Eye problems (general)

Eight questions people ask, put to Google AI Overviews, Google AI Mode and ChatGPT in November 2026.

Led with the right place
Led with the right place
Led with the right place
Led with the right place
Got the NHS facts right
15 of 15 answers
Got the NHS facts right
Got the NHS facts right
Got the NHS facts right
Cited NHS or accredited sources
18 of 23 answers with sources
Cited NHS or accredited sources
Cited NHS or accredited sources
Cited NHS or accredited sources

The questions

Question
The NHS says
AI Overviews
AI Mode
ChatGPT
My mum has type 2 diabetes and says her eyesight is getting worse. Is that something to get checked?
See a GP
●Not up front on AI Overviews Google AI Overviews Right place, not up front
The NHS says see a GP
Google AI Mode Led with the right place
The NHS says see a GP
●More urgent on ChatGPT ChatGPT (logged out) Get help today
The NHS says see a GP
My eye is red and painful today. Is that something I should get checked quickly?
111 or urgent GP
●Not up front on AI Overviews Google AI Overviews Right place, not up front
The NHS says call NHS 111, or get an urgent GP appointment
●Not up front on AI Mode Google AI Mode Right place, not up front
The NHS says call NHS 111, or get an urgent GP appointment
ChatGPT (logged out) Led with the right place
The NHS says call NHS 111, or get an urgent GP appointment
I have type 1 diabetes and keep seeing floaters in my vision. Should I be worried?
Urgent GP or 111
Google AI Overviews Unconfirmed The first check found less urgent: See a GP or pharmacist (eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist)). The NHS says: Urgent GP or 111. The second check disagreed, so it isn’t counted.
●Not up front on AI Mode Google AI Mode Right place, not up front
The NHS says get an urgent GP appointment, or contact your care team
●Not up front on ChatGPT ChatGPT (logged out) Right place, not up front
The NHS says get an urgent GP appointment, or contact your care team
If my glasses cost more than my NHS optical voucher, do I have to pay the difference?
You pay difference
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says you pay the differenceEngland
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says you pay the differenceEngland
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says you pay the differenceEngland
How often can I get a free NHS eye test if I'm eligible?
Every 2 years
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says free sight test every 2 yearsEngland
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says free sight test every 2 yearsEngland
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says free sight test every 2 yearsEngland
Do I get a free NHS eye test if I'm 60 or over?
Free at 60+
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says free sight test at 60England
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says free sight test at 60England
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says free sight test at 60England
Can I take my NHS optical voucher to any opticians or only certain ones?
Any NHS supplier
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says any optician accepting vouchersEngland
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says any optician accepting vouchersEngland
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says any optician accepting vouchersEngland
How often should I get my eyes tested at the opticians in the UK?
Every 2 years
Google AI Overviews Matches the NHS
The NHS says eye test every 2 yearsEngland
Google AI Mode Matches the NHS
The NHS says eye test every 2 yearsEngland
ChatGPT (logged out) Matches the NHS
The NHS says eye test every 2 yearsEngland
Matches the NHS Not up frontDiffers from the NHSMore urgentUnconfirmed

Where the answers came from

Answers, of 23 with sources
NHS websiteNHS17
SpecsaversUK health company3 FacebookForum or social media2 Scottish GovernmentUK government2 American Diabetes Association journalsUS health website2
The Eye CentreUK health company1

Where the answers came from

Answers, of 8 with sources
NHS websiteNHS4
SpecsaversUK health company3 FacebookForum or social media2 American Diabetes Association journalsUS health website2
The Eye CentreUK health company1
JAMA NetworkUS health website1

Where the answers came from

Answers, of 8 with sources
NHS websiteNHS7
Association of OptometristsUK professional body1
Direct SightUK health company1

Where the answers came from

Answers, of 7 with sources
NHS websiteNHS6
NHS National Services ScotlandNHS1
NHS informNHS1
Scottish GovernmentUK government1 GOV.UKUK government1