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Your eye test explained
Boots Opticians
Opticians
Reading time: 5 minutes
Posted in Opticians
Last updated 25/03/2022
Everything you need to know about your eye examination with Boots Opticians, what to expect from your appointment, plus the cost of eye tests & prescription glasses
Why choose Boots Opticians?
Your eye health is important to us. Our opticians use a range of services to ensure you can enjoy happy, healthy eyes for as long as possible in an affordable way. When you choose Boots Opticians, you can access:
- OCT advanced eye scans – an optical coherence tomography scan allows your optician to see what’s going on under the surface of your eye. This can help them detect any underlying conditions, like diabetes or age-related macular degeneration
- Big designer brands – plus our specially-designed own-brand frames
- Spread the cost – split the cost of your prescription glasses into three, interest-free payments with Klarna*
- 2nd pair half price** – Buy any pair of prescription glasses or prescription sunglasses and you’ll get your second pair half price
- Free contact lens trial*** – choose from either a month’s supply of selected daily reusable lenses or up to five pairs of daily disposable lenses
- Our complete satisfaction guarantee – 30 day returns, 12 month warranty and lifetime glasses care and cover
- Over 60s discount† – enjoy 10% off your first pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses
- Contact Lens Rewards Plan‡ – save £285 on average with our plan. Enjoy savings on glasses & sunglasses.
Why should I have an eye test?
It’s important to look after your eyes, as they play a vital role throughout your life. Having an eye test looks at how clearly you can see, whether you need any extra support with your long or short vision and how healthy your eyes are.
By coming for regular eye tests, not only will your optician be able to identify potential problems with your eyesight before they develop, but it also provides a window to your overall health. That’s because your eyes can be an early indication of common health problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Checking children's eyesight is particularly important, as up to 80% of what they learn is through sight§. Checking their eyes can also help prevent conditions like a lazy eye developing.
How often should I have an eye test?
Even if you can see clearly, having an eye test at least every two years is recommended for adults because your eyes change over time. We rely on our eyes for so many things, so it’s better to keep an eye on things and detect any problems early.
It’s also advisable to book an eye test if you’re experiencing any signs of presbyopia. Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects, and is a natural part of ageing. If you’re having to hold books or your mobile phone at arm’s length to be able to read them, book an appointment so your optician can prescribe glasses if needed.
Getting children's eyes regularly checked is crucial too, especially because they're still growing. They usually get their eyes checked when they are a year old by a health visitor. It's advisable to get them checked again at about age three, then at least every two years until they are 16.
What will happen at my eye test?
Check out our quick guides on what to expect from your eye test appointment to help you get the most out of it.
Before your eye test
Let us know when you’ve arrived, and we’ll get you checked in for your appointment. Before your eye test we’ll usually begin with some preliminary checks.
First, we may carry out an eye pressure check by blowing a puff of air into your eye or a visual field test where you monitor flashing lights across a screen. These quick and painless checks will help us to identify the early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma. We’ll also take a digital retinal photograph to create a permanent record of your eye health. This allows us to monitor changes which may take place over time.
During your eye test
Once inside the consulting room, you’ll spend up to 30 minutes with your optometrist where they’ll use a range of checks to look at various aspects of your eyesight.
They’ll establish how clearly you can see near and far and your ability to change focus. This tends to decrease with age and can often make your near vision blurry. They can also look for signs of conditions like cataracts, which become more prevalent as we get older.
Finally, they'll look out for key signs which indicate how good your general health is and whether you're at risk of any health conditions such as diabetes.
After your eye test
By the end of your eye test, we'll have enough information to recommend the best options for your eyesight based on your individual needs.
We'll talk you through the options and put together a personal eyecare recommendation for you, which will clearly explain what we've recommended and why, including details of any glasses or contact lenses you may need.
If you need glasses, we'll help you choose the best lenses for your visual needs. A member of our opticians' team will have all eyes on you by helping you choose your perfect pair of glasses with our trained personal shopper. We will help find your matched frames to suit your face shape giving you confidence when choosing your glasses. Your personal eyecare recommendation will form part of a patient pack you can take away with you, so you can fully understand and feel in control of your eye health.
