At-Home Eye Tests
Professional eye care brought to your door. If you or a loved one finds it difficult to visit a high-street optician, a qualified optometrist can carry out a full NHS sight test in the comfort of your own home.
Compare at-home eye test providers
Several organisations offer domiciliary eye care across the UK. We’ve researched the main providers to help you choose the right one for your needs.
OutsideClinic
NHS-fundedThe UK’s largest and longest-established home eye test provider, OutsideClinic has been bringing professional eye care to people’s homes since 1987. With a team of GOC-registered optometrists covering England, Scotland and Wales, they’ve carried out over a million home visits and maintain a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating.
“Outstanding service. The optometrist was wonderful with Dad.”
— Trustpilot review
All at-home eye test providers
| Provider | NHS-funded | Coverage | Private fee |
|---|---|---|---|
OutsideClinic Specialist home visits | Yes | England, Scotland & Wales | £60 |
Specsavers Home Visits High-street chain | Yes | Wide UK coverage | Varies |
Boots Opticians High-street chain | Yes | Selected stores only | Varies |
Vision Express High-street chain | Yes | Limited areas | Varies |
Independent opticians Local / regional | Yes | Regional | £40–£60 |
eyetest.co.uk is an independent comparison site. Provider rankings reflect editorial assessment of service quality, coverage, and patient reviews. Last researched June 2026.
Request an at-home eye test
Complete the form below and our team will match you with the most suitable at-home eye care provider in your area. No GP referral needed — we handle everything for you.
Our team reviews every enquiry and connects you with a qualified, GOC-registered domiciliary optometrist in your area.
What is an at-home eye test?
An at-home eye test — also known as a domiciliary eye test or home visit eye test— is a full NHS sight test carried out in your own home by a qualified, GOC-registered (General Optical Council) optometrist. It is exactly the same standard of examination you would receive at a high-street optician, but delivered in the comfort and familiarity of your living room, bedroom, or care home.
Domiciliary eye care has been part of the NHS since its earliest days, recognising that not everyone can travel to an optician’s practice. Today, thousands of people across the UK benefit from home eye tests every year, from elderly residents in care homes to younger people recovering from surgery or living with conditions that make leaving the house difficult.
The visiting optometrist brings a complete set of professional, portable diagnostic equipment. This typically includes:
- Trial lens set or portable phoropter— for measuring your prescription accurately
- Retinoscope— a handheld instrument that shines a light into the eye to objectively measure refractive error
- Direct ophthalmoscope— used to examine the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of your eye
- Handheld slit lamp— provides a magnified, detailed view of the front of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens
- Tonometer— measures the pressure inside your eye, an important screening test for glaucoma
- Visual acuity chart— the familiar letter chart used to measure how clearly you can see at different distances
The entire examination is thorough and unhurried. Because the optometrist is visiting you at home, they often have more time to discuss your results, answer questions, and address any concerns you or your family may have. If you need new glasses, you can choose frames from a portable selection during the same visit, and your finished glasses will be delivered directly to your door.
Who qualifies for a free NHS home eye test?
You are eligible for a free NHS-funded domiciliary eye test if you cannot leave your home unaccompanied due to a physical or mental health condition. This is the key criterion — it is about your ability to get to an optician’s practice, not your age alone.
You may qualify if you:
- Have mobility issues, use a wheelchair, or are unable to walk unaided
- Are recovering from surgery or an illness that keeps you housebound
- Live with dementia or Alzheimer's disease
- Experience severe anxiety, agoraphobia, or other mental health conditions that prevent you from leaving home
- Have a terminal illness
- Have severe learning disabilities
- Are registered blind or partially sighted and cannot travel unaccompanied
Important:Age alone does not automatically qualify you for a home visit. A fit and healthy 85-year-old who can get to the high street would not meet the eligibility criteria, whereas a 40-year-old recovering from major surgery would. The determining factor is whether you can reasonably travel to an optician’s practice without assistance.
A family member, carer, social worker, or care home manager can arrange a home eye test on someone else’s behalf — you do not need the patient themselves to make the call. No GP referral is required.
Free NHS sight test eligibility (same as in-practice)
In addition to qualifying for a home visit, you may also be entitled to a free NHS sight test if you fall into any of these groups:
Scotland: universal free eye tests
If you live in Scotland, all NHS sight tests are free regardless of age or income. This applies to domiciliary (home visit) eye tests too, provided you meet the mobility criteria for a home visit.
Not eligible for a free home visit? If you do not meet the NHS criteria but would still prefer to be tested at home, some providers offer private domiciliary eye tests. These typically cost between £50 and £60 as a call-out fee, plus the cost of any glasses you choose. This can be a good option for people who value the convenience of a home visit but do not have a medical reason that prevents them from leaving the house.
What happens during a home eye test?
A home eye test follows a straightforward process from booking to receiving your new glasses. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Booking your appointment
Contact a domiciliary eye care provider by phone or through their website. You do not need a GP referral. A family member, carer, or care home manager can book on your behalf. The provider will ask a few questions to confirm eligibility for a free NHS-funded home visit.
