Eye Health
How often should an elderly person have an eye test?
Short answer: The NHS recommends that adults over 70 have an eye test at least every two years, and every year if they have diabetes, glaucoma in the family, or an existing eye condition. Adults aged 60 to 70 should test every two years as standard. Anyone noticing a sudden change in vision — blur, double vision, flashes, floaters or loss of part of the visual field — should arrange a test straight away, regardless of when the last one was.
NHS-recommended intervals
- Aged 60 to 69: every 2 years.
- Aged 70 and over: every 2 years (every year if there is an existing eye condition or risk factor).
- Diabetes (any age): annual sight test in addition to NHS diabetic eye screening.
- Family history of glaucoma, aged 40+: annual.
- Diagnosed glaucoma, cataract or AMD: as advised by the optometrist or hospital eye service — usually annual or more often.
When to test sooner
Don't wait for the next routine test if any of these happen:
- A sudden change in vision — blur, distortion, or "missing" parts of the visual field.
- New floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain or shadow across vision (these can signal a retinal tear).
- Sudden double vision.
- Eye pain, especially with nausea or redness (possible acute glaucoma).
- A noticeable difference between the two eyes.
For any of the above, contact an optometrist the same day, or call NHS 111 if it's outside hours.
Why regular tests matter more with age
Most age-related eye conditions — cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, diabetic eye disease — start silently. By the time vision changes are obvious, damage may already have happened. A routine sight test catches them early, when treatment works best. For patients who can't easily get to a high-street optician, that catch happens at home, fully funded by the NHS.
Source: NHS England — When to have an eye test; College of Optometrists clinical management guidelines.
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