OCT Scan Cost in 2026: $50-$100 (US), £10-£20 (UK Private)
OCT (optical coherence tomography) is a cross-sectional scan of the retina that measures layer thickness in microns. In the US it is typically a $50-$100 add-on to the routine eye exam unless medically necessary, in which case medical insurance generally covers it. UK private OCT is far cheaper at £10-£20.
OCT Scan Pricing (2026)
| Scenario | Typical 2026 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OCT scan (US, exam add-on) | $50 - $100 | Out-of-pocket; vision insurance rarely covers |
| OCT scan (US, medically necessary) | Covered | Medical insurance, including Medicare Part B |
| OCT-angiography (OCT-A) | $75 - $150 | Adds blood vessel mapping |
| UK private OCT (Specsavers) | £10 | Add-on to £25 standard eye test |
| UK private OCT (Vision Express) | Included | Built into the £30 Advanced Eye Test |
| UK private OCT (Boots) | from £25 | Add-on to the £29.95 Essential Eye Test |
| UK NHS OCT | Free | When clinically indicated and referred |
When Insurance Covers OCT
Medical insurance (commercial plans, Medicare Part B) typically covers OCT when it is ordered for a documented clinical indication:
- Glaucoma evaluation or monitoring (most common reason)
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) suspect or diagnosed
- Diabetic retinopathy screening or monitoring
- Macular hole, epiretinal membrane, macular edema
- Post-cataract surgery follow-up if symptoms suggest complication
- High myopia (typically > -6.00) baseline screening
A routine OCT during an annual vision exam, with no clinical indication, is typically not covered by medical insurance and rarely covered by vision insurance. It is treated as an out-of-pocket upgrade.
FAQ
How much does an OCT scan cost in 2026?
US: $50-$100 out of pocket as an exam add-on; medical insurance covers when medically necessary. UK: £10 add-on at Specsavers, from £25 at Boots, included in the £30 Vision Express Advanced Eye Test; free on NHS when clinically indicated and referred.
When does medical insurance cover OCT?
Glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, macular hole/edema, high myopia screening. Routine screening without indication is typically not covered.
Is OCT worth paying out of pocket?
Useful if you have family history of glaucoma or AMD, are 50+, have diabetes, or have high myopia. Provides baseline for future comparison.
Is OCT the same as a retinal photo?
No. Photos are 2D surface images; OCT is a 3D cross-sectional scan of retinal layer thickness.
Does Specsavers do OCT scans?
Yes. Specsavers UK offers OCT as a £10 add-on to the standard £25 eye test.