Home Eye Care Explained
What Is Domiciliary Eye Care? Complete Guide to Home Eye Tests
"Domiciliary" simply means "at home" — domiciliary eye care is a full eye examination carried out in someone's own home or care home room, instead of at a high street practice. It exists for exactly one reason: some people genuinely cannot get to an optician, and their eye care shouldn't suffer because of it.
Who is domiciliary eye care for?
It's designed for people who find it difficult or impossible to leave the house unaccompanied — including care home residents, people with mobility problems, and those recovering from illness or surgery. See our full NHS eligibility guide for the exact criteria.
What actually happens during a home visit?
- The optometrist brings all the equipment needed for a full eye examination
- Vision is tested, along with overall eye health
- Any existing glasses prescription is checked and updated if needed
- If new glasses are needed, frame selection can be arranged as part of the visit or a follow-up — see Glasses & Lenses
- The optometrist returns to fit and adjust any new glasses once they're ready
It's the same standard of eye care as an in-practice appointment — just brought to you.
Is it free?
NHS funding for a sight test and a home visit involves separate eligibility checks. Ask the practice to confirm the individual’s position and any private charges before arranging an appointment. See our NHS Eligibility page for the current official guidance.
Care homes
For a care home, discuss individual appointments with the practice and the home’s coordinator. Agree eligibility checks, consent arrangements, records, follow-up and any charges. See our Care Homes page for the questions to raise before agreeing a service.
How do I arrange a home eye test?
Call us on 01268 777729 and we'll talk through whether you or your loved one qualifies for NHS funding, and get a visit booked in.
Book a Home Eye Test
Call now or prepare an enquiry — we'll confirm eligibility and arrange a visit.
01268 777729A practical first enquiry
Tell the practice the town, whether the visit is to a private home or care home and who should be contacted to arrange it. Mention any practical access arrangements you want to discuss without sending private medical records.
Read the two-condition NHS eligibility page if you are asking about funding. Confirm availability, any charges and the appointment directly; an online draft does not book a visit.