Eye test due date

The NHS suggests an eye test every two years, more often for some people. Add your last test and see your next date, and whether it is free.

Your details

Next eye test

8 June 2027

due in about 8 months

Last test8 June 2025
Gap used2 years (usual NHS gap for adults 16 to 69)
Free NHS sight test?not from your age or the boxes ticked; other groups qualify, such as people on some benefits

An eye test checks your eye health as well as your glasses, so it is worth going even if you can see well. If your optometrist said to come back sooner, put that in months.

If your sight changes suddenly or an eye becomes painful, contact an optician or call 111 the same day.

The working

Last test 10 May 2025, aged 45

Two years on is 10 May 2027. At 45 with nothing ticked, the test is not free by age, but ticking diabetes or glaucoma makes it free. At 60 or over it is free by age alone. If your optometrist said 12 months, putting 12 in the third box moves the date to 10 May 2026.

Free NHS sight tests

Some of the groups

Under 16, or 16 to 18 in full time education
60 and over
Diabetes or glaucoma
40 or over with a mother, father, brother, sister or child with glaucoma
Registered as partially sighted or blind, or on some benefits

Why go

More than glasses

An eye test checks the health of your eyes too, not only whether you need glasses. If your sight changes suddenly or your eye is painful, do not wait for a routine test: contact NHS 111 or your GP.

How often

The usual gap for you

The NHS sets minimum gaps between routine tests. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is 1 year for under 16s, people 70 and over, and people with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma from 40; 2 years for everyone else. In Scotland it is 1 year for under 16s, people 60 and over and people with diabetes, and every eye examination is free for UK residents.

So a 72 year old in England with a last test on 10 May 2025 is due on 10 May 2026. If you have diabetes, you are also invited for separate diabetic eye screening every 1 or 2 years from age 12; it does not replace a sight test.

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Check every free test groupAsk your optician.
Replace urgent careSudden sight changes need help now.
Wales and NI extrasWales has extra free eye health checks for some people; ask your optician.

Questions

Common questions

How often should I have an eye test?

The NHS suggests every 2 years, or more often if your optometrist advises.

Who gets a free NHS eye test?

Under 16s, 16 to 18s in full time education, people 60 and over, people with diabetes or glaucoma, and some others.

Is an eye test only about glasses?

No. It also checks the health of your eyes, which is why it is worth going even if you can see well.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Talk your results through

If a result worries you, book a chat with your GP or practice nurse, or ask a pharmacist. Call NHS 111 if you feel unwell and are not sure what to do, and 999 in an emergency.