When was the last time you visited an optometrist? If you're like most people, it's likely been years since you last had your eyes checked. But did you know, it's highly recommended to get your eyes tested every two years! I guess I need to thank my parents for teaching me the importance of regular eye tests. I have been visiting my oculist according to the general recommendation and it really pays off! I never had any problems with my eyesight and I still have 20/20 vision!

We shouldn't be slacking when it comes to taking care of our eyes. Good vision is a gift we often take for granted, and routine eye tests are necessary to maintain our eye health. Numerous public and private organizations realize this, many of which are offering free eye test to help you maintain your eye health.

How to Get Your Free Eye Test

With so many public and private organizations offering free eye test, you no longer have to worry about the expenses. All you need to do is get educated and take advantage of the offers. I'm here to help you with the first part. Here is some information you should know to get yourself a free eye test.

1. Check Your Eligibility

First, you need to find out if you're eligible to take an NHS funded eye exam. You can visit the NHS website to check further details about their eligibility requirements. In general, you can get a free eye test if you:

• are under 16

• are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education

• are 60 or over

• are registered as partially sighted or blind

• have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma

• are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma

• have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you're at risk of glaucoma

• are a prisoner on leave from prison

If your age, illness history and identity meet the above criteria, then you will get a free eye test.

2. Check Your Nearest Optometrist

Before scrambling to book an eye test appointment, check for eye doctors near you. Visiting a local oculist can help you save time and money when commuting.

If it turns out that you're not eligible for an NHS funded eye test, I suggest checking out services offered by Specsavers . They are giving away vouchers for a free eye test. Specsavers has over 1,800 locations in 10 different countries. Simply visit their website and enter your postcode to get directions to the nearest store and your Specsavers eye test voucher.

3. Book Your Eye Test with the Store

Now that you have your voucher and you know where to go, it's time to book your appointment. Book the eye test whenever it's convenient for you. You can choose to book your appointment online or via phone.

4. Print the Voucher

Don't forget to print your Specsavers eye test voucher in advance! You'll have to bring it to your eye exam appointment.

5. Go to the Store

Directions to the nearest Specsavers ? Check. Eye test appointment? Check. Eye test voucher? Check. Great! Now you're good to go. All that's left to do is to just go to the store and attend your appointment. Here's a little tip for you: make the most out of your visit by preparing a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your doctor.

How Often to Have Your Eye Test

As I said earlier, the usual recommendation is to get an eye test every two years. However, people with certain needs and risk may need to get their eyes tested more often.

Children

Eye health is an essential part of a child's development. Healthy eyesight is especially important for learning in school. If you have children, make sure they get their recommended eye test regularly.

Your kid's first eye test should be conducted at six months. Surprised? This is because their eyes are constantly developing and an eye test ensures that they are developing normally and functioning well. The next eye test should happen at the age of three. At this age, their eyes should be completely developed. After that, your kid should get a routine eye exam at 6 years old or when school starts. Continue having their eyes examined every two years from this point.

If your kids have any of the risk factors listed below, they may need to get eye tests more often.

• Premature birth or low birth weight

• Infection of the mother during pregnancy

• Developmental delays

• Turned or crossed eyes

• Family history of eye disease

• Other physical illnesses or diseases

In case of more serious problems, you should take them to do eye tests more according to professional guidance.

Adults

If you are a risk-free adult (18-60-year-old), then you should just stick with the recommendation. Visit your oculist once every two years and you'll be fine. However, you might want to increase your eye test frequency if any of these risk factors apply to you.

• Diabetes or high blood pressure

• Family history of eye disease

• A visually demanding occupation or one that may pose hazards to the eyes

• Taking medications that may have visual or eye-related side effects

• Previous eye injury or eye surgery

The elderly

This age group is the most vulnerable when it comes to eye problems. As you get older, common risk factors for blindness such as glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration increase. This is why vision loss is extremely common within this age group.

That said, vision loss can be prevented if problems are detected and treated early. So, elders should get their eyes checked more often. If you or your loved ones are over the age of 60, try going to the eye doctor annually instead.

Summary

Don't take chances with your vision. After all, it is one of our most important senses. Prevent eye problems before they take away your eyesight. There are tons of free eye tests available, so no excuses. Book an eye test appointment today and show your eyes some love.