The importance of eye tests


An eye chart appearing more focused through a pair of glasses An eye chart appearing more focused through a pair of glasses

Did you know that over 60% of the world’s population wears glasses or contact lenses? It shows how our eyes require special care and maintenance to keep them working at their best, which is why we should be getting our eyes tested frequently – because healthy eyes are happy eyes!

How often should you be getting your eyes tested?

The frequency of your eye test depends on your age and overall health. Optical experts recommend the following:

  • People aged 16-69 - at least once every two years
  • Over 70s - once a year. This is to monitor age-related eye conditions.
  • People with diabetes or glaucoma - at least once a year
  • Over 40s who are a close blood relative of someone with glaucoma - at least once a year


You can learn more about what happens during your eye test here.

An ophtalmologist adjusting a phoropter An ophtalmologist adjusting a phoropter

Signs you might need an eye test

Your eyes may feel fine and your glasses may seem to be working perfectly for you, so recognising any change or deterioration by yourself can be hard. Even the smallest change to your eyes can alter your vision without you realising.

On the other hand, you may have noticed changes in your vision. Some signs that indicate it might be time for an eye test include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Your eyes feel drier throughout the day
  • Difficulties with your vision at night, or adjusting to the light
  • Eye pressure
  • Headaches
  • Noticeable eye fatigue or eye strain


Regardless of whether you’re experiencing changes to your vision or not, it’s always best to make sure your eyes are tested regularly by a qualified optician who can make sure your eyesight is in its best condition and your prescription is always up to date.

Why are eye tests so important?

The saying goes that eyes are the window to your soul, and in this sense, they certainly are a window to the body. Not only are eye tests important for the sake of keeping your prescription updated, but they can also help detect a range of other conditions too. Several conditions that can be spotted when having a sight test include diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, high blood pressure, brain tumours (in rare cases). multiple sclerosis and high cholesterol.

Where to get your eyes tested

Take a look at the table below for some of the latest eye test deals*:

Opticians Price
David Clulow £35
Boots Opticians £29.50
Asda Opticians £24
Vision Express £30

Remember that if you work using display screen equipment (DSE), your employer may have to help towards the cost of your eye care. You can read more about this here. Also, you might be entitled to a free NHS eye test. To check if you qualify for a free NHS eye test, check out eye care entitlements.

Once you have your eye test* and have been handed your latest prescription, you can get to work on finding the perfect pair of glasses – this is where we can help! You are in no way obliged to purchase eyewear from the opticians who performed your eye test, and at Glasses Direct, you can browse hundreds of frames to match your unique style without feeling pushed into a sale. And to make things easier, you can try up to four frames with our free Home Trial service, or discover a new pair based on your current frame measurements using our handy Best Fit Machine.

If you are still waiting for an up-to-date prescription, don’t worry, you can still place an order now and send us your prescription later. Find out more about that here.

*Eye test deals subject to individual terms and conditions stipulated by each provider; Glasses Direct are not responsible for or associated with the opticians or eye tests. Prices may vary. This page was last updated on 27/02/2024.