Short answer
It means you see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet. 20/40 is a common driving standard, and 20/200 best-corrected in the better eye is legal blindness.
Eye Exam Chart: How to Read the Snellen Chart
The familiar eye exam chart is the Snellen chart: rows of letters that get smaller as you go down. You read it from 20 feet away (or via mirrors in a smaller room), one eye at a time.
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| 20/20 | Normal sharpness: you see at 20 feet what a typical person sees at 20 feet |
| 20/40 | You must be at 20 feet to see what a typical person sees at 40 feet; the common driving standard |
| 20/200 | The big “E” at the top; best-corrected 20/200 or worse in the better eye is legal blindness |
| 20/15 | Sharper than average |
Children and people who can’t read letters may use a “tumbling E” or picture chart. An eye chart only measures sharpness. A full exam also checks eye health.
USA Eye Exam: Quick Facts
- Typical cost, no insurance
- About $75–$200 routine; $150–$300+ comprehensive
- Walmart (typical)
- About $75–$100 routine exam
- Costco (typical)
- About $70–$120 routine exam
- Sam’s Club (typical)
- About $60–$110 routine exam
- Contact lens fitting
- Often +$40–$100+
- How often (adults 18–64)
- At least every 2 years (every year at 65+)
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- Can I get a walk-in eye exam?
- Is an online eye exam as good as an in-person exam?
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- How often should I get an eye exam?
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.