Eye Test Costs Guide

Understanding the costs of professional eye exams and vision testing worldwide

Average Eye Exam Costs

Prices vary significantly by location, provider type, and services included

US

United States

Basic Eye Exam$100-300
Comprehensive Exam$200-400
With Insurance$10-50

Popular chains: LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, America's Best

UK

United Kingdom

NHS (Eligible)Free
Private Exam£20-60
Specsavers£25-35

Popular chains: Specsavers, Boots Opticians, Vision Express

CA

Canada

Basic Eye Exam$80-150
Comprehensive$150-250
Provincial CoverageVaries

Popular chains: FYidoctors, Hakim Optical, Costco

AU

Australia

Bulk BilledFree
Private Exam$60-120
Specsavers AU$60-80

Popular chains: Specsavers, OPSM, Oscar Wylee

DE

Germany

Insurance Covered€10-20
Private Exam€50-100
Fielmann€30-50

Popular chains: Fielmann, Apollo Optik, Pearle

JP

Japan

Basic Exam¥2,000-5,000
Comprehensive¥5,000-10,000
Insurance (30%)¥600-1,500

Popular chains: Zoff, JINS, Megane Super

What's Included in Different Exam Types

Basic Eye Exam

  • • Visual acuity test
  • • Refraction assessment
  • • Basic eye health check
  • • Prescription update
  • • Usually 15-30 minutes

Comprehensive Exam

  • • All basic exam components
  • • Dilated eye examination
  • • Glaucoma screening
  • • Retinal photography
  • • Color vision testing
  • • Usually 45-90 minutes

Specialized Testing

  • • Visual field testing (+$50-150)
  • • OCT imaging (+$100-200)
  • • Contact lens fitting (+$50-100)
  • • Dry eye evaluation (+$75-150)
  • • Additional time required

Insurance Coverage & Savings

Vision Insurance (US)

VSP$10-25 copay
EyeMed$10-20 copay
Davis Vision$15-30 copay

Money-Saving Tips

  • • Check if your employer offers vision benefits
  • • Look for retail chain promotions
  • • Consider warehouse stores (Costco, Sam's Club)
  • • Ask about package deals with glasses
  • • Use FSA/HSA funds if available
  • • Compare online vs in-store pricing

When to Invest in Comprehensive Exams

Higher Risk Factors

  • • Age 40+ (annual comprehensive exams)
  • • Family history of eye disease
  • • Diabetes or high blood pressure
  • • Previous eye injuries
  • • High myopia (severe nearsightedness)
  • • Taking medications affecting vision

Cost vs. Benefit

Early Detection Value

Catching glaucoma early can save thousands in treatment costs and prevent vision loss.

Peace of Mind

Comprehensive exams provide thorough health screening beyond just vision correction.