The short answer: Yes. You can change opticians whenever you like, even if you’ve been going to the same one for years. You don’t need permission, you don’t have to give a reason, and you don’t have to tell your old optician. Your prescription belongs to you, and your new optician can ask for your eye records with your consent.
It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often, usually quite quietly.
Maybe you’ve been going to the same place for 10, 20 or even 30 years. Maybe your mum first took you there when you were small. Changing can feel a bit disloyal, a bit awkward, or just like hassle you don’t need.
So here’s an honest guide to how changing opticians works in the UK. We’ll cover what happens to your records and your prescription, what it means for your NHS eye tests, and how to tell whether a change is right for you.
Are you allowed to change opticians?
Yes, and it’s much simpler than changing your GP.
With a GP, you register with one surgery. Opticians don’t work like that. There’s no sign-up form, no catchment area and no list you have to come off. You’re free to book an eye test with any optician you choose.
This is true whether you pay for your eye test or have it on the NHS. Any optician that offers NHS eye tests can see you, as long as you’re eligible (more on that below).
Nobody can stop you changing, and nobody will ask you to explain yourself.
Do you have to tell your old optician you’re leaving?
No. You don’t have to tell them, and you don’t have to give a reason.
The only thing you might notice is a reminder letter, text or email from your old optician when your next eye test is due. If you’d like those to stop, a quick phone call or email asking them to take you off their reminder list is all it takes.
Will my old optician be upset?
Honestly, probably not. People move house, change jobs, get a recommendation from a friend, or simply fancy a change. Opticians see patients come and go all the time.
A good optician wants you to have the care that suits you best. If you’ve known them a long time, you’re welcome to tell them why you’re moving on. That can be really useful feedback for them. But it’s entirely your choice.
What happens to your eye records when you change opticians?
Your eye records are the notes your optician keeps every time you have an eye test. Think of them as a diary of your eyes.
They usually include:
- – your prescription (the numbers that show how strong your glasses need to be)
- – notes on the health of your eyes
- – any photos or scans of the back of your eyes
- – anything you’ve told them, such as headaches or eye problems in your family
The practice that wrote your records keeps them safe. When you change, your new optician can ask your old one to send them over. They can only do this with your permission.
You can also ask for a copy yourself. The College of Optometrists, the professional body for optometrists in the UK, says your optometrist should give you a copy free of charge within a reasonable time. UK data protection law also gives you the right to see the information held about you, and organisations normally have one month to reply.
Do I need my old records before my first appointment?
No. You don’t need to wait for your records to arrive before you book. Your new optometrist (the person who examines your eyes) will give you a full eye test either way.
Why are your old records worth having?
Your records help your new optometrist see how your eyes have changed over time.
Here’s a simple way to think about it. If you take one photo of a tree, you can see what it looks like today. If you also have a photo of the same tree from two years ago, you can see whether it has grown, leaned over or lost a branch.
Eyes work the same way. Comparing today’s photos and scans with older ones makes it easier to notice small changes. That’s why we’d always suggest having your records passed on, especially if you’ve had scans before or if eye conditions such as glaucoma run in your family.
Is your glasses prescription yours to take?
Yes. By law (the Opticians Act 1989), your optician must give you your prescription straight after your eye test. If you don’t need glasses, they must give you a note that says so. This applies to NHS and private eye tests.
Your prescription belongs to you. You can use it to buy glasses wherever you like.
There’s one honest point worth knowing. The College of Optometrists says it’s often easier to sort out problems with your glasses when the same practice tests your eyes and makes your glasses. If something doesn’t feel right, one practice can check both the eye test and the glasses, instead of two places each pointing to the other.
How long does a glasses prescription last?
A glasses prescription doesn’t have a strict expiry date. But most adults are advised to have an eye test every two years, because eyes change and some eye conditions don’t cause any symptoms at first. Some people need checking more often, for example if you have diabetes. Your optometrist will tell you when your next test is due.
What about the glasses you bought from your old optician?
Changing opticians doesn’t mean you need new glasses. Keep wearing the ones you have.
If your glasses are still under a guarantee, that guarantee is with the practice you bought them from. Any claim would go back to them.
For small jobs, like a loose screw, a wonky arm or new nose pads, most opticians are happy to take a look, wherever your glasses came from. It’s always worth asking.
Can you still have a free NHS eye test if you change opticians?
Yes. Your right to a free NHS eye test belongs to you, not to your optician.
