Contents
The short answer
Only a registered optometrist, an ophthalmic medical practitioner or a doctor can test your sight in the UK. Check them on the General Optical Council register, which is free. After the test you are entitled to a copy of your prescription, and you can use it to buy glasses anywhere.
What is the difference between an optician, an optometrist and a dispensing optician?
'Optician' is a general word. In practice it covers two jobs. An optometrist tests your eyes, checks their health and writes your prescription. A dispensing optician helps you choose frames and lenses and fits your glasses. Dispensing opticians do not test sight.
An ophthalmologist is different again. It is a medical doctor who specialises in eye disease, usually working in a hospital.
How do I check an optician is registered?
Sight testing is restricted. Only a registered optometrist, an ophthalmic medical practitioner or a doctor may do it. The General Optical Council, or GOC, keeps a free public register of optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical businesses.
Search the GOC register by name. If the person testing your eyes is not on it, something is wrong. You can also check that the practice itself is listed.
Do I have the right to my prescription?
Yes. Under the Opticians Act 1989, you must be given a copy of your prescription at the end of your sight test, whether or not you buy anything. You can take it to another shop or buy online.
A practice that refuses to hand it over, or only gives it to you if you buy frames, is breaking the rules. The same goes for a contact lens specification once your fitting is finished.
The test and the glasses are separate
Have your eyes tested by someone you trust, then buy glasses wherever the price suits you. You are never tied to the practice that did the test.
Can I buy glasses online?
Yes, once you have your prescription. A proper fitting matters more for strong prescriptions, varifocal lenses and children. By law, glasses for children under 16 and for people registered as sight impaired must be supplied under the supervision of a registered optician.
Who gets a free NHS eye test?
In England, an NHS sight test is free for these groups. Check before you book, because the rules differ across the UK. In Scotland, NHS eye examinations are free for everyone. Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules, so check gov.wales or nidirect.gov.uk.
- Children under 16.
- Young people aged 16 to 18 in full-time education.
- People aged 60 or over.
- People with diabetes or glaucoma.
- People aged 40 or over whose parent, brother, sister or child has glaucoma.
- People who get certain benefits or have an NHS certificate.
How much does a private eye test cost?
Prices vary. A 2026 Which? survey found private tests ranging from about £25 to over £100. Ask what the price includes, such as a scan of the back of the eye, before you book.
Shop around, but remember that the test is a health check. The cheapest is not always the best value if it is rushed.
What happens in a sight test?
A test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The optometrist asks about your health, your family history, your work and any problems you have. Then they run a series of tests.
It is not just about glasses. The test looks at the health of your eyes, and optometrists often spot early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Sometimes they find signs of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Eyes rarely hurt when something is wrong. That is why regular checks matter even if you can see fine.
How often should I have my eyes tested?
The NHS usually advises every two years, and sooner if you notice a change or your optometrist asks to see you earlier. Children and people with eye conditions may need checks more often. Your optometrist will tell you when to come back.
What should I do if I am unhappy?
Talk to the practice first and put your complaint in writing. If that does not solve it, the Optical Consumer Complaints Service handles disputes between customers and opticians. Concerns about whether an optometrist is safe to practise can go to the General Optical Council.
What are the warning signs?
- Pressure to buy glasses at the practice.
- No prescription handed over after your test.
- A test done by someone who is not on the GOC register.
- A 'free test' that comes with a catch you were not told about.
- A very rushed test with no questions about your health.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy glasses online using my prescription?
- Yes. A prescription can be used anywhere. For strong prescriptions, varifocals and children, a proper fitting matters, and glasses for under-16s must be supplied under a registered optician's supervision.
- How long is a glasses prescription valid?
- There is no fixed legal date. Many practices treat a prescription as current for two years for adults and one year for children, and many online shops will not accept an older one.
- Is an eye test the same as an eye examination?
- In shops the words are used for the same thing. What matters is that the test checks the health of your eyes and does not just measure for glasses.
- Do I need to go to an optician near where I live?
- No. You can use any optician you like, wherever they are.
- Does an NHS eye test cost anything?
- It is free if you are in an eligible group. If you are not, you pay a private fee. Check the rules for your part of the UK before you book.
- Who can I see for an urgent eye problem?
- Call your optician or NHS 111 for advice. Many opticians can see sudden eye problems, and sudden loss of sight needs urgent medical help.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the LocalListed editorial team. It describes UK regulation and consumer protections in general terms and is not legal, financial or professional advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and change over time: always check the position with the named regulator before relying on it.
