You get a free NHS eye test if you're under 16, under 19 in full-time education, 60 or over, have diabetes or glaucoma, or get Universal Credit (within the earnings limits) or certain other benefits. Children and people on those benefits also get an NHS voucher towards glasses.

Check your eligibility

Eye tests in Birmingham at Great Barr and Sheldon

We carry out NHS and private eye tests in Birmingham at two local practices: Great Barr (B43) and Sheldon (B26, inside Pan Pharmacy). Same-week appointments are available at both.

  • Free on the NHS if you're under 16, under 19 in full-time education, 60 or over, have diabetes or glaucoma, or get Universal Credit (within the earnings limits) or certain other benefits. Check if you qualify.
  • Private eye test: £30, an extended examination with retinal imaging included at Great Barr.
  • How long: about 30 minutes for adults and 20 minutes for children.
  • Glasses from £59 with lenses included, and second pair half price.
Book an eye testCheck if it's free

Choose the right test for you

Child or teen: free NHS eye test

A free NHS eye test for children and young people, plus an NHS voucher towards glasses. You get both if you are:

  • under 16, or
  • under 19 in full-time education (16, 17 or 18)

We have a great range of children's frames available within the voucher value, and if you'd like to upgrade, we'll show you all the options.

Early detection of vision problems makes a real difference to learning, development and confidence. We recommend children have their eyes tested every year.
Our optometrists are experienced with children of all ages, and we make the appointment relaxed, friendly and straightforward for both child and parent. It takes about 20 minutes.

Want more from your appointment? Add retinal imaging for just £10 at our Great Barr practice.

Adult with a free NHS test

A full NHS sight test for adults. We carry out a thorough examination of your vision and eye health, the same standard as a private test. It takes about 30 minutes.

Free eye test
You get a free NHS eye test if you:

  • are 60 or over
  • have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • are 40 or over with a parent, brother, sister or child with glaucoma
  • have been told by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) you're at risk of glaucoma
  • are registered partially sighted or blind

Free eye test, plus an NHS voucher towards your glasses
You get both if you:

  • get Universal Credit (within the earnings limits)
  • get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • are named on a valid HC2 certificate (an HC3 certificate may give partial help)
  • have a partner who gets one of these benefits

Bring proof if it isn't your age, such as a benefits letter or HC2 certificate.
We'll confirm your eligibility when you arrive. If you don't qualify, your test is £30.
Not sure? Call us and we'll check for you.

Want more from your appointment? Add retinal imaging for £10 at our Great Barr practice. Free for new patients over 60 at Great Barr.

Everyone else: private eye test, £30

An extended, unhurried 30-minute consultation with a qualified optometrist. Perfect for patients who want more time, more detail and a thorough picture of their eye health.
Your private examination includes:
· Full visual acuity assessment
· Eye health check including glaucoma screening
· Detailed written prescription report
· Honest clinical advice, no upselling
Retinal imaging available at our Great Barr practice, included as standard with your private examination. A detailed scan of the back of your eye, helping to detect conditions early.
Buying varifocals? Your £30 private eye test fee comes off the price of your glasses.

Your appointment, step by step

Book online in minutes. Arrive at your chosen practice and we'll take a brief history of your eye health and any current concerns. Your optometrist then carries out a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health. We explain everything clearly and discuss next steps, whether that's glasses, a referral, or simply a recall date.

What happens after your test

You'll leave with your prescription to use wherever you like. If you need glasses, we'll help you choose at your own pace, and you never have to buy them from us. Your optometrist will tell you when your next test is due, usually every two years for adults. If anything changes before then, call us and we'll see you sooner.

If anything isn't right with glasses we've made for you, come back within 28 days of collecting them and we'll put it right. That includes our varifocal adaptation guarantee if you're new to varifocals. Adjustments and minor repairs are free on glasses bought from us.

Book an eye testAbout aftercare
Retinal imaging at Direct Vision Opticians Great Barr Birmingham — included on private eye tests, £10 add-on on NHS

Retinal imaging: available at Great Barr

A detailed digital scan of the back of your eye. Retinal imaging helps detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, often before symptoms appear.
Included as standard on all private examinations. Available as a £10 add-on on NHS eye tests at our Great Barr practice.

Book an eye test

What our patients say

  • ★★★★★

    Always very professional and polite make sure to remind you of appointments and my son is very happy with his new glasses. - V.Rumsby, Great Barr

  • ★★★★★

    Excellent!
    Friendly, attentive staff who really care about customers & their needs.- D.Twist, Great Barr

  • ★★★★★

    Professional and courteous. Eye examination was thorough and didn't feel at all rushed. Felt comfortable to purchase two sets of glasses and book my children in for tests straight after. This will be my new go-to opticians for future tests. Many thanks.- L.Armstrong, Sheldon

Eye test questions

How much is an eye test?

NHS eye tests are free if you qualify. Otherwise a private eye test with us is £30. See all our prices.

Are eye tests free?

They're free on the NHS for children under 16, under 19s in full-time education, everyone aged 60 or over, people with diabetes or glaucoma, people aged 40 or over with a parent, brother, sister or child with glaucoma, people registered partially sighted or blind, and people on Universal Credit (within the earnings limits) and certain other benefits. Children and people on those benefits also get an NHS voucher towards glasses. Check if you qualify, or call us and we'll check for you.

How long does an eye test take?

About 30 minutes for adults and about 20 minutes for children.

Is the eye test free for over 60s?

Yes. Everyone aged 60 or over gets a free NHS eye test. New patients over 60 also get a free retinal scan at our Great Barr practice.

How often should I have an eye test?

Usually every two years for adults and every year for children. Your optometrist may recommend seeing you sooner.

Where are your practices?

Great Barr: 122 Hillingford Avenue, B43 7JU, 0121 325 0665. Sheldon: inside Pan Pharmacy, 297-299 Church Road, B26 3YH, 0121 742 9599.

Ready to book your eye test?

Same-week appointments available at Great Barr and Sheldon. NHS and private patients welcome.

Book an eye testCheck NHS eligibility