Your eye care experience at Specsavers Opticas won’t be too different from what you’d expect in the UK. We understand that you might have a few questions before visiting us in store, so this guide will break down exactly what you can expect from an eye test at Specsavers in Spain.
Do I need to prepare anything
before my eye test?
Before you come in for your first eye test with us, it’s worth making a note of any significant changes in your vision or your eye health in general since your last visit to the optician. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s best to bring them, along with your prescription — whether it was prescribed by an optician in the UK or Spain.
This will just help to give your optometrist a better understanding of your eye care needs. If you don’t have these things to hand or think your eye care needs may have changed, that’s no problem. We’ll conduct a full eye test either way, and have you fitted with new lenses or frames as you need them.
Are eye tests free in Spain?
In Spain, the cost of eye tests will vary depending upon the branch or practitioner you visit. At Specsavers Opticas, eye tests are free — although there may be a discretionary charge in some stores, so be sure to check beforehand.
If, during your eye test, your optometrist discovers an underlying eye condition, you may need to be referred to a specialist for further treatment. In this case, you will need to be registered for free care with the state healthcare system in Spain, have private health insurance to cover your treatment, or to pay privately. See our guide for more information on who covers expat eye care in Spain.
Your eye test at Specsavers Opticas explained
At Specsavers Opticas, you'll find that your eye test is very similar to what you'd expect back in the UK. We use the same equipment, machinery and eye test procedures — and each of our Spanish opticians is fully trained to conduct your eye test in English, should you wish.
Patient background and pre-test
Before your eye examination, an optical assistant will gather some information on your medical history. They will make sure your records are up to date on our system and take note of anything significant that needs to be in your file — whether it's your prescription information or a family history of any eye conditions.
The optical assistant will also carry out some pre-tests. One of the most commonly performed tests uses a tonometer. This equipment will blow a few puffs of air at each eye in order to measure the pressure inside the eye. This measurement can help to determine whether or not you may be at risk of glaucoma.
You’ll also have an autorefraction test, which measures how well your eyes focus, and determines if you are long or short-sighted. This also gives a readout of your prescription. Don’t worry if we don’t have your prescription — we can use a focimeter to read it from your glasses, and this can be used to compare it with the results of your new eye test.