
How often should you have an eye test?
When it comes to taking care of your eyes, the most common question that I get asked is, “How often should I get my eye exam?”
Even if you don’t face any vision problem, you should get one every 2 years. Sometimes changes to vision are subtle and the test can help detect those. Apart from vision change, it can also detect conditions like macular degeneration, cataract and glaucoma in its early stages. Even diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected. There might be changes to the blood vessels at the back of the eyes, which can be spotted by the optometrist. They will refer you to your GP in such a case.
If you have a history of eye problems, your optometrist might recommend more frequent eye tests.
People above 70 and children below 16 years of age should get their eyes tested every year.

Who gets free eye tests?
You can get free eye exams with NHS funded eye tests or optical vouchers. You can check the criteria for these here. You’ll be able to get a free NHS eye test once every two years, or more if your optometrist recommends it. It can be due to conditions like these -
- If you have diabetes
- If you’re a child with prescription
- If you’re aged 70 or over
- If you’re aged 40 or over and have a history of glaucoma
Apart from these, if your eye doctor doesn’t see the clinical need for a more frequent eye test, you’ll have to get a private one.
But fret not! You can still avail a free eye test in Walkden or Bury (Manchester), at our stores. You don’t need an NHS voucher for that, simply book an online appointment for an eye test and walk-in at the scheduled time.
Eye test for kids
It is recommended that you should start getting your kids’ eyes tested before they are about to start school. It will help detect problems early and avoidant issues in learning and development at the school. Any problems that might be detected early There are children specific charts that have shapes and pictures that can be easily recognised by small children. And as mentioned earlier, you should take them for eye exams at least once every year. It can help detect conditions like lazy eyes and squints much earlier.
How long does an eye test take
That depends on the complexity and your age, but most eye exams take around 20 to 30 minutes. The optometrist will begin by asking if it is a routine test or if there are any specific concerns. You should also take your glasses or contact lenses along with you.

Here’s what you can expect during the whole process
Eyesight test - This is the most common and basic step - your optometrist will check your distance, intermediate and near vision through a Snellen Chart (where the letters become smaller line by line). They will place a series of lenses in front of your eyes to ascertain which ones are perfect.
These days acuity checking devices are more popular (including the free eye tests in Bury and Walkden!)
Pupils - It will involve a penlight or any other source to determine how your pupils contract when exposed to it.
Eye muscles - The ophthalmic practitioner will ask you to look in different directions or at a source of light to test your eye muscles. They also might blow a puff of air on to your eyes to check the pressure inside.
Slit-lamp test - It is a magnifying device which examines external parts like eyelids, cornea and iris.
Internal test - Using a special light source like ophthalmoscope or a highly magnified lens, eye parts like retina and optic nerve will be examined. Your pupils may have to be dilated for this.
Visual field - This test is done to ascertain your blind spots. You may not notice these in the early stages without the help of an eye test. The optometrist will ask you to focus on a particular spot at the centre of a machine and respond to surrounding lights in the periphery of your vision.
Colour blindness - The eye exam may also involve a colour blindness test. The expert will use cards which have a variety of coloured dots in patterns that form different shapes and numbers.
Different types of eye healthcare professionals

Optician - An optician is someone who specialises in fitting prescription and non-prescription lenses. They can also dispense aids like magnifying glasses and telescopic lenses. They help you choose glasses and other vision correction aids. You can ask them questions related to taking care of your glasses and sunglasses.
Optometrist - They usually do eye tests and can help detect eye disorders like glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataract. They are the ones who normally prescribe glasses. They may refer you to your GP or an ophthalmologist or orthoptist if they find any condition that needs attention.
Orthoptists - They’re qualified professionals that specialise in diagnosing and treating eye disorders. They particularly specialise in eye movement disorders like squints, double vision and lazy eyes.
Ophthalmologist - They are medical doctors who have specialised surgical care for the eyes. Thye deal with a host of issues and disorders like eye trauma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
After the eye test
Once the exam is over, the optometrist will discuss your eye health with you. This will include things like if you need vision correction or - if you already wear glasses - a change in prescription. You can also discuss any questions that you may have related to your vision.
Our Latest Stories
Brian
Published on June 25, 2022, 1:22 pm
How Are Swimming Pool and Eye Health Interrelated to Each Other?
Swimming is beneficial for our health. But the chlorine inside the pool can be harmful at times resulting in damage to the eyes. Read the blog to know more!
Halina Tseng
Published on June 24, 2022, 12:09 pm
A pocket full of glasses: Affordable glasses that will leave you awestruck
How are cheap eyeglasses online a perfect trend setter in the current time? Have a look at our top five collections of cheap eyeglasses online.
Julie Topping
Published on June 23, 2022, 7:49 am
Eyes Are Better When Little Ones Are Wearing Kids Glasses
Blue light affects the eyes of both kids and adults. Read to know how glasses for kids can protect their eyes!
Sid S
Published on June 20, 2022, 7:37 am
Looking Twice On Some Best Lenses Choices For Glasses
Types of glasses lenses that will make you want to have a second look at different types of lenses for glasses choices. All about spectacle types you need to know
Gemma Gough
Published on June 17, 2022, 12:30 pm
5 Reasons Why Children Need Sunglasses
Are you looking for the best sunglasses for kids 2022? But before that, you must know why sunglasses are a must-have for children. Read on to find out!
Brian
Published on June 14, 2022, 6:42 am
Tightening Your Glasses At Home All By Yourself
Want to know how to tighten glasses at home? Whether you want to know how to adjust glasses arms or how to adjust nose pads, we have answered them all here.
Halina Tseng
Published on June 13, 2022, 11:42 am
How to fix glasses arm hinges?
We should be aware of how to fix glasses arm hinges metal so that we do not suffer from any vision disturbance. Read to know more!
Julie Topping
Published on June 8, 2022, 11:20 am
Should you Get Polarised Sunglasses for a Comfortable Driving Experience?
Is it better to go for Polarised or anti-glare? Choose the best sunglasses while driving. Read to know more!
Sid S
Published on June 2, 2022, 3:09 pm
Distraction at its best: Are night driving glasses really necessary?
Casting a yellow hue on the glasses causes hindrance at night while driving; read on to know if driving night glasses are useful at night.
Gemma Gough
Published on May 31, 2022, 7:18 am
What You Must Know Before Buying Kids Glasses
Looking for a pair of glasses that your child will not resist? You have arrived at the right place. Here is your guide to buying kids glasses. Read on!