Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)

Tests how visual signals travel from the eye, along the optic nerve, to the brain's visual cortex — commonly used for suspected optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis or unexplained visual disturbance. £405 all-inclusive · consultant-reported · CQC-regulated.

Referral-based — our team confirms your appointment once your referral is triaged
~35 minappointment
Painlessnon-invasive
Consultantreported
£405all-inclusive
CQC Regulated
★★★★★4.88/5 on Doctify · 700+ verified reviews
Consultant-reported
Free onsite parking

When a VEP test is used

This test is a sensible option if you recognise any of these.

Unexplained visual disturbance or vision loss

Where an eye examination has been normal but a visual disturbance remains unexplained.

Investigating suspected optic neuritis

VEP can help assess whether the optic nerve's ability to conduct signals has been affected.

Investigating suspected multiple sclerosis

A VEP delay can support the wider clinical picture when MS is being investigated.

£405 · ~35 min appointment · consultant-reported

Referral-based · free onsite parking

Request this test — £405

What happens during a VEP test

A member of the neurophysiology team carries out your recording using portable evoked potential equipment. The whole appointment takes around 35 minutes.

Scalp electrodes attached

Small sