Boots Opticians
About Boots Opticians
Boots Opticians is one of the UK's largest and most recognised optical chains, operating from Boots pharmacy stores across the country. They offer a full range of eye care services including NHS and private eye tests, designer and own-brand glasses, contact lenses, and hearing care. With their convenient high-street locations and integration with Boots Advantage Card loyalty points, they remain a popular choice for routine eye care.
Boots Opticians traces its origins to 1983, when Boots the Chemist — already one of Britain's most trusted pharmacy brands — launched a dedicated optical division within its existing high-street stores. The move was a natural extension of the company's healthcare heritage, which stretches back to John Boot's original herbalist shop in Nottingham in 1849. By placing opticians inside busy pharmacy locations, Boots offered a level of convenience that few competitors could match, and the optical business grew rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s.
In 2009, Boots Opticians was acquired by the Italian eyewear conglomerate Luxottica, which later merged with Essilor in 2018 to form EssilorLuxottica — the world's largest eyewear and lens company. This ownership change gave Boots Opticians access to an enormous portfolio of premium frame brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and many others manufactured or licensed by the parent group. Despite the corporate changes at the top, the day-to-day experience for customers remained largely consistent, with the brand retaining its familiar high-street presence.
Today, Boots Opticians operates approximately 600 stores across the United Kingdom, making it the second-largest optical chain in the country. The business continues to invest in clinical technology, rolling out OCT scanning and digital retinal photography across its network. Its integration with the Boots Advantage Card loyalty programme remains a significant draw for customers, allowing them to earn and spend points across both pharmacy and optical services. Boots Opticians also participates fully in the NHS sight test voucher scheme, providing free eye tests to eligible patients.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1983
- UK Stores
- 600
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £25 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 8
- Locations Listed
- 91
- Avg. Eye Test
- 20-25 minutes
Book an eye test
Boots Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest Boots and book an eye test. We list Boots locations in 12 regions across the United Kingdom.
London
South East
South West
East of England
West Midlands
East Midlands
North West
North East
Yorkshire and the Humber
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
BootsServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at Boots Opticians, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A comprehensive eye examination carried out by a qualified optometrist, available free to eligible patients including children under 16, over-60s, those receiving certain benefits, and patients with specific medical conditions. The test checks visual acuity, eye health, and screens for conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts. | Free (if eligible) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A full eye examination for patients who do not qualify for a free NHS test. Includes the same clinical checks as the NHS test — visual acuity assessment, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and an examination of the internal and external structures of the eye using a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope. | From £25 | 20-25 minutes | |
| Enhanced Eye Test with OCT Scan | An advanced eye examination that includes Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test that produces detailed cross-section images of the retina. OCT scanning can detect early signs of conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma — often before symptoms appear. This is Boots' most thorough eye health check. | From £45 | 30-35 minutes | |
| Contact Lens Consultation | An initial assessment to determine your suitability for contact lenses. The consultation includes measurements of your corneal curvature, tear film assessment, and a trial fitting. Your optician will discuss different lens types — daily disposables, monthly lenses, and toric lenses for astigmatism — and recommend the best option for your prescription and lifestyle. | From £35 | 30-40 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Test | A specially adapted eye test for children, using age-appropriate charts and techniques. All children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. The optometrist will check for common childhood vision problems including lazy eye (amblyopia), squint (strabismus), and long or short-sightedness. Boots stocks a wide range of children's frames, many available free under the NHS voucher scheme. | Free (NHS funded) | 20-30 minutes | |
| Hearing Test | A hearing assessment carried out by a qualified audiologist at selected Boots Opticians locations. The test includes a lifestyle questionnaire, an ear examination using an otoscope, and a pure tone audiometry test to measure hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. Results are explained clearly and, if needed, hearing aid options are discussed. | Free | 30 minutes | |
| Diabetic Eye Screening | A specialist screening service for patients with diabetes, checking for diabetic retinopathy — a complication that can damage blood vessels in the retina. The screening includes digital retinal photography and, in many locations, OCT scanning. Early detection through regular screening is essential for preventing vision loss in diabetic patients. | From £30 | 20-25 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA comprehensive eye examination carried out by a qualified optometrist, available free to eligible patients including children under 16, over-60s, those receiving certain benefits, and patients with specific medical conditions. The test checks visual acuity, eye health, and screens for conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Private Eye Test
A full eye examination for patients who do not qualify for a free NHS test. Includes the same clinical checks as the NHS test — visual acuity assessment, refraction, eye pressure measurement, and an examination of the internal and external structures of the eye using a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope.
Enhanced Eye Test with OCT Scan
An advanced eye examination that includes Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test that produces detailed cross-section images of the retina. OCT scanning can detect early signs of conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma — often before symptoms appear. This is Boots' most thorough eye health check.
Contact Lens Consultation
An initial assessment to determine your suitability for contact lenses. The consultation includes measurements of your corneal curvature, tear film assessment, and a trial fitting. Your optician will discuss different lens types — daily disposables, monthly lenses, and toric lenses for astigmatism — and recommend the best option for your prescription and lifestyle.
