An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan is an advanced imaging test that creates a detailed 3D cross-section of the back of your eye. In the UK in 2026, an OCT scan typically costs between £10 and £39 as an add-on to a standard eye test. Prices vary by optician and by whether the scan is offered as a standalone upgrade or as part of an enhanced test package.
At the major chains, Specsavers offers OCT scanning for approximately £10 as an add-on to their standard eye test. Boots Opticians includes OCT in their Enhanced Eye Health Check at approximately £39.95 (which also includes the standard eye test). Vision Express offers OCT as an upgrade for approximately £20 to £30. Independent opticians may charge £15 to £39, though some include it in their standard examination fee at no extra charge.
An OCT scan can detect the earliest signs of serious eye conditions including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and vitreous detachment. Many of these conditions cause damage that is irreversible if not caught early. OCT can detect changes years before symptoms become noticeable, which is why a growing number of eye care professionals recommend it as a routine part of eye examinations.
The scan itself is quick, painless, and non-invasive. You sit in front of the OCT machine, rest your chin on a support, and look at a fixation target. The scan takes just a few seconds per eye — there is no flash, no puff of air, and no contact with your eye. Results are available immediately and are stored digitally so future scans can be compared side by side.
Whether an OCT scan is worth the extra cost depends on your individual risk factors. It is particularly recommended for anyone over 25 (as a baseline), people with a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, diabetic patients, contact lens wearers, and anyone with unexplained vision changes. At £10 to £39, it is one of the most affordable and valuable additions to a routine eye test.