeing the same day.
Driving
Every time you drive, you must be able to read a modern car number plate from 20 metres, with glasses if you need them. The law sets no interval for eye tests, so the responsibility is yours. If it has been more than two years, or night driving has become harder, get your eyes checked. The rules are on GOV.UK.
Screens and work
If you use a computer regularly for work, your employer must pay for an eye test when you ask, and for basic glasses if you need them only for screen work. Screens do not damage your eyes, but they can bring on tired eyes and headaches, and varifocals often have too narrow a screen area. See varifocal problems.
What happens at an eye test with us
About 30 minutes with our optometrist. We check your vision and prescription and the health of your eyes, inside and out, and explain everything in plain English at the end. If you need glasses we advise, you choose. A private eye examination is £45, and it is free on the NHS if you qualify; we check that for you when you book. See eye tests in Liverpool or what the £45 covers.
Common questions
How often you need an eye test, answered
How often should you have an eye test?
Usually every two years. Some people need one every year, for example children, people with diabetes, and some people over 70 or with glaucoma in the family. Your optometrist tells you when you are next due, and you should come sooner if your sight changes.
How often do children need an eye test?
Up to once a year until they are 16, as the optometrist advises, and sooner if there is a concern. It is free on the NHS. A child does not need to know their letters to have one.
How often should you have an eye test over 60?
Usually every two years. From 70 the NHS allows a test every year, and your optometrist will tell you whether you need yearly or two-yearly checks. From 60 your NHS eye test is free.
Do diabetics need an eye test every year?
Usually, yes; your optometrist will advise. The NHS allows a full eye test every year and it is free. This is separate from the diabetic eye screening photographs the NHS invites you to, so go to both.
Can I have an eye test sooner than two years?
Yes. If your vision has changed, you have headaches or eye strain, or anything worries you, book now. If you qualify for an NHS test it can still be free when there is a clinical reason for seeing you early.
Is it the law to have an eye test for driving?
There is no set interval in law, but you must meet the eyesight standard every time you drive: read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses if you need them. A regular eye test is the only way to know you still do.
Does my employer have to pay for my eye test if I use a computer?
If you use a screen regularly for work, your employer must arrange and pay for an eye test when you ask for one, and pay for basic glasses if you need them specifically for screen work. Ask them before you book.
What should I do if my eyesight changes suddenly?
Sudden loss of vision, a shadow or curtain across your sight, a sudden shower of floaters or flashing lights, or a painful red eye are emergencies. Go to A&E or call 111 straight away. Do not wait for an eye test appointment.
NHS intervals and entitlement from nhs.uk. Driving rules from GOV.UK. Screen-user rules from the Health and Safety Executive.
Due an eye test?
252 Park Road, Dingle, opposite Tesco Extra, free parking. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. NHS and private.
Or call 0151 726 0622
Written by Gavin Winstanley, who has been making eyewear on Park Road since 1998 and fits the varifocals himself. Last updated .