Patients living with dementia or sensory needs
Familiar faces and a calm, unhurried pace help reduce confusion and anxiety during the test.
Comparing your options
Mobile optician vs Specsavers home visit — what's the difference?
Both an independent mobile optician and a national chain like Specsavers can carry out a home eye test that's fully funded by the NHS for people who qualify. The differences are in specialism, continuity and how the service is delivered around you. Here's a plain-English comparison so you can choose what suits you best.
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How the two options compare
The same clinical standards apply to every UK optometrist. The table below focuses on the practical differences you'll notice as a patient or carer.
| What matters | Independent specialist (us) | National chain home visit |
|---|---|---|
| NHS-funded eligibility | Same NHS rules — free if you qualify | Same NHS rules — free if you qualify |
| What the service is | Specialist domiciliary practice — home visits are all we do | Add-on to a national high-street business |
| Typical appointment length | Unhurried 30–45 minutes | Varies by area and clinician |
| Continuity of clinician | Same Optometrist where possible | Varies depending on rota |
| Frame selection brought to you | Yes — NHS and private frames | Yes, in most areas |
| Care-home group visits | Yes — a core part of our service | Available in some areas |
| Aftercare in the home | Fit, adjust and repair without travel | Varies by area |
Cost
Is the NHS home eye test really free with both?
Yes. NHS eligibility rules are the same whichever optician you choose — you can't be charged for the eye test itself if you qualify for a free NHS home visit. If you need glasses, eligible patients also receive an NHS optical voucher towards the cost. We'll always confirm your eligibility before any visit so there are no surprises.
When we're the right fit
When an independent home-visit optician is the right choice
There's no wrong answer — but here's where patients and families most often tell us an independent specialist suits them better.
Care and nursing home residents
We test multiple residents in a single visit and share clear written reports with the home and family.
Anyone who wants continuity
Seeing the same Optometrist year after year means changes in your vision are spotted earlier.
Families coordinating care
Reports are shared with your GP and family on request, so everyone stays informed.
- Fully GOC-registered Optometrists, DBS-checked, photo ID on arrival
- Same friendly clinician where possible
- Reports shared with your GP and family on request
Common questions
Specsavers, mobile opticians and home visits
Do Specsavers do home eye tests?
Yes — Specsavers offers a domiciliary (home visit) service in many parts of the UK, funded by the NHS for people who qualify. Coverage and waiting times vary by area, so it's worth checking what's available locally before deciding.
What's the difference between a Specsavers home visit and an independent mobile optician?
The clinical eye test itself is regulated the same way for every UK optometrist. The differences are in how the service is delivered: an independent specialist practice like Home Focus Opticians only does home visits, so appointments tend to be longer and less rushed, you're more likely to see the same Optometrist each time, and care-home group visits, written reports and aftercare are part of the core service rather than an add-on to a high-street business.
Can I switch from Specsavers (or another optician) to Home Focus Opticians?
Yes, and you don't need a reason. You're free to choose who provides your NHS-funded home eye test. We're happy to request a copy of your previous prescription if that's helpful — just let us know when you book.
Still have questions? Read more about our home eye tests.
Book your home eye test
Send us your details and we'll arrange a FREE NHS visit at a time that suits you.
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0800 654 6934