Specsavers Eye Test Cost 2026: Prices, What Is Included, and How to Book
Specsavers is the UK's largest optician chain with over 900 stores. Here is what every test costs and what you get for your money.
How much is an eye test at Specsavers?
A standard private eye test at Specsavers costs £25. Adding an OCT 3D retinal scan costs £10 extra, bringing the enhanced test to £35. A contact lens check costs £15-20. If you qualify for an NHS-funded test (over 60, under 16, under 19 in full-time education, on certain benefits, or with diabetes or glaucoma) you pay nothing. Prices can vary slightly by store, particularly in Scotland, so confirm with your local branch when booking.
Standard Test
£25
20-25 minutes
With OCT Scan
£35
£10 upgrade
Contact Lens Check
£15-20
Aftercare appointment
NHS Eligible
Free
Same test quality
What the Standard £25 Test Includes
A Specsavers standard eye test takes 20 to 25 minutes and covers:
- ✓Visual acuity assessment (distance and near)
- ✓Refraction to determine your exact prescription
- ✓Intraocular pressure measurement (glaucoma screening)
- ✓Slit lamp examination of the front of the eye
- ✓Retinal examination using an ophthalmoscope
- ✓Colour vision screening
- ✓Discussion of results and recommendations
This is a comprehensive examination that goes beyond checking whether you need glasses. The optometrist screens for eye conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and signs of diabetes.
OCT Scan at Specsavers
Specsavers offers one of the cheapest OCT upgrades on the high street.
£10 extra
Total: £35
The OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan creates a detailed 3D cross-section image of your retina. It can detect conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease years before symptoms appear.
Who should add it: Over 40s, diabetics, anyone with a family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma. At £10, the Specsavers OCT upgrade is significantly cheaper than Boots (£25 extra) and most independents (£20-40 extra).
Contact Lens Services
Initial Fitting
£30-40
Full contact lens assessment, trial lenses, teaching insertion and removal. Typically 45 to 60 minutes.
Aftercare Check
£15-20
Shorter follow-up to check fit and corneal health. Usually 15 to 20 minutes.
Specsavers easycare Monthly Plans
From £10 per month. The easycare direct-debit package delivers your contact lenses every quarter and includes all aftercare appointments free, plus solutions. The monthly plan can work out significantly cheaper than buying lenses and aftercare separately.
Promotions and Offers
Specsavers regularly runs promotions that can make the eye test effectively free:
- •2-for-1 glasses deals often include a free eye test
- •Free test when purchasing glasses over a certain value
- •Seasonal promotions (back-to-school, January sales)
- •Corporate eye care vouchers for employer-funded tests
Check the Specsavers website or your local branch for current offers.
NHS Tests at Specsavers
Specsavers accepts NHS-funded eye tests for all qualifying groups. The test is identical to a private test. You receive the same examination, the same equipment, and the same optometrist. The only difference is who pays.
There is no obligation to buy glasses afterwards. If you need glasses, you can use an NHS optical voucher towards the cost or take your prescription elsewhere.
Check your NHS eligibility →How to Book
Online
Book at specsavers.co.uk. Choose your branch, select a date and time. Typically appointments available within a few days.
Phone
Call your local branch directly. Useful if you have specific requirements or need an urgent appointment.
Walk-in
Some branches accept walk-ins, but availability varies. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends.
How Specsavers Compares
| Optician | Standard | With OCT | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specsavers | £25 | £35 | Best value OCT upgrade at £10 extra |
| Boots Opticians | £29.95 | £54.95 | More thorough enhanced test, but pricier |
| Vision Express | £30 | Often included | OCT often included, good value if so |
| Asda Opticians | £24 | N/A | Cheapest but fewer locations |
Specsavers Eye Test: Common Questions
How much is an eye test at Specsavers?
A standard eye test at Specsavers costs £25. An OCT scan upgrade adds £10, making the enhanced test £35. Contact lens checks cost £15-20. NHS-eligible customers get their test free.
How much is an OCT scan at Specsavers?
An OCT 3D retinal scan costs £10 on top of the £25 standard eye test, so £35 in total. That is one of the cheapest OCT upgrades on the UK high street, well below Boots (£25 extra). The OCT scan is a private add-on, so it is not covered by an NHS-funded test even if you qualify for a free eye test.
How much does a contact lens check cost at Specsavers?
A contact lens aftercare check costs £15-20 and takes 15 to 20 minutes. A first-time contact lens fitting for new wearers costs £30-40. Specsavers easycare monthly plans start from £10 per month and include aftercare appointments free.
Does Specsavers offer free eye tests?
Specsavers accepts NHS-funded eye tests for all qualifying groups. They also frequently offer free eye tests with glasses purchases under their 2-for-1 promotion. Check your local branch for current offers.