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How much does an eye test cost at The Optical People?
At The Optical People we offer both private and NHS-funded eye examination (NHS eligibility can be checked below or with a member of staff). All examinations are competitively priced—please see our Fees & Eyeplan page for current pricing. We’re proud to offer high quality and good value for our services and products, whether you’re paying per test or subscribing through our popular Eyeplan.
Can I book an eye test online?
Yes — booking online is quick and easy. Choose your preferred date and time, and we’ll email confirmation within one working day — no phone call needed.
How long does an eye test typically take?
An adult eye examination usually lasts around 45-60 minutes. Children’s exams are usually shorter. We take our time to perform a thorough vision assessment, discuss your needs, and recommend personalised solutions. We believe that this additional time with our specialists directly results in better overall results and eye care.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
What is Eyeplan and how does it work?
Eyeplan gives you value, convenience and peace of mind in a monthly membership. From just £12.95/month (£5.95 for children), Eyeplan includes eye exams, follow-ups, advanced scans, and discounts on frames and lenses—as well as accidental damage cover. You will also be the first to hear about our events and promotions, free tickets into our famous raffle draws, and access to our exclusive Eyeplan Lounge. Eyeplan enables us to completely look after your eyes in the most cost effective way possible.
Do you provide contact lens aftercare and fittings?
Yes! This is possible either by PAYG or with our Contacts Eyeplan membership. With Contacts Eyeplan, you get unlimited contact lens fits, refits, teaches and aftercare—including trials and home delivery. See our Contact Lens Information page for more detail on pricing and services.
Can I order eye care or contact lenses online?
Yes! Simply order online as one of our patients or otherwise provide proof of an up-to-date lens prescription. On Contacts Eyeplan, patients instantly get 25% off the online price. We aim to make contact lens care seamless and easy.
What happens if I have an eye care emergency?
Where is The Optical People located?
Visit us at 6 St Mary St, Chepstow, NP16 5EU. You can call us at 01291 622 269 or email hello@theopticalpeople.co.uk—we’re here to help with appointments, product questions, and free initial advice.
Do you offer a specialist dry eye clinic?
Yes, The Optical People offer a dedicated Dry Eye Clinic run by specially trained optometrists and dedicated to providing relief and personalised care. If you’re experiencing discomfort, gritty or watery eyes, or blurry vision, we can help diagnose the cause and provide personalised treatments—from heated eye masks to prescription drops. Our clinic uses the latest dry eye management techniques to improve comfort and long-term eye health.
Book your dry eye assessment online or call us for more information.
Do you offer myopia management for children and teens?
Yes, at The Optical People, we provide expert myopia management to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children and teenagers. Our tailored solutions include contact lenses, specialist contact lenses, nightlenses and lifestyle advice designed to protect your child’s long-term vision and eye health. See our Myopia management page
Early intervention is key—book an eye examination today to explore safe, clinically proven options for your child.
What is an Optomap Scan and do I need one?
At The Optical People, we’re proud to offer Optomap — painless, drop-free and providing early detection of eye conditions, it is a true game changer! It is an advanced retinal imaging technology that captures an ultra-wide view of the back of your eye, covering over 200 degrees in just seconds and allows us to see more of your retina than we could with standard examination techniques alone.
Optomap is a valuable addition to your comprehensive eye exam and plays a key role in protecting your vision for life. Check our front desk counter, which shows how many eyes have been saved from Optomap!
Ask us about including Optomap at your next appointment — your eyes will thank you.
How often should I get an eye test?
Your optometrist will recommend your personal frequency at your first appointment with us. As a standard, children have one every year, and adults have one every two years. This frequency can change with increasing age or conditions like diabetes or glaucoma. However, if you have any concerns or notice that your eyesight is changing, you can come in earlier than your given schedule.
Should I have an eye test even if I don’t have any vision problems?
Absolutely. A routine eye examination is about much more than just checking your prescription. It provides a vital window into your overall health.
During the exam, we assess the health of the retina — the only place in the body where blood vessels and nerves can be viewed directly without surgery. This allows us to detect early signs of a range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological issues, often before any symptoms arise.
While we understand that eye exams can feel a bit daunting, many patients find them incredibly reassuring. Regular eye tests are an important part of maintaining not only your vision but also your general wellbeing
How old do you need to be to get an eye exam?
No minimum age is required! If you have any concerns about your children and their eyesight, please call us to discuss the first steps of getting the correct help.
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
As a new patient to us, it would be helpful but not essential to have your last prescription document, any current medications, relevant medical notes and to bring any current glasses or contact lenses you frequently use to your first appointment.
What if I am not happy with my new glasses?
We are always here to listen to any concerns; we can get you a scheduled appointment with a dedicated dispensing optician to work through any issues. They will determine if it is a fitting, lens design or prescription issue and make the necessary arrangement until you are happy with the outcome.
How do I check if I am eligible for an NHS eye test?
The following people are eligible for an NHS Funded Eye Examination:
- Under 16
- Aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education
- Aged 60 or over
- Diagnosed with Diabetes or Glaucoma
- Aged 40 or over with a close relative (sibling/parent) with glaucoma
- Registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired
- If you or your partner receive income support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit
- If you have an NHS HC2 certificate (HC3 certificate will reduce costs)
You may also be eligible for help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, or free repair or replacement if your glasses are damaged. Whilst we do provide completely covered NHS examinations we strongly advise upgrading your care to include more advanced technologies as part of a far more comprehensive eye health examination.
Can I get my prescription sent to me?
Yes! We have an email prescription service, please provide your email address to a member of staff at the time of your appointment, and it will be in your inbox after your appointment is completed. There are still paper copies available on request.
Can I use a prescription from another optician?
We’re happy to use a valid prescription from elsewhere, though having your exam and glasses done here ensures smoother adjustments if needed. The College of Optometrists recommend that spectacles are dispensed at the same location as they are prescribed as they are closely linked and it can be more difficult to resolve issues with the spectacles if the two are separated. Another good reason to consider joining our Eyeplan Membership, where you will get all eye examinations included as well as discounts on frames included!
Are dogs allowed?
We love welcoming your furry companions! Dogs are very welcome in the front retail area of the practice. This means if you’re popping in to collect glasses or make a purchase—such as eye drops or other products—bringing your dog is absolutely fine.
However, dogs are not allowed in the eye examination rooms so if you’re coming in for a full eye exam, please leave your dog at home—unless someone can stay with them in the front area during your appointment.
Assistance Dogs are welcome throughout the entire practice.
Can I bring people to my appointment, or do you provide a chaperone?
We want all patients to be comfortable during their appointments with us, and that includes if you would like to bring someone with you to your appointment. Please limit this to only one additional person if possible. If you require a chaperone and are happy for one of our staff members to sit in at your appointment, please ask upon booking and this will be arranged.
Is the practice wheelchair accessible?
We have two testing rooms on the ground floor, with no step access that are wheelchair accessible. There are two further testing rooms on the second floor, which are accessible by stairs only. When you make your appointment, please make sure the staff are aware if you require an accessible room for your test.
Can I spread the cost of my new glasses?
We offer several flexible payment options for your eye care and glasses, including the Eyeplan monthly membership and Klarna, which allows you to spread the cost over a few months interest-free. We can also discuss bespoke payment plans to adapt to your financial needs.