What Happens During a Home Eye Test?

A home eye test is a full eye examination, the same one you would have on the high street, carried out in your own living room. Nothing is cut down or skipped. The only real difference is that the optometrist travels, not you. Here is exactly what to expect, from booking to your new glasses arriving.

Before the visit

Once you enquire, we call to agree a day and time, and we check whether the NHS will fund your test. Most people who cannot leave home without help qualify, and we sort the paperwork. Have your current glasses ready on the day, along with a list of any medicines you take, as some affect the eyes. If English is not your first language, or your memory is not what it was, a family member is very welcome to sit in.

The examination itself

The visit usually takes around 45 minutes, though we never cut a visit short to keep to a schedule. It follows the same steps as any good practice:

• A chat about your eyes and health. Changes you have noticed, headaches, glare when driving, your family's eye history, and how you actually use your eyes day to day.
• Your vision and prescription. Using a portable trial lens set and test charts, we measure how well you see and find the exact lens strength that suits each eye. You sit in your own chair, in your own light.
• The health of your eyes. We examine the front and back of each eye with handheld clinical instruments, looking for cataract, signs of glaucoma, macular changes and anything else that needs attention. This is the part of the test that matters most, and it is done to the same standard as in a consulting room.
• Results in plain words. Before we pack anything away, you will know what we found, whether anything needs watching or referring, and whether new glasses would genuinely help. You always receive your prescription.

Choosing glasses at home

If you need glasses, we bring the frames to you, from everyday options to designer ranges. You can try them in your own mirror, with the people whose opinion you actually trust. There is no obligation to buy from us, and prices are always confirmed before you order anything.

After the visit

Your glasses are made up and then delivered and fitted at home, usually within the week. Your clinical records are kept safely, and when your next test falls due we send a recall reminder so nothing gets missed. If we found something that needs a specialist, we write the referral and explain what happens next.

Is a home test as thorough as one in a shop?

Yes. Portable equipment has come a long way, and the clinical standards are identical: the same sight test, the same eye health checks, the same GOC-registered optometrist responsible for your care. What changes is the experience: no travel, no waiting room, and time to do things properly.

Arrange a visit

If you or a relative struggles to get to a high street optician, you may qualify for a free NHS home eye test. If not, a private home visit is from £49. Either way, we come to you.

Written by Bilal Abbas MCOptom, GOC No. 01-38339. Last updated: 12 September 2026