Vision Express
About Vision Express
Vision Express is a major UK optical chain owned by the EssilorLuxottica group, one of the world's largest eyewear companies. They offer a comprehensive range of eye tests, glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, with a strong emphasis on clinical excellence. Many of their stores are located in prominent high-street and retail park locations, and they carry an extensive portfolio of premium and designer frames.
Vision Express was founded in 1988 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, with a mission to provide high-quality eye care and fashionable eyewear on the British high street. The company expanded rapidly during the 1990s, opening stores in major town centres and retail parks across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its strategy of securing prominent retail locations — often with large, well-lit showrooms — helped it stand out from traditional opticians and attract a customer base interested in eyewear as much as a fashion accessory as a medical necessity.
In 2013, Vision Express was acquired by GrandVision, a Dutch optical retail group that operated thousands of stores worldwide. This acquisition provided Vision Express with greater purchasing power and access to a broader range of lens technology. The ownership changed again in 2021 when EssilorLuxottica — the global eyewear giant formed from the 2018 merger of French lens maker Essilor and Italian frame manufacturer Luxottica — completed its purchase of GrandVision. This made Vision Express a sister company to other well-known brands in the EssilorLuxottica portfolio, including Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters.
Today, Vision Express operates around 400 stores across the UK and is known for its emphasis on clinical quality and advanced eye care technology. The chain has invested heavily in equipping its stores with OCT scanning and digital retinal photography, and it positions itself as a premium optician offering designer frames alongside comprehensive eye health assessments. Vision Express also offers a price match guarantee and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on glasses, reflecting its confidence in both product quality and customer service.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1988
- UK Stores
- 400
- Price Range
- Free NHS / From £30 private
- NHS Eye Tests
- Yes
- Services Offered
- 7
- Locations Listed
- 75
- Avg. Eye Test
- 25-30 minutes
Book an eye test
Vision Express Eye Test Locations Across the UK
Find your nearest Vision Express and book an eye test. We list Vision Express 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
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Vision ExpressServices & Pricing
A full breakdown of eye care services available at Vision Express, including prices, duration, and NHS coverage information.
| Service | Description | Price | Duration | NHS Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Eye Test | A full eye examination funded by the NHS for eligible patients. The test includes visual acuity assessment, refraction to determine your prescription, intraocular pressure measurement for glaucoma screening, and a detailed examination of the health of your eyes. Vision Express optometrists use advanced digital imaging equipment alongside traditional clinical techniques. | Free (if eligible) | 20-25 minutes | |
| Private Eye Test | A comprehensive eye examination for patients not eligible for NHS funding. The test covers all the same clinical assessments as the NHS test, with the addition of more time for discussion of visual needs and lifestyle factors that may influence your lens and frame choices. Vision Express private tests include a detailed report of your eye health. | From £30 | 25-30 minutes | |
| Advanced Eye Health Check with OCT | Vision Express's most thorough eye examination, combining a standard eye test with OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning and digital retinal photography. The OCT scan creates a detailed 3D map of the layers of the retina and optic nerve, while retinal photography provides a high-resolution colour image of the back of the eye. Together, these technologies enable early detection of conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. | From £49 | 35-40 minutes | |
| Contact Lens Fitting | A specialist appointment to assess your suitability for contact lenses and find the best lens type for your needs. Includes corneal curvature measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens fitting. Vision Express offers a wide range of contact lens options from leading manufacturers including Acuvue, Dailies, and Air Optix. | From £40 | 30-45 minutes | |
| Children's Eye Examination | A friendly, age-appropriate eye test for children, carried out by optometrists experienced in paediatric vision care. The test assesses visual acuity, eye alignment, colour vision, and overall eye health. All children under 16 qualify for a free NHS-funded eye test, and Vision Express offers a range of children's frames designed for comfort and durability. | Free (NHS funded) | 20-30 minutes | |
| Diabetic Eye Screening | A specialised eye check for patients with diabetes, using digital retinal photography and OCT scanning to examine the blood vessels at the back of the eye for signs of diabetic retinopathy. Regular screening is critical for people with diabetes, as early detection of retinal changes can prevent serious vision loss. | From £35 | 25 minutes |
NHS Eye Test
NHSA full eye examination funded by the NHS for eligible patients. The test includes visual acuity assessment, refraction to determine your prescription, intraocular pressure measurement for glaucoma screening, and a detailed examination of the health of your eyes. Vision Express optometrists use advanced digital imaging equipment alongside traditional clinical techniques.
Private Eye Test
A comprehensive eye examination for patients not eligible for NHS funding. The test covers all the same clinical assessments as the NHS test, with the addition of more time for discussion of visual needs and lifestyle factors that may influence your lens and frame choices. Vision Express private tests include a detailed report of your eye health.
Advanced Eye Health Check with OCT
Vision Express's most thorough eye examination, combining a standard eye test with OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning and digital retinal photography. The OCT scan creates a detailed 3D map of the layers of the retina and optic nerve, while retinal photography provides a high-resolution colour image of the back of the eye. Together, these technologies enable early detection of conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Contact Lens Fitting
A specialist appointment to assess your suitability for contact lenses and find the best lens type for your needs. Includes corneal curvature measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens fitting. Vision Express offers a wide range of contact lens options from leading manufacturers including Acuvue, Dailies, and Air Optix.
