An eye test at home is a full NHS-funded eye examination carried out by a qualified optometrist for people who are unable to visit a high street optician. Home eye tests are designed for elderly, housebound and vulnerable patients who may have physical or mental health conditions.
A home eye test provides the same essential eye care you would normally receive at an optician, but the examination takes place in the comfort of your own home. This can make a significant difference to people who find travelling to a high street optician difficult or who cannot leave home without assistance.
Key Takeaways
A home eye test can make it easier for elderly, housebound and vulnerable patients to receive the eye care they need without having to travel to a high street optician.
- A qualified optometrist can carry out a comprehensive eye examination in your home.
- Eligible patients may be entitled to an NHS-funded home eye test.
- Home visits can be particularly helpful for elderly people, care home residents and patients with mobility difficulties.
- Your optometrist can assess your vision and check the health of your eyes.
- If you need glasses, you can choose from a selection of frames during your home visit.
- A home eye test removes the need to arrange transport or wait at a high street optician.
- Home Eyecare provides home eye tests across the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Here are our reasons why you should allow our optometrists to provide you with an eye test at home:
1. Free NHS Eye Test
If you are aged 60 or over, you are entitled to a free NHS sight test. If you are unable to leave your home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability, you may also be entitled to have your NHS eye test carried out at home.
Patients under the age of 60 who are housebound and receiving tax credits or Jobseeker’s Allowance may also be entitled to a free home visit.
If you have diabetes or glaucoma and are housebound, you are entitled to a free NHS eye test at home.
2. Elderly and Housebound Care
We regularly provide eye tests at home for elderly patients including those living in care homes.
We also visit patients who may be suffering from mental health conditions such as dementia as well as those with chronic illnesses or mobility difficulties.
3. Detecting Other Health Conditions
An eye examination allows your optometrist to assess your vision and examine the health of your eyes. Some signs of eye disease and other health conditions can sometimes be detected during an eye examination, which is one of the reasons why regular eye tests are important.
An eye examination allows us to assess the health of your eyes and can also help detect underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
In some cases, a home eye test may assist in the early detection of cancers and tumours.
4. Central England Location
We are located in central England, giving us excellent access to patients’ homes and care homes throughout the region.
We routinely provide eye tests at home for residents of Birmingham, Solihull and Wolverhampton.
Our central location allows easy access across West Midlands including Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
5. Multilingual Optometrists
Our team of optometrists are multilingual and able to communicate in several languages to put patients at ease.
We strive to provide the highest quality care to all patients, regardless of background or ethnicity. The patient always comes first.
6. Quality Care in the Comfort of Your Home
Our optometrists provide a professional and thorough eye test in the comfort of your own home, removing the need for travel or waiting rooms.
If spectacles are required, our opticians will also bring a selection of frames for you to choose from during your appointment.
7. Instant Appointments
We aim to see patients within the next few days, with no long waiting lists.
Appointments are readily available, so do not delay. Contact Home Eyecare today to arrange an eye test at home.
What happens during an eye test at home?
A home eye test is designed to provide a comprehensive eye examination in the familiar surroundings of your own home.
Before the appointment, our optician will arrange a suitable time to visit you. When they arrive, they will identify a suitable area where the eye test can be carried out comfortably.
Your optometrist will carry out the necessary tests to assess your vision and check the health of your eyes. The examination is adapted to the home environment and specialist equipment is used where required.
Your optometrist will then discuss the results with you and explain whether you need glasses or whether any further action is required.
If you need new spectacles, our optician can bring a selection of frames to your home so you can choose a pair that suits you.
How does a home eye test work?
1. Arrange your appointment
Contact Home Eyecare to arrange a convenient appointment. We can discuss your requirements and establish whether you may be eligible for an NHS-funded home eye test.
2. Our optician visits your home
One of our qualified optometrists will visit you at home and carry out your eye examination in a comfortable environment.
3. Your eyes are examined
Your optometrist will carry out the necessary tests to assess your vision and check the health of your eyes.
4. Choose your glasses if required
If you need spectacles, our optician can bring a selection of frames for you to choose from. We can also provide a range of lens options to suit your individual requirements.
5. Your glasses are prepared
Once you have chosen your frames and lenses, your spectacles can be made to your prescription and arrangements can be made for them to be delivered and fitted.
Home eye tests for elderly people
An eye test at home can be particularly beneficial for elderly people who find travelling to an optician difficult.
Some older people may have mobility problems, physical disabilities or other conditions that make leaving home difficult. Others may require assistance from a family member or carer when travelling outside the home.
A home visit removes the need to arrange transport and allows the eye examination to take place in familiar surroundings.
We also provide home eye tests for elderly patients living in care homes, making it easier for residents to receive regular eye care without needing to travel to a high street optician.
We provide home eye tests for patients living in care homes as well as those living in their own homes.
Having an optometrist visit the care home can make it easier for residents who are unable to travel to an optician to receive the eye care they need.
Our optometrists can carry out the eye examination in the care home and discuss the results with the patient, their family or carer where appropriate.
If spectacles are required, we can also provide a selection of frames and discuss the available lens options.
Who is eligible for an NHS eye test at home?
You may be entitled to a free NHS eye test if you meet the eligibility criteria for an NHS sight test and you are unable to leave your home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.
This can include people who are elderly or frail, patients with mobility difficulties, people with certain physical or mental health conditions and some residents of care homes.
Being unable to leave home unaccompanied is an important part of the eligibility criteria for an NHS domiciliary sight test. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us and we can discuss your circumstances with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Tests at Home
Can elderly people have an eye test at home?
Yes. Elderly people who are unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability may be entitled to an NHS-funded home eye test, provided they meet the NHS eligibility criteria.
Are home eye tests free on the NHS?
An NHS-funded home eye test is free for patients who meet the relevant NHS eligibility criteria. Eligibility for an NHS sight test and eligibility for a domiciliary visit are separate requirements, so if you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us for advice.
What happens during a home eye test?
A qualified optometrist will visit you at home and carry out the necessary tests to assess your vision and check the health of your eyes. They will discuss the results with you and explain whether you need glasses or any further care.
Can I get glasses during a home eye test?
If you need new glasses, our optician can bring a selection of frames to your home for you to choose from. We can also discuss the different lens options available and recommend lenses based on your prescription and individual requirements.
Can someone with dementia have an eye test at home?
A home eye test can be particularly helpful for someone with dementia who finds travelling to an optician difficult or becomes distressed when leaving familiar surroundings. Whether the visit is NHS-funded depends on the patient's eligibility and ability to leave home unaccompanied.
Can you provide eye tests in care homes?
Yes. Home Eyecare can provide eye tests for patients living in care homes. This allows residents who have difficulty travelling to an optician to receive an eye examination in a familiar environment.
Do I need to be over 60 to have an eye test at home?
No. Being aged 60 or over is one way of qualifying for a free NHS sight test, but other eligibility criteria also apply. Patients under 60 may qualify for an NHS sight test because of certain medical conditions, disabilities or other NHS eligibility criteria. A domiciliary visit also requires the patient to be unable to leave home unaccompanied because of physical or mental illness or disability.