Pre-visit confirmation
The optometrist or their team will call to confirm your appointment date and time. They will ask about your medical history, current medications, any existing eye conditions, and whether you have any specific concerns about your vision. This helps them prepare the right equipment for your visit.
The eye test (20–40 minutes)
The optometrist will carry out a full sight test in a comfortable room in your home. This includes checking your visual acuity (how clearly you can see at different distances), refraction (measuring your prescription using a trial lens set), an examination of the health of your eyes using an ophthalmoscope, and an intraocular pressure check to screen for glaucoma.
Discussion of results
After the test, the optometrist will explain your results in plain language. They will tell you whether your prescription has changed, discuss any signs of eye conditions they may have found, and answer any questions you or your family members may have. If a referral is needed, they will explain the process clearly.
Choosing your frames
If you need new glasses, the optometrist will bring a portable selection of frames for you to try on at home. You can take your time choosing a style you like, with input from family members if you wish. The optometrist will advise on the best lens options for your prescription and lifestyle.
Glasses delivered to your door
Once you have chosen your frames, the lenses are custom-made in a UK optical laboratory. Your finished glasses are then posted directly to your home, typically within two to three weeks. If any adjustments are needed, the provider will arrange a follow-up visit.
If a problem is detected
If the optometrist finds any signs of an eye condition that needs further investigation — such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye changes — they will write a referral to your GP or directly to the hospital eye service. Urgent conditions can be referred the same day.
At-home eye tests for care homes
Regular scheduled visits
Domiciliary opticians can set up a regular visiting schedule with your care home, ensuring all residents have their eye health monitored consistently. Many providers visit the same care homes every year, building a relationship with staff and residents.
Multiple residents tested in one visit
Providers can test several residents during a single visit to the care home, making it efficient for both staff and the optometrist. Each resident receives an individual, confidential eye test with personalised results.
Results shared with care team
With the patient’s consent, test results and any recommendations can be shared with care home staff and the resident’s GP. This ensures everyone involved in their care is aware of any eye health issues or changes.
Easy booking for care managers
Care home managers can arrange visits for all residents with a single phone call or online booking. The provider handles all scheduling and will work around the care home’s routine to minimise disruption.
Good vision is closely linked to quality of life in care settings. Research shows that undiagnosed sight problems in care home residents are associated with an increased risk of falls, social withdrawal, and reduced independence. Regular eye tests can help identify issues early and ensure residents have the right glasses, contributing to their comfort, safety, and wellbeing.
How much does an at-home eye test cost?
If you are eligible for an NHS-funded home visit, the eye test itself is completely free. You will not be charged for the optometrist’s time, travel, or the use of their equipment. If you also qualify for a free NHS sight test (for example, you are aged 60 or over, or have diabetes), there is truly no cost at all.
| Service | NHS-eligible | Private (not eligible) |
|---|---|---|
| Home eye test | FREE | £50 – £60 |
| In-practice eye test (comparison) | FREE | £25 – £35 |
| Glasses (with NHS optical voucher) | Voucher value applied (see below) | Full price |
NHS optical voucher values
If you are eligible for an NHS optical voucher, its value depends on the complexity of your prescription. The voucher is applied towards the cost of your glasses.
Reputable home visit providers do not charge hidden fees or call-out charges for NHS-eligible patients. If you are unsure whether you qualify for free NHS eye care, speak to the provider when you book — they will be able to confirm your eligibility over the phone.
Benefits of at-home eye tests
A home visit takes the stress out of eye care for people who find it difficult to get to a high-street optician. Here are the key advantages.
No travel or waiting rooms
There is no need to arrange transport, navigate busy high streets, or sit in a waiting room. The optometrist comes to you.
Familiar, relaxed environment
Being tested at home can feel less stressful, especially for people with dementia, anxiety, or mobility issues who find unfamiliar settings difficult.
More time with the optometrist
Home visits are often less rushed than high-street appointments. The optometrist can take the time to explain your results thoroughly and answer all your questions.
Family and carers can be present
Loved ones can sit in during the test, ask questions, and help remember the advice given. This can be reassuring for everyone involved.
Same clinical quality as in-practice
The test is carried out by a fully qualified, GOC-registered optometrist using professional portable equipment. The clinical standard is identical to a high-street eye test.
Glasses delivered to your door
After choosing frames during your visit, your custom-made glasses are manufactured in a UK laboratory and posted directly to your home — no second trip needed.
Frequently asked questions about at-home eye tests
We have answered the most common questions people ask about domiciliary eye tests. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please get in touch.
Do I need a GP referral for a home eye test?
How long does a home eye test take?
Is a home eye test as good as going to an optician?
Can someone else arrange a home eye test for me?
What if I need new glasses after my home eye test?
How often can I have a free NHS home eye test?
Can I have an at-home eye test if I live in a care home?
What equipment does the optometrist bring?
Do I need to prepare anything for the visit?
What happens if the optometrist finds a problem?
Can I have a contact lens fitting at home?
Are at-home eye tests available at weekends?
Ready to arrange an at-home eye test?
Submit your details and our team will find the best at-home eye care provider for your area. Whether you need an NHS-funded test or a private appointment, we’ll connect you with a qualified, local optometrist.
Request a home eye testOr use our postcode search to find all available opticians near you.