A standard eye test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At Mosspark Opticians, every eye test is booked for 45 minutes, whether it is NHS or private.
That extra time is deliberate. I’m Rahillah Moghul, the Independent Prescribing optometrist who owns Mosspark in Bellahouston, and I spent nearly 20 years in high-street practices before opening it. The most common thing patients told me was that they felt rushed. This guide explains what happens during an eye test, what can make it take longer, and why I think 45 minutes is the right length.
An eye test checks far more than whether you need glasses. Here is what we do, in order:
For a closer look at each stage, our comprehensive eye exam in Glasgow page explains the equipment we use.
We call our approach Slow Optometry. The last step, explaining your results, is the one that usually gets squeezed in a short appointment, and it is the step patients value most. With 45 minutes, I can talk you through your retinal images and answer your questions without watching the clock.
You also see the same optometrist from start to finish, rather than being passed between staff for different tests. If you would be more comfortable having your eye test in Urdu or Punjabi, we offer consultations in both, as well as English.
If I find something that needs treatment, such as an eye infection or inflamed eyelids, I can often treat it on the spot. As an Independent Prescribing optometrist I can prescribe medication for many eye conditions, so you don’t need a separate GP appointment.
If it’s your first test, or your first with us, we spend longer on your history so we have a full picture from the start.
Sometimes I need to widen your pupils with drops to see the back of the eye in more detail. The drops take around 20 to 30 minutes to work. Afterwards your vision can be blurry and sensitive to light for several hours, so bring sunglasses and don’t drive until it has returned to normal.
A contact lens check-up includes checking how your lenses fit and the health of the front of the eye, so it takes longer than a glasses-only test. A first fitting includes a trial and lessons on handling lenses. Our contact lens fitting and aftercare page explains what’s involved.
Young children go at their own pace, and they don’t need to be able to read. We use pictures, shapes and non-verbal checks. Read more about children’s eye tests at Mosspark.
If glaucoma runs in your family, or you have a condition that needs monitoring, I may suggest an OCT scan. It builds a detailed, layer-by-layer image of the retina and optic nerve, and takes about 30 seconds per eye within the same appointment. Here’s what an OCT scan shows.
If you can’t get to the practice on your own because of illness or disability, we can carry out the test at home. It follows the same steps with portable equipment. See our home visit eye tests.
No. In Scotland, NHS eye tests are free for everyone who ordinarily lives in the UK, and at Mosspark an NHS test is the same 45-minute appointment as a private one. You can check who qualifies for a free eye test in Scotland and how often you’re entitled to one.
The only extras with a fee are optional ones, such as an OCT scan. We always explain these before anything is charged, and your eye test never depends on them.
If you’re arranging a test for the first time, our guide on how to book an eye test in Glasgow covers what to ask before you call.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), most adults should have an eye test every two years, even if they do not experience any symptoms.
If you have a family history of eye conditions or are at risk for vision problems, more frequent exams may be recommended.
Now that you know the answer to the question “how long does an eye test take?” and what to expect during the examination, it will help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a specific concern, most eye exams are quick and straightforward.
For a trusted, personalised approach to eye care, consider visiting Mosspark Opticians. Here, you will receive high-quality service tailored to your needs.
Independent Optician – Mosspark Opticians, Glasgow
Rahillah is a fully qualified optician with nearly 20 years of experience providing professional eye care in Glasgow. As the owner of Mosspark Opticians, she specialises in comprehensive eye examinations, prescription glasses, children’s eyewear, and personalised optical solutions. Known for a patient-focused approach, Rahillah is committed to clear communication, clinical excellence, and long-term eye health for patients of all ages.
A standard eye test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At Mosspark Opticians every eye test is booked for 45 minutes, so there is time for a full eye health check and to explain the results.
Dilating drops take around 20 to 30 minutes to work, so allow extra time. Your vision can stay blurry and sensitive to light for several hours afterwards, so you should not drive until it has returned to normal.
Longer than a glasses-only eye test, because we also check how the lenses fit and how healthy the front of the eye is. A first-time fitting takes longer again, as it includes a trial and lessons on putting lenses in and taking them out. We will tell you how long to allow when you book.
Children get the same unhurried appointment as adults. Young children can go at their own pace, and they don’t need to be able to read, as we use pictures, shapes and non-verbal checks.
Yes. NHS eye tests are free in Scotland for everyone who ordinarily lives in the UK, and at Mosspark an NHS test is the same 45-minute appointment as a private one. Optional extras such as an OCT scan have a fee, which we always explain first.