Children's Eye Examination
NHSA friendly, age-appropriate eye test for children, carried out by optometrists experienced in paediatric vision care. The test assesses visual acuity, eye alignment, colour vision, and overall eye health. All children under 16 qualify for a free NHS-funded eye test, and Vision Express offers a range of children's frames designed for comfort and durability.
Diabetic Eye Screening
A specialised eye check for patients with diabetes, using digital retinal photography and OCT scanning to examine the blood vessels at the back of the eye for signs of diabetic retinopathy. Regular screening is critical for people with diabetes, as early detection of retinal changes can prevent serious vision loss.
Vision ExpressPros & Cons
An honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Vision Express for your eye care.
Advantages
- Access to an exclusive range of designer frames from the EssilorLuxottica portfolio
- Advanced clinical technology including OCT scanning at most stores
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee and price match policy give confidence when buying
- Bright, well-designed stores with large frame displays for easy browsing
- Strong emphasis on clinical quality and qualified staff
Considerations
- Private eye test prices are higher than budget competitors
- Not currently available for booking through eyetest.co.uk
- No hearing care services offered — optical only
How to Book an Eye Test at Vision Express
Follow these simple steps to book your next eye test with Vision Express.
Use the postcode search on eyetest.co.uk to find your closest Vision Express store
Compare services, prices, and patient reviews across local stores
Choose your appointment type — NHS eye test, private eye test, or advanced OCT health check
Pick a date and time that suits you from the available slots
Enter your details and confirm your booking — you will receive an email and text confirmation
Bring your current glasses, any contact lens details, and NHS exemption evidence to your appointment
Why Choose Vision Express?
Part of the EssilorLuxottica group with access to exclusive frame brands
Advanced clinical technology including OCT and digital retinal photography
Price match guarantee on identical products
30-day satisfaction guarantee on all glasses purchases
NHS Eye Tests at Vision Express
Vision Expressoffers 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 Vision Express
Common questions about eye tests, services, and booking at Vision Express.
Does Vision Express offer a price match guarantee?
Yes, Vision Express offers a price match guarantee on identical products. If you find the same frames and lenses cheaper at another optician, Vision Express will match the price. The product must be identical — same frame model, same lens type, and same lens coatings. You will need to provide proof of the competitor's price, such as a written quote or website listing.
What is Vision Express's 30-day satisfaction guarantee?
Vision Express offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all glasses purchased from their stores. If you are not completely happy with your new glasses within 30 days of collection, you can return them for an exchange or full refund. This applies to both frames and lenses and gives customers peace of mind when trying a new frame style or lens type.
Who owns Vision Express?
Vision Express is owned by EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear company, formed from the 2018 merger of French lens manufacturer Essilor and Italian frame maker Luxottica. EssilorLuxottica also owns brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and Oliver Peoples, as well as retail chains including Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters. This ownership gives Vision Express access to an extensive range of premium and designer frames.
How much do glasses cost at Vision Express?
Glasses prices at Vision Express vary depending on the frame and lens choice. Complete glasses packages start from around £49 for basic single-vision prescriptions with budget frames. Designer frames typically range from £100 to £300 or more, and premium lens upgrades such as varifocals, anti-reflection coatings, and photochromic lenses are available at additional cost. NHS vouchers can be applied towards the total price for eligible patients.
Does Vision Express do contact lenses?
Yes, Vision Express offers a full contact lens service, including initial assessments, trial fittings, and ongoing supply. They stock a wide range of lenses from major manufacturers including Johnson & Johnson (Acuvue), Alcon (Dailies, Air Optix), and CooperVision. Monthly contact lens subscription plans are available, which include regular check-ups and lens delivery to your home.
Can I book a Vision Express appointment through eyetest.co.uk?
Vision Express is not currently available for direct booking through eyetest.co.uk. We include Vision Express on our platform so that customers can compare their services and prices with other opticians. To book an appointment, visit visionexpress.com or contact your local Vision Express store by phone. We hope to offer direct Vision Express booking in the future.
Does Vision Express offer free eye tests?
Vision Express provides free NHS-funded eye tests for all eligible patients. Eligibility criteria include being under 16, over 60, receiving qualifying benefits, having diabetes or glaucoma, or having a close family member with glaucoma if you are over 40. If you are not eligible for an NHS test, private eye tests start from £30.
How long does it take to get glasses from Vision Express?
Glasses from Vision Express typically take between 7 and 14 working days, depending on the complexity of your prescription and the lens options you choose. Simple single-vision prescriptions are usually at the faster end, while varifocals, high-index lenses, and specialty coatings may take a little longer. Vision Express will notify you by text or email when your glasses are ready for collection.
Vision Express— Coming Soon
We're working on adding Vision Expressto eyetest.co.uk. Once available, you'll be able to compare prices and book appointments at their 400 UK locations directly through our platform.
Browse Available OpticiansVisit Vision Express directly: www.visionexpress.com