How long should I expect to be in store?
You'll spend up to 1hour 30 minutes in total with your optometrist and team during your visit. This includes your pre-screening, eye test examination and shopping for your glasses or contact lenses. Depending on age and complexity, such as glaucoma or other ailments, an eye test may take different lengths of time. Learn more on eye health and conditions.
How much does an eye test at Boots Opticians cost?
At Boots Opticians, a standard eye test is from £29.50‖, unless you’re eligible for an NHS eye test. Find out if you meet the criteria to have an NHS funded eye test here. Eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland, funded by the NHS.
Charges then apply for a 3D OCT eye scan which gives you a whole new dimension to your eye test. Please speak to your local store for more information on this.
Book an eye test today
You can book an eye test by visiting your nearest Boots Opticians, book an appointment online or by calling 0345 125 3752~ .
*Klarna Pay in 3: You need to be at least 18 years old and a UK resident to use Klarna’s credit products including Pay in 3 instalments. When you choose Klarna they will also check the information you provide and your financial situation. Klarna's Pay in 3 is an unregulated credit agreement. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 1st payment at purchase, 2nd in 30 days, 3rd in 60 days. Minimum spend £35, maximum spend £1000. Payment of an item cannot be split between Klarna and another payment type.
**2nd Pair Half Price: Choose any pair of complete prescription glasses or prescription sunglasses and get all additional pairs half price
You can choose any combination of frames, lenses and coatings for both your first pair and any additional pairs
The cheapest complete pairs of glasses or sunglasses will qualify for the half price discount
To qualify for the half price discount all pairs must be bought for the same customer within 3 months from collection of their first pair
Additional discounts and promotional coupons where available will be applied to the first pair only, subject to their terms and conditions
NHS vouchers may be used in conjunction with this offer, if used as a cash contribution towards the final cost of the transaction
Offer excludes non-prescription sunglasses, ready-made reading glasses, frame only purchases, reglazes and safety eyewear
Normal Boots Advantage Card terms and conditions apply. You must be signed in & have an Advantage Card assigned to your account to be able to shop savings. Normal Advantage Card terms & conditions apply. Excludes in-store orders. No Price Advantage at airport stores. One point per £1 at Boots Opticians
***Free Contact Lens Trial: A trial consists of up to 5 pairs of daily disposable lenses or a month’s supply of selected daily reusable lenses. This trial excludes quarterly replacement, annual replacement and coloured contact lenses. You will need to have a valid glasses prescription. If you do not have a prescription, a sight test is required and is chargeable at the current price, please ask a member of staff for details. Excludes current Boots Contact Lens Reward Plan customers.
†Over 60s Discount: 10% discount will be applied when you purchase a complete pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses. You will need a valid prescription. Valid on 1st pair only and can be used with our half price additional pairs offer but not in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Offer excludes our £40 frame range, ready-made reading glasses, re-glazes and safety eyewear. Discount is only available to customers aged 60 or over. Discount is not transferable, cannot be used retrospectively and no cash alternative is available. Prices & discounts may vary between Boots Opticians stores.
‡Contact Lens Rewards Plan
Save £285 on average with our plan
Based on average contact lens reward scheme customer saving for transactions between 03/07/2022 to 03/07/2023. Saving amount is based on discount achieved in relation to eye tests (non-NHS customers), contact lens checks, glasses purchases, Boots Advantage Card points awarded on monthly reward scheme subscription charges and purchases of Boots brand products as part of the scheme. For full terms and conditions see here.
50% discount
50% discount is part of your Contact Lens Rewards Plan benefits and is only available to plan members. Discount will be applied when you purchase a complete pair of glasses, prescription sunglasses or non-prescription sunglasses. You will need a valid prescription for complete glasses and prescription sunglasses. Valid on 1st pair only and can be used with our second pairs half price offer when purchasing complete glasses or prescription sunglasses but not in conjunction with any other offer or discount on glasses or sunglasses. Offer excludes ready-made reading glasses and safety eyewear. Boots Opticians reserve the right to cancel this offer without notice.
§Langley 1996
‖Price may vary across regional stores
~Local call charges apply. Mobiles may vary
