Private Eye Tests
Many people value opting for a private eye test for better flexibility, more time, deeper diagnostics and personalised care. At Home Direct Eye Care, our private eye test service brings these advantages straight to your home or preferred setting across Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside. Whether you don’t qualify for a free NHS test or you simply want an enhanced, premium service, our private eye test option offers thorough assessments, advanced techniques, tailored recommendations and flexible appointments. In this page you will learn what a private eye test involves, its benefits, how it differs from NHS tests, how to prepare, costs, and why trusting our mobile private service makes sense.
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Personalised Eye Examinations, Wherever You Are
At Home Direct Eyecare, we offer private, in-home eye tests for individuals who value comfort, discretion, and quality service. Whether you’re unable to visit a high street optician or simply prefer the convenience of staying at home, our fully qualified optometrists bring a full eye examination directly to you — with the same level of care and accuracy you’d expect from a clinic.
Prescription and lens options discussion
After tests, we provide a clear, written prescription. In the comfort of your home, we guide you through lens options: single vision, bifocals, varifocals, photochromic lenses, anti-glare coatings, blue light filtering, thinner high-index lenses, tinted or polarized options.
Frame selection & fitting guidance
We can bring a curated selection of frames to your home (subject to availability) and help you choose what fits, suits face shape and lifestyle. With measurement tools on hand, we ensure accurate fitting and alignment.
Report delivery & referral advice
You will receive a clear report summarising findings, recommended spectacle correction, health observations, and any referral suggestions. If signs of eye disease are found, we help you navigate referral to ophthalmology or specialist services.
Aftercare support & adjustments
We follow up to ensure you are comfortable with your spectacles, adjust if needed, and support changes or rechecks if symptoms evolve.
Why Choose a Private Eye Test at Home?
Choosing Home Direct Eyecare means choosing convenience, comfort, and trusted expertise. Our fully mobile service eliminates the need for travel, offering flexible appointments at times that suit you. With a compassionate, patient-first approach, we bring professional eye care to your doorstep — making it easier than ever to prioritise your vision and well-being.
More time and attention: Unlike standard clinic slots, our private eye tests allow extra time for detailed measurements, discussions, and nuanced checks.
Advanced diagnostics and imaging options: We can incorporate auxiliary tests, advanced screening tools, contrast sensitivity assessments and more.
Personalised lens and frame advice: In a relaxed environment, you get full guidance on premium lenses, coatings, transitions and frame choices.
Ideal when NHS tests are limited: If you are not eligible for an NHS-funded test or prefer add-ons not covered under NHS, private is the solution.
Comfort, convenience, no travel burden: Avoid busy waiting rooms and travel stress. Our clinicians bring the clinic to you.
Flexible scheduling and location: Choose a time and place that suits you — at home, in a care home, or another comfortable setting.
What Exactly Happens During a Private Eye Test?
History & Screening Questions
Your optometrist begins by discussing your vision concerns, medical history, medications, eye history, family eye disease and lifestyle. This lets us tailor further testing appropriately.
Vision Measurement & Refraction
We perform objective and subjective refraction to determine your best corrected vision. Tools include retinoscopy, autorefractor and trial lenses, fine-tuning with your feedback.
Visual Acuity & Contrast Sensitivity
Standard distance and near visual acuity tests are done, plus optional contrast sensitivity assessments, low-light vision testing, and glare sensitivity evaluations as needed.
Binocular Vision & Eye Alignment
We assess how both eyes work together: cover/uncover tests, convergence, heterophoria checks, accommodation and motility patterns.
Eye Health & Pathology Screening
Examination of external eye structures, anterior and posterior segments using ophthalmoscopy or portable slit lamp. Fundus imaging or OCT referral if needed.
Intraocular Pressure & Glaucoma Screening
Tonometry checks eye pressure. Visual field screening assesses peripheral vision if required.
Special Tests & Add-ons
- Glare/disability testing
- Macular health assessments
- Colour vision testing
- Depth perception tests
- Peripheral visual field testing
- Dry eye evaluation and tear film analysis
Private vs NHS Eye Test — Key Differences
| Feature | Private Eye Test |
|---|---|
| Scope & depth | A private exam includes extra diagnostic tests and imaging not covered by NHS, giving deeper insight into overall eye health. |
| Time allocation | More time for discussion, explanation and personalised guidance without rushed sessions. |
| Lens & frame options | Full flexibility to choose premium lenses, coatings and designer frames beyond standard NHS options. |
| Advanced technologies | Access to advanced imaging, glaucoma screening and macula risk profiling that may not always be available in NHS settings. |
| NHS-eligible yet choosing private? | Even if you qualify for free NHS eye tests, private testing offers enhanced features, speed and convenience. |
| Cost transparency | Clear pricing with no hidden charges — you decide if the premium service is worth it. |
Scope & Depth
Private tests include extra diagnostics & imaging for deeper eye health insight.
Time Allocation
More time to discuss concerns and get personalised guidance without rush.
Lens & Frames
Premium lenses, coatings & designer frames not limited to NHS options.
Advanced Tech
Includes imaging, glaucoma screening & macula risk checks.
NHS Eligible?
Even if NHS covers you, private testing offers more features and convenience.
Cost Transparency
Clear upfront pricing with no hidden charges.
How to Prepare for Your Private Eye Test
Gather current spectacles or contact lenses Bring all your existing glasses or lenses, as they provide baseline reference.
Any medications, systemic issues (diabetes, hypertension, neurological conditions), previous eye surgery, or existing eye problems help your optometrist select the right tests and interpret results accurately.
List your medications and health conditions
Choose a quiet, well-lit space with no glare or reflections. Make sure there’s enough room for the optometrist’s equipment and for you to sit comfortably throughout the assessment.
Prepare your environment
Set aside 45–75 minutes for a thorough appointment. Some advanced screenings may extend the session slightly. In certain cases, the optometrist may recommend pupil dilation or refer you for specialist imaging. If dilation is needed, plan travel accordingly since your vision may be temporarily blurry.
Allow time & understand possible next steps
Private Eye Test Cost & Pricing Models
Transparent fixed fee
We offer a clear, all-inclusive price for the private home test — covering travel, testing, prescription and the final report, with no hidden extras.
Tiered pricing
Clients may choose between basic private testing or an advanced package including imaging, glaucoma screening or contrast sensitivity tests — each tier has its own pricing.
Insurance & funding
Some health insurance plans or cash-back health policies cover parts of private eye tests. Check with your provider; we can provide receipts or invoices where required.
Multiple patient discounts
Households or care-home groups booking multiple tests together may receive bundle rates or shared travel discounts.
Cost justification
Private testing is an investment in early detection — identifying potential eye diseases before they become costly to treat.
Common Questions & Objections (FAQ)
Book Online
📞 Ready to Book Your Free Home Eye Test?
If you seek a private, premium eye test in the comfort of your home or preferred location, Home Direct Eye Care is here to deliver. Contact us now on 0800 634 9723 or use our online booking form. We’ll confirm the appointment, discuss your preferred package, and bring the highest standard of eye care to your doorstep.