Children's Eye Test
NHSA specially adapted eye test for children, using age-appropriate charts and techniques. All children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. The optometrist will check for common childhood vision problems including lazy eye (amblyopia), squint (strabismus), and long or short-sightedness. Boots stocks a wide range of children's frames, many available free under the NHS voucher scheme.
Hearing Test
A hearing assessment carried out by a qualified audiologist at selected Boots Opticians locations. The test includes a lifestyle questionnaire, an ear examination using an otoscope, and a pure tone audiometry test to measure hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. Results are explained clearly and, if needed, hearing aid options are discussed.
Diabetic Eye Screening
A specialist screening service for patients with diabetes, checking for diabetic retinopathy — a complication that can damage blood vessels in the retina. The screening includes digital retinal photography and, in many locations, OCT scanning. Early detection through regular screening is essential for preventing vision loss in diabetic patients.
BootsPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Boots Opticians for your eye care.
Advantages
- Earn Boots Advantage Card points on every purchase, including eye tests and glasses
- Huge range of designer and premium frames thanks to EssilorLuxottica ownership
- Convenient locations inside Boots pharmacy stores with long opening hours
- Advanced clinical technology including OCT scanning available at most stores
- NHS eye tests available alongside private and enhanced options
Considerations
- Appointment slots can be limited at busy high-street locations, especially at weekends
- Some patients report feeling upsold towards more expensive lens coatings and add-ons
- Budget frame selection is smaller compared to value-focused competitors like ASDA
How to Book an Eye Test at Boots
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with Boots Opticians.
Search for your nearest Boots Opticians store by entering your postcode on eyetest.co.uk
Compare available appointment slots, prices, and services at nearby stores
Select your preferred date, time, and test type — NHS eye test, private eye test, or enhanced OCT scan
Enter your personal details and any relevant medical information
Receive instant confirmation by email and SMS with your appointment details
Attend your appointment — remember to bring your current glasses or contact lenses and any NHS exemption evidence
Why Choose Boots?
Earn and spend Boots Advantage Card points on eye care
Wide selection of designer frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Prada
Enhanced eye tests with OCT scanning available at most locations
Convenient locations inside Boots pharmacy stores nationwide
NHS Eye Tests at Boots
Boots Opticiansoffers free NHS-funded eye tests for eligible patients. You may qualify if you're under 16, over 60, on certain benefits, or have specific medical conditions. Check eligibility and book through eyetest.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boots
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at Boots Opticians.
Can I use my Boots Advantage Card when buying glasses?
Yes, you can earn and spend Boots Advantage Card points across all Boots Opticians purchases, including eye tests, glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. You earn 4 points per pound spent in store. Points earned at Boots Opticians can be spent anywhere in the Boots group, and vice versa, making it a genuinely useful loyalty benefit for regular customers.
How much does an eye test cost at Boots Opticians?
If you are eligible for an NHS-funded eye test — including children under 16, adults over 60, people receiving certain benefits, and those with specific medical conditions — the test is completely free. For patients who are not eligible for the NHS test, private eye tests start from around £25. The enhanced eye test with OCT scan, which provides a more detailed examination of the retina, starts from £45.
What is the OCT scan at Boots and is it worth it?
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is a non-invasive imaging technology that produces detailed 3D cross-section images of your retina. It can detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — often years before symptoms become noticeable. Many optometrists recommend it as a valuable baseline for patients over 25, particularly those with a family history of eye disease. While it is an additional cost on top of the standard test, it provides a much more thorough picture of your eye health.
Does Boots Opticians offer home eye tests?
Boots Opticians does not widely offer a home visit eye testing service. Their eye tests are carried out in-store at Boots pharmacy locations. If you or a family member is unable to leave home due to illness or disability, you may want to consider opticians such as Specsavers or Scrivens, who provide dedicated home visit services for housebound patients.
How long does an eye test take at Boots?
A standard NHS or private eye test at Boots Opticians typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes. If you opt for the enhanced eye test with OCT scan, you should allow approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Contact lens consultations tend to take a little longer — around 30 to 40 minutes — as they include additional measurements and a trial fitting.
Can I get my glasses the same day at Boots Opticians?
Boots Opticians does not typically offer same-day glasses. Most orders are sent to a central glazing laboratory, and you can expect your glasses to be ready for collection within 7 to 10 working days. Some stores may offer an express service for simple prescriptions, but availability varies by location. You will be notified by text or email when your glasses are ready to collect.
What frame brands does Boots Opticians stock?
Boots Opticians carries an extensive range of designer and own-brand frames. Thanks to being part of the EssilorLuxottica group, they have access to brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and many more. They also offer their own Boots-branded frames at more affordable price points, and children's ranges featuring popular character brands.
Does Boots Opticians accept NHS vouchers for glasses?
Yes, Boots Opticians fully participates in the NHS optical voucher scheme. If you are eligible for an NHS voucher, it can be put towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses. The voucher value depends on your prescription strength, and any difference between the voucher value and the cost of your chosen frames and lenses is paid by you. Children and some adults on qualifying benefits can receive glasses entirely covered by the NHS voucher.
Find a Boots Near You
Enter your postcode to check availability and book an eye test at your nearest Boots store.
Find a Boots Opticians Near YouVisit Boots Opticians directly: www.boots-opticians.co.uk