The NHS recommends that adults have an eye test every two years – not only to check changes in vision but also to check the health of their eyes.
At Specsavers we run a series of tests that give the optometrist a full analysis of your eye health. This means they can offer care that best suits you and your lifestyle.
Before you come in, here are a few things to remember
Preparing for your appointment has never been easier. Use our Store Visit Checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and efficient experience. From bringing your current glasses to checking your eligibility for NHS-funded eye tests, this quick guide has you covered.
- If you wear glasses:
Please bring your current pair to your appointment. - If you wear contact lenses:
Please bring your glasses, contact lenses and, if you use them, case and solution, as you’ll need to remove your lenses for the examination. - If you're having an NHS funded eye test:
Please bring relevant proof that you qualify.
Accessibility at Specsavers
We are committed to making your visit as comfortable and inclusive as possible. Our stores are equipped with wheelchair access, and our team is trained to assist customers with additional needs, including those who are visually or hearing impaired. If you require specific accommodations, let us know in advance, and we’ll ensure everything is in place for your visit.
What happens in an eye test?
There are three main parts involved in our typical eye tests:
History and symptoms
This gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about your eyes, vision or current glasses, and whether you’re experiencing any symptoms which might need further investigation.
Your optometrist will ask about your general health, medications, any past treatment on your eyes, or if there are any family members with eye conditions. All this information helps them to tailor the examination to best suit your needs.
The tests
We use a variety of tests and equipment to assess different aspects of your eye health and vision. Some are common to all eye tests – for example, the letter chart indicates how clearly you can see – while others may be used when further investigations are required, for example, to check if your eyes can see colour normally.
Some of the common tests, like the visual field test and the eye pressure test (puff of air test), can be performed by an optical assistant on behalf of the optometrist before the eye examination. These are known as diagnostic tests and help to make the process more efficient.
Summary and advice
Once all the relevant tests have been carried out, your optometrist will be able to discuss the results and offer any advice. This could be a simple ‘all clear’ on the eye health front, or they might talk you through particular lens options to match your prescription and lifestyle.
At this point, treatments for any eye conditions are also discussed,as is possible referral to a specialist if required.
What happens in the pre-test?
Before your full eye examination, you will have what is known as a diagnostic test with one of our optical assistants. The optometrist uses the results of these tests during your eye examination. Depending on your individual needs and medical history, a variety of different pieces of diagnostic equipment will be used including:
Tonometer
A tonometer will blow a gentle puff of air onto the surface of each eye to measure the internal pressure.
This is one of a variety of tests that allows the optometrist to assess your risk of developing glaucoma.
Autorefractor test
This machine measures the ability of your eyes to focus and can be used to assess how long- or short-sighted you are. Your optical assistant will ask you to stare into the machine through two lenses and focus on a picture. The machine will make the picture appear closer and then further away and, as it does this, it calculates an estimation of your prescription with how well your eyes focus on the image. Read more about automated refraction eye tests here.
Digital retinal photography (DRP)
The optical assistant may then take a photograph of the back of your eyes using a fundus camera. This image is saved and will be useful in monitoring changes in eye health on future visits. All of these diagnostic tests can be performed on separate pieces of equipment or on a single multifunctional machine.
Optometrist check
The optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of other medical conditions. They will ask you if you are experiencing any eye problems and about your general eye health and lifestyle. It is important to have a clear understanding of your needs so that we can select the best management plan and/or corrective lenses for you.
Your optometrist will carry out several different tests using a range of specialist equipment:
Retinoscopy
Retinoscopy is used to get an estimate of the ability of your eyes to focus and can be used to assess how long- or short-sighted you are. This test can also be used with children or for someone who cannot easily describe their vision. While looking at the red and green light in the distance, your optometrist will shine a light in each eye. They will then place a number of different lenses in front of each eye to calculate a prescription for each eye. Read more about retinoscopy here.
Vision test
The vision test is used to fine-tune their findings, the optometrist will ask you to read from a Snellen test chart, that's the one with the letters that get smaller. This test measures your visual acuity, i.e. how well you can see with and without lenses in front of your eyes. This use of lenses is known as refraction and lets the optometrist know which strength prescription gives you the best vision possible.