In England, you can have a free NHS eye test if you’re:
- – under 16
- – 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- – 60 or over
- – diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- – 40 or over, with a parent, brother, sister or child who has glaucoma
- – registered as partially sighted or blind
- – getting certain benefits (the NHS website has the full list)
The NHS will usually pay for an eye test every two years, or more often if your optometrist says you need one.
One thing to be aware of: if you had an NHS eye test recently, a new optician usually can’t give you another free one until it’s due, unless there’s a medical reason. If you’d like to be seen sooner, you can choose to pay for a private eye test.
When is a good time to change opticians?
There’s no wrong time, but these are the easiest moments:
- – When your next eye test is due. This is the simplest switch. Just book with your new optician instead.
- – When you need new glasses anyway. You get a fresh start with both your eye test and your frames.
- – When something doesn’t feel right. If you have a new worry about your eyes, you don’t have to wait for a reminder letter.
If you notice a sudden change in your sight, such as flashing lights, a shadow across your vision or sudden blurring, don’t wait. Contact an optician the same day or call NHS 111.
Signs it might be time for a change
Loyalty is a lovely thing. But your eyes deserve care that suits you now, not just the care you’ve always had.
These are the things people most often tell us made them think about moving:
- – You feel rushed. The test is over before you’ve had a chance to ask anything.
- – Things aren’t explained. You leave not quite sure what was checked or what the results mean.
- – You see someone different every time. You end up explaining your history again and again.
- – You feel pressure to buy. The talk turns to offers before it turns to your eyes.
- – It’s hard to get an appointment at a time that suits you.
- – Your needs have changed. Your eyes, your style or your life look different from when you first started going.
When it’s fine to stay where you are
If you see someone who knows your eyes, you have time to ask questions, and you leave feeling looked after, that’s worth a lot. There’s no need to change just for the sake of it.
How to change opticians, step by step
- – Choose your new optician. Read recent Google reviews, ask friends and family, and find out who will actually be examining your eyes.
- – Book your eye test. Book for when your next test is due, or sooner if you have a concern.
- – Tell them who your old optician was. Your new optician can ask for your records with your permission. You can also ask for a copy yourself.
- – Bring what you have. Your current glasses, your last prescription and a list of any medicines you take. Don’t worry if you don’t have them.
- – Mention anything you’ve noticed. Headaches, blurry patches, trouble driving at night, or eye conditions in your family.
- – Stop the old reminders, if you’d like. A short call or email to your old optician is enough.
That’s it. There are no forms to fill in with your old optician, and there’s nothing you need to explain.
Changing opticians in Doncaster
If you live in or around Doncaster and you’re thinking about a change, here’s how it works with us.
At Edwards & Walker, we’ve looked after people’s eyes in Doncaster for over 50 years, from our practice on Priory Place in the city centre. Switching to us is free, and we’ll ask your old optician for your records on your behalf. New patients can usually be seen within a week.
Your eye test will be with Dr Pretty Basra, our optometrist and co-owner, every time you visit. So you won’t need to explain your history to someone new at each appointment.
If you’d like the details, our guide on how easy it is to switch to Edwards & Walker walks you through it. And if you’re still weighing up your options, you might find how to choose your optician in Doncaster helpful too.
Questions people often ask
Does it cost anything to change opticians?
No. Changing opticians is free. You’ll pay for your eye test as normal, unless you’re entitled to a free NHS test. The College of Optometrists says you shouldn’t be charged for a copy of your records.
Do I need to take my old prescription with me?
It helps, but it’s not essential. Your new optometrist will check your eyes and work out your prescription again at your eye test.
Can I change opticians while my eyes are being monitored?
Yes. Just tell your new optometrist straight away and make sure your records are passed on. If you’re being seen at a hospital eye clinic, that care carries on as normal. Changing your high street optician doesn’t affect it.
Can I change opticians if I wear contact lenses?
Yes. Your new optician will need to check how your lenses fit before they can supply them, because the fit is specific to your eyes. Bring your lens details or a box if you can.
Can I go back to my old optician later?
Of course. The same rules work both ways. You’re always free to choose where you have your eyes examined.
The bottom line
You can change opticians whenever you like. Your prescription is yours, your records can follow you, and your NHS entitlement stays with you. The only real question is whether the care you’re getting is the care you want.
If you’d like to talk it through, you’re very welcome to book an appointment, call us on 01302 349193 or simply pop in for a chat. No pressure, and no obligation.
A higher price doesn’t automatically mean a frame is better suited to you, just as a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s poor quality. The right choice depends on how you’ll wear your glasses, your prescription, your style and your budget.
