Direct Vision Opticians, Great Barr
Over 60? Your eye test is FREE on the NHS
Visit your local, independent optician in Great Barr. New patients over 60 also get a free retinal scan, normally £10.
Call us to book
0121 325 0665Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Prefer to speak to someone? Just call and we'll book you in.
What you get
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A free NHS eye test
Everyone aged 60 or over in England can have a free NHS eye test.
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A free retinal scan for new patients
A detailed photo of the back of your eye. Normally £10, free for new patients over 60.
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A proper 30-minute appointment
Time to talk, ask questions and have everything explained. You won't be rushed.
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Glasses from £59, second pair half price
£59 includes the frame and single vision lenses. Your second pair is half price.
Weekday mornings are usually our quietest time, so it's easy to find an appointment that suits you.
Why eye tests matter more after 60
Some eye conditions develop slowly and without pain, so you may not notice anything is wrong. The good news is that most can be treated or managed well when they are found early. That's what a regular eye test is for.
Glaucoma
Raised pressure in the eye that can slowly affect your side vision. There are usually no early signs. Found early, eye drops can often keep it under control.
Cataracts
A clouding of the lens inside the eye that makes things look misty or glary. Cataracts are very common and are treated with a routine operation.
Macular degeneration
This affects the centre of your vision, which you use for reading and recognising faces. Regular checks mean any changes are picked up quickly.
Diabetic eye disease
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Regular eye tests help protect your sight, alongside your NHS diabetic eye screening.
An eye test can sometimes spot signs of other health problems too, such as high blood pressure.
About your free retinal scan
It takes a few seconds, nothing touches your eye and it doesn't hurt. We keep the picture on file so we can compare it at your next visit and spot any changes early.
How it works
Book your appointment
Call 0121 325 0665 or book online.
Come in for your eye test
Your appointment takes about 30 minutes. Allow a little longer if you'd like to look at glasses.
We explain your results
We'll tell you what we found in plain English and give you your prescription.
There is no pressure to buy anything. Your prescription is yours to take wherever you like.
What to bring
- Your current glasses, including reading glasses
- A list of any medicines you take
- Proof of any benefits, such as Pension Credit, as you may be entitled to help with the cost of glasses
Easy to get to, easy to get in
- Free parking right outside the door
- Full wheelchair access
- Punjabi and Hindi also spoken
- You're welcome to bring a family member or friend
Closer to Sheldon?
Your free NHS eye test is available at our Sheldon practice too, inside Pan Pharmacy on Church Road.
Our free retinal scan is only available at Great Barr.
Direct Vision Sheldon
Inside Pan Pharmacy
297–299 Church Road
Sheldon
Birmingham B26 3YH
Monday, 9am to 1pm
Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Why people choose Direct Vision
Independent, not a chain
A local practice looking after Great Barr since 2011.
Led by an experienced optometrist
Over 20 years of looking after people's eyes.
5.0 stars on Google
Rated by patients from Great Barr and across Birmingham.
NHS registered
We provide NHS eye tests and private eye care.
Team was very caring and communicated well.
It's been a long time since I have been to an opticians. I felt at ease, the whole experience was very relaxed.
Your questions answered
Is the eye test really free?
Yes. In England, everyone aged 60 or over can have a free NHS eye test. The NHS pays for it, not you. You'll just sign a short NHS form when you arrive.
Will my glasses be free too?
Not automatically. Being 60 or over gets you a free eye test, but not free glasses. You may get an NHS voucher towards glasses if you receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or have an HC2 certificate. We'll check this for you. Otherwise, our glasses start from £59, including single vision lenses.
How often should I have an eye test?
Usually every two years, or every year once you're 70. Your optometrist may ask you to come back sooner. If you notice any change in your sight, don't wait for your next test. Call us.
I usually go somewhere else. Can I switch?
Of course. You don't need to arrange anything with your old optician. Just bring your current glasses and we'll take it from there.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. You're very welcome to bring a family member or friend into your appointment.
How long does it take?
The eye test takes about 30 minutes. If you'd like to choose new glasses, allow a little extra time.
Book your free eye test today
Call us on
0121 325 0665Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
Free NHS eye tests are available in England to people aged 60 or over and to others who qualify. The free retinal scan is for new patients aged 60 or over having an NHS eye test at our Great Barr practice. Glasses from £59 includes frame and single vision lenses. Second pair half price applies to private complete pairs. Offers may change.