Vision Express Eye Test Cost 2026: What You Pay and What Is Included
Vision Express operates over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland. Its standard private adult eye test is the Advanced Eye Test at £30, which bundles an OCT 3D retinal scan, a UV protection assessment and a dry eye assessment as standard, making it strong value for an enhanced examination.
How much is an eye test at Vision Express?
A private adult eye test at Vision Express costs £30. That price buys the Advanced Eye Test, which includes an OCT 3D retinal scan, a UV protection assessment and a dry eye assessment at no extra charge, making it better value than Specsavers (£35 with OCT) or Boots (£54.95 with OCT) where the scan is a paid add-on. 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) the standard test is free, and you can upgrade to the Advanced Eye Test with OCT from £6 (£10 in Scotland). A contact lens check costs £20-25.
Standard Test
£30
OCT scan included
Contact Lens Check
£20-25
Fitting or aftercare
NHS Eligible
Free
Same test quality
OCT Scan: Included in the £30 Advanced Eye Test
Vision Express sells its Advanced Eye Test, which bundles an OCT 3D scan, a UV protection assessment and a dry eye assessment, as its standard £30 private adult test. Unlike Specsavers (£10 extra) and Boots (£25 extra), the OCT scan is not a paid add-on, which makes the £30 price better value than competitors charging less upfront but adding OCT separately.
Important: OCT equipment availability can vary between branches, so confirm your local store offers it when booking. NHS-eligible customers get a free standard test and can upgrade to the Advanced Eye Test with OCT from £6 (£10 in Scotland).
Full guide to OCT scans and who should have one →What Your £30 Test Includes
- ✓Full visual acuity assessment at distance and near
- ✓Refraction to determine your prescription
- ✓Intraocular pressure check (glaucoma screening)
- ✓Slit lamp examination
- ✓Retinal examination
- ✓OCT scan at equipped branches (3D retinal imaging)
- ✓Discussion of results and recommendations
Promotions and Offers
Vision Express runs frequent promotions, including:
- •Free eye tests when purchasing glasses
- •Percentage discounts on frames with a valid prescription
- •2-for-1 glasses deals at select branches
- •Seasonal promotional pricing on standard tests
Check the Vision Express website for current promotions.
Vision Express vs Specsavers vs Boots
| Feature | Vision Express | Specsavers | Boots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard test | £30 | £25 | £29.95 |
| With OCT | Included | £35 (+£10) | £54.95 (+£25) |
| Effective OCT price | £30 | £35 | £54.95 |
| Contact lens check | £20-25 | £15-20 | £20-30 |
| UK stores | 550+ | 900+ | 550+ |
The OCT advantage: If your local Vision Express includes OCT in the standard price, you are getting £30 for what would cost £35 at Specsavers or £54.95 at Boots. The standard test price is £5 more than Specsavers, but the included OCT more than makes up the difference.