Specsavers Optical Group
About Specsavers Optical Group
Specsavers is the UK's largest optical retailer, founded in Guernsey by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins. Known for their value-for-money approach and iconic advertising campaigns, they operate a joint-venture partnership model where each store is co-owned by local optometrists. They provide comprehensive eye care, hearing services, and home visit testing across the UK and internationally.
Specsavers was founded in 1984 by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins, both qualified optometrists, on the island of Guernsey. The couple had previously run a small chain of optical practices in the West Country but sold up and moved to the Channel Islands with a vision to create an entirely new kind of opticians — one that would bring professional eye care to the high street at genuinely affordable prices. The timing proved crucial: the UK government had recently deregulated the optical industry, allowing advertising of spectacle prices for the first time and opening the door to competitive pricing.
The first Specsavers stores opened in Guernsey and Bristol, and the business expanded rapidly through the late 1980s and 1990s. The founders introduced a joint-venture partnership model that proved central to the company's success: each store is co-owned by the resident optometrists, who share profits with the Specsavers group. This model aligns clinical and commercial interests, giving store directors a direct stake in patient satisfaction and store performance. By the early 2000s, Specsavers had become the UK's largest optical retailer, and the brand expanded into Australia, New Zealand, and northern Europe.
Today, Specsavers operates over 2,700 stores globally, with more than 900 in the United Kingdom alone. The brand is known for its value-driven offers — particularly its iconic two-for-one deals — and its memorable advertising campaigns, including the long-running "Should've gone to Specsavers" slogan that has become a fixture of British popular culture. The company has diversified into hearing care, domiciliary eye care (home visits), and workplace eye care programmes. It remains privately owned by the Perkins family, with its headquarters still on Guernsey, and employs over 40,000 people worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1984
- UK Stores
- 900
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £25 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 9
- Locations Listed
- 91
- Avg. Eye Test
- 20-25 minutes
Book an eye test
Specsavers Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest Specsavers and book an eye test. We list Specsavers locations in 12 regions across the United Kingdom.
London
South East
South West
East of England
West Midlands
East Midlands
North West
North East
Yorkshire and the Humber
Wales
Scotland
SpecsaversServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at Specsavers Optical Group, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A thorough eye examination covered by the NHS for eligible patients. Specsavers optometrists assess visual acuity, refraction, eye coordination, and eye health using slit lamp examination and ophthalmoscopy. The test also includes a screening for glaucoma through intraocular pressure measurement. Eligible patients include children under 16, adults over 60, those receiving qualifying benefits, and people with certain medical conditions or a family history of glaucoma. | Free (if eligible) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A full eye examination for patients who do not qualify for a free NHS eye test. The examination includes all the same clinical checks as the NHS test, including visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed assessment of the internal and external health of the eyes. Specsavers recommends eye tests every two years for most adults, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist. | From £25 | 20-25 minutes | |
| OCT Eye Health Check | An enhanced screening that uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to produce 3D cross-section images of the retina and optic nerve. This advanced scan can detect signs of serious eye conditions — including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease — at a much earlier stage than a standard eye test alone. Specsavers recommends this for patients over 25 as a baseline measurement. | From £25 (in addition to eye test) | 10 minutes (plus eye test) | |
| Contact Lens Assessment | An initial appointment to assess your suitability for contact lenses. Includes corneal topography measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens fitting. Your optometrist will discuss the available lens options — including daily disposables, extended wear, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses for presbyopia — and recommend the most suitable type for your eyes and lifestyle. | From £30 | 30-40 minutes | |
| Home Visit Eye Test | A full NHS or private eye test carried out in the patient's own home by a Specsavers domiciliary optometrist. This service is available for people who cannot visit a store unaccompanied due to a physical or mental disability or illness. The optometrist brings portable equipment and a selection of frames, so glasses can be ordered during the same visit. NHS-funded home visits are free for eligible patients. | Free (NHS eligible) / From £30 (private) | 30-40 minutes | |
| Hearing Test | A comprehensive hearing assessment provided at Specsavers audiology clinics within their opticians stores. The test includes a discussion of your hearing history, an otoscopic examination of your ear canal, and a pure tone audiometry test carried out in a soundproof booth. If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will explain your options, including NHS-funded and private digital hearing aids. | Free | 30 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Test | A specially adapted eye test for children from age 3 upwards, carried out by experienced paediatric-friendly optometrists. The test uses picture charts, matching games, and retinoscopy to assess vision in younger children who may not yet recognise letters. All children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education) qualify for a free NHS eye test, and Specsavers offers a wide range of children's frames covered by the NHS voucher. | Free (NHS funded) | 20-30 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA thorough eye examination covered by the NHS for eligible patients. Specsavers optometrists assess visual acuity, refraction, eye coordination, and eye health using slit lamp examination and ophthalmoscopy. The test also includes a screening for glaucoma through intraocular pressure measurement. Eligible patients include children under 16, adults over 60, those receiving qualifying benefits, and people with certain medical conditions or a family history of glaucoma.
Private Eye Test
A full eye examination for patients who do not qualify for a free NHS eye test. The examination includes all the same clinical checks as the NHS test, including visual acuity, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and a detailed assessment of the internal and external health of the eyes. Specsavers recommends eye tests every two years for most adults, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist.
OCT Eye Health Check
An enhanced screening that uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to produce 3D cross-section images of the retina and optic nerve. This advanced scan can detect signs of serious eye conditions — including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease — at a much earlier stage than a standard eye test alone. Specsavers recommends this for patients over 25 as a baseline measurement.
Contact Lens Assessment
An initial appointment to assess your suitability for contact lenses. Includes corneal topography measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens fitting. Your optometrist will discuss the available lens options — including daily disposables, extended wear, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses for presbyopia — and recommend the most suitable type for your eyes and lifestyle.
