Looking after your eyes and getting the right help

In the UK, the word “optician” covers several different roles. An optometrist is the eye-care professional who carries out sight tests, checks eye health, and can refer you to hospital if needed. A dispensing optician fits glasses and lenses. An ophthalmologist is a hospital doctor who treats more serious eye disease and performs surgery.^{[1]NHS opticians}

You can book a sight test directly at any high-street optician. You do not need a GP referral for a routine test. The NHS recommends most adults have a sight test every two years, and every year for children and people over 60 or with conditions such as diabetes.^{[10]College of Optometrists}

You can get a free NHS sight test if you are under 16, are 60 or over, are aged 16–18 and in full-time education, are registered blind or partially sighted, have diabetes or glaucoma, are over 40 with a family history of glaucoma, receive certain benefits, or have a valid NHS complex lens voucher. You may also get an NHS optical voucher to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.^{[9]NHS optical vouchers}

At the optician, ask whether you qualify before booking. The voucher value is fixed; if your chosen glasses cost more, you pay the difference. You can also use NHS services at many high-street chains and local independent opticians.

Dry eyes feel gritty, itchy or burning and are common with screen use, central heating, contact lenses or age. Lubricating drops (artificial tears), warm compresses, taking breaks from screens and drinking enough water often help. Persistent dry eyes should be checked by an optometrist.^{[7]NHS dry eyes}

Conjunctivitis is redness or stickiness caused by infection, allergy or irritation. Most cases clear in a few days. Clean the eyelids with cooled boiled water, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels or pillows. Seek help if a baby has symptoms, or if you have pain or changes in vision.^{[8]NHS conjunctivitis}

Refractive errors — short-sight, long-sight and astigmatism — cause blurred vision and are corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Regular sight tests make sure your prescription is up to date.

Cataracts make the lens of the eye cloudy, causing blurred or dim vision, glare from lights and difficulty reading. Surgery is the only effective treatment and is one of the most common NHS procedures, usually done as a day case with a high success rate.^{[3]NHS cataracts}

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often linked to raised pressure in the eye. It can progress slowly without symptoms, so regular eye tests are important. If caught early, drops, laser or surgery can protect your sight.^{[4]NHS glaucoma}

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, making detailed vision such as reading and recognising faces difficult. There are “wet” and “dry” forms; wet AMD can be treated with injections if diagnosed quickly.^{[5]NHS AMD}

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels at the back of the eye. People with diabetes are offered annual diabetic eye screening because early changes can be treated before they affect sight.^{[6]NHS diabetic retinopathy}

Some eye symptoms need same-day assessment. Call 111 or go to A&E if you have sudden loss of vision or a dark curtain across your vision, severe eye pain, red eye with reduced vision, a painful eye injury, new flashing lights or a shower of floaters, or double vision with other symptoms. Do not wait for a routine optician appointment.^{[13]NHS urgent help[14]NHS 111}

Protecting your eyes is often simple. Stop smoking — smoking raises the risk of AMD and cataracts. Wear sunglasses with UV protection, eat a balanced diet with leafy greens and oily fish, take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), and keep diabetes and blood pressure well controlled. Never share eye drops or make-up, and remove contact lenses before sleeping unless specifically told otherwise.^{[16]Eye Health UK[11]RNIB eye health}

If you are told you have sight loss or a long-term eye condition, support is available. The RNIB offers advice, emotional support and practical help, and your optometrist or hospital eye clinic can refer you to low-vision services, rehabilitation officers and benefits advice. Children and adults may be entitled to a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), which can unlock support and disability benefits.^{[15]RNIB helpline}

We can help you understand letters from the optician, hospital eye clinic or NHS screening service, explain what you are entitled to under NHS optical rules, and support you in booking an appointment. If English is not your first language, you can use our free Letter Support Service to upload or scan a letter and we will explain it clearly and help you respond.