OCT scan
Ask your local store for an OCT scan so you can add it to your normal eye test. OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is a hospital-grade eye scan that helps us to view the structures of your eye in even greater detail.
Using light waves to create a 3D image of your eye, it can help our optometrists spot signs of eye health issues up to four years earlier than traditional methods.
Ophthalmoscope
An Ophthalmoscope is a specialist torch used to examine the retina at the back of the eye, your optic nerve and its blood vessels to make sure they are healthy.
Slit lamp test
A slit lamp is a powerful microscope that is used to examine the front surface of the eyes. Your optometrist will use this to check for abnormalities or scratches on your cornea, iris and lens. It is a particularly important check for contact lens wearers.
Visual field check
A Visual field check test will assess your ability to detect flashes of light in your peripheral vision. Visual field tests are often used to detect early stages of glaucoma or any conditions that could be associated with headaches and other health issues.
Your eye test results
At the end of your eye exam, your optometrist will give you a copy of the prescription and can answer any further questions you may have. They will then recommend the best options for you – this might be glasses, contact lenses or maybe a referral to explore any eye conditions that have shown up in your eye test requiring specialist care.
Wondering if you need an eye test?
You can book an appointment in store, over the phone or online, you can find out more here.
Your optometrist will advise you if your prescription is suitable for contact lenses
Health Awareness Campaigns
At Specsavers, we’re passionate about promoting better eye health. This month, we’re focusing on screen time awareness. With more people spending hours on digital devices, it’s crucial to take breaks and use tools like blue-light-blocking lenses to protect your vision. Visit our Eye Health Hub for more tips and resources.
Your post-visit survey email
Your feedback is important to us – if you leave your email address during your store visit, we’ll send you a short questionnaire about your experiences. We have four different survey questionnaires depending on whether you had an eye test appointment, a contact lens appointment, or a hearing or EOS appointment.
The survey is called ‘Maze’ and an email will arrive 14 days after your initial glasses visit and 48 hours after a contact lens, audiology or eye test-only visit. Sometimes your personal privacy settings may block the email, so please check your spam folder if you wish to give feedback.
The feedback we receive ensures you have complete customer satisfaction and helps us to improve our service in the future. Every store receives your feedback directly and if necessary, will follow up any concerns you have commented on.
If you have given your permission on the questionnaire, we will only publish a comment and your first name as part of the customer testimonials on your local store's website.
Everyone who completes our survey and leaves their contact details will be entered into a monthly draw to win £1000. Your name will be included in the next draw after you have completed you survey. The prize is a token of thanks to all the customers who have helped us improve our service.
We don’t want to overload our customers with emails, so if you’ve completed a feedback questionnaire in the last six months, we won’t send you a duplicate one.
Prize draw: One draw per month until further notice. Winners will be contacted by phone.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Specsavers, we believe in taking care of more than just your eyes. That’s why we’ve introduced initiatives like our contact lens recycling program and old glasses donation scheme.
By partnering with recycling facilities and global charities, we’re helping to reduce waste and support communities in need. Bring in your used items on your next visit to join us in our sustainability efforts.
Book an OCT scan
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is a hospital-grade eye scan that helps us to view the structures of your eye in even greater detail. Using light waves to create a 3D image of your eye, can help our opticians spot signs of eye health issues up to four years earlier than traditional methods.
Try our frames virtually
If you need some new glasses, why not try our virtual try-on tool? You’ll be able to see yourself wearing different frames in a 3D virtual try-on – great if you already wear glasses, as you can see clearly while you ‘try on’ new styles. But just as useful for first-time glasses wearers as well, offering the opportunity to quickly and comfortably try on numerous styles from the ease of your own home, making trying them on for real in-store less daunting.
Understanding pricing and coverage
We understand that budgeting for eye care is important. Specsavers offers competitive pricing on glasses, contact lenses, and additional services like OCT scans. If you have insurance, our team will assist in verifying coverage and processing claims. For those without insurance, we offer flexible payment plans and promotions to suit your needs.
Your contact lens appointment
If you’re coming in for a contact lens appointment it will be a bit different to an eye test, especially if you’re new to contact lenses, but we’ll guide you through the process.
Read more to find out what is involved in a contact lens appointment.