Home Visit Eye Test
NHSA full NHS or private eye test carried out in the patient's own home by a Specsavers domiciliary optometrist. This service is available for people who cannot visit a store unaccompanied due to a physical or mental disability or illness. The optometrist brings portable equipment and a selection of frames, so glasses can be ordered during the same visit. NHS-funded home visits are free for eligible patients.
Hearing Test
A comprehensive hearing assessment provided at Specsavers audiology clinics within their opticians stores. The test includes a discussion of your hearing history, an otoscopic examination of your ear canal, and a pure tone audiometry test carried out in a soundproof booth. If hearing loss is detected, the audiologist will explain your options, including NHS-funded and private digital hearing aids.
Children's Eye Test
NHSA specially adapted eye test for children from age 3 upwards, carried out by experienced paediatric-friendly optometrists. The test uses picture charts, matching games, and retinoscopy to assess vision in younger children who may not yet recognise letters. All children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education) qualify for a free NHS eye test, and Specsavers offers a wide range of children's frames covered by the NHS voucher.
SpecsaversPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Specsavers Optical Group for your eye care.
Advantages
- The largest store network in the UK, making it easy to find a branch near you
- Excellent value with regular two-for-one offers on a wide range of frames
- Joint-venture model means your optometrist has a personal stake in your care
- Comprehensive home visit service for housebound or elderly patients
- Free hearing tests alongside optical services at most locations
Considerations
- High-volume appointment scheduling means some patients feel rushed during their tests
- Premium designer frame range is smaller than some competitors such as Boots or Vision Express
- Not currently available for booking through eyetest.co.uk — check specsavers.co.uk directly
How to Book an Eye Test at Specsavers
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with Specsavers Optical Group.
Enter your postcode on eyetest.co.uk to find Specsavers stores near you
Browse available appointment types — NHS eye test, private test, OCT scan, contact lens assessment, or hearing test
Select a convenient date and time slot from the available appointments
Provide your personal details and let us know if you have any accessibility requirements
Confirm your booking and receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and what to bring
Arrive at your appointment with your current glasses or lenses, any NHS exemption evidence, and a list of any medications you take
Why Choose Specsavers?
UK's largest optical chain with over 900 stores
Two-for-one offers on a wide range of glasses
Home visit service available for those unable to attend a store
Joint-venture model means each store is part-owned by its optometrists
NHS Eye Tests at Specsavers
Specsavers Optical Groupoffers free NHS-funded eye tests for eligible patients. You may qualify if you're under 16, over 60, on certain benefits, or have specific medical conditions. Check eligibility and book through eyetest.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Specsavers
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at Specsavers Optical Group.
How do I get a free eye test at Specsavers?
You qualify for a free NHS-funded eye test if you are under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education), aged 60 or over, receiving certain means-tested benefits such as Income Support or Pension Credit, diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, or if you are over 40 and have a close family member with glaucoma. Simply let the receptionist know your eligibility when booking, and bring proof to your appointment.
What does the Specsavers two-for-one deal include?
Specsavers' two-for-one offer lets you choose two pairs of glasses from selected ranges for the price of one pair, starting from £25. Many customers use this to get a pair of prescription glasses and a pair of prescription sunglasses, or to choose different frames for work and leisure. The offer applies to frame and lens combinations from the designated two-for-one range, and additional lens upgrades such as anti-reflection coatings may cost extra.
Can Specsavers come to my home for an eye test?
Yes, Specsavers operates a domiciliary (home visit) eye test service for patients who are unable to leave home unaccompanied due to a physical or mental health condition or disability. A Specsavers optometrist will visit you at home with portable testing equipment and a selection of frames. If you qualify for an NHS eye test, the home visit is also free. To arrange a home visit, contact your local Specsavers store directly.
How often should I have an eye test at Specsavers?
Specsavers recommends that most adults have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if advised by their optometrist. Children, people with diabetes, those over 70, and anyone with a family history of eye disease should typically have their eyes tested annually. Regular eye tests are important not just for updating your prescription but for detecting eye conditions early, when they are most treatable.
Does Specsavers offer laser eye surgery?
No, Specsavers does not offer laser eye surgery or any surgical eye procedures. They are an optical retailer focused on eye testing, glasses, contact lenses, and hearing care. If you are interested in laser eye surgery, your Specsavers optometrist can advise you and refer you to an appropriate specialist or clinic.
Can I book a Specsavers appointment through eyetest.co.uk?
Specsavers is not currently available for booking through eyetest.co.uk. We list Specsavers as a reference so customers can compare services and prices across different opticians. To book directly, visit specsavers.co.uk or call your local Specsavers store. We are working to bring Specsavers availability to our platform in the future.
What hearing aid brands does Specsavers offer?
Specsavers works with major hearing aid manufacturers and also offers its own Advance range of digital hearing aids. NHS hearing aids are available free of charge for eligible patients through Specsavers audiology clinics. Private hearing aids start from around £495 per ear. All hearing aids come with an aftercare package including follow-up appointments and adjustments.
How long does it take to get glasses from Specsavers?
Standard glasses orders from Specsavers typically take 7 to 10 working days to be ready for collection. More complex prescriptions, including varifocals and high-index lenses, may take a little longer. Specsavers will contact you by text message when your glasses are ready to pick up from the store. Some stores offer an express service for simple single-vision prescriptions, but availability varies.
Specsavers— Coming Soon
We're working on adding Specsavers Optical Groupto eyetest.co.uk. Once available, you'll be able to compare prices and book appointments at their 900 UK locations directly through our platform.
Browse Available OpticiansVisit Specsavers Optical Group directly: www.specsavers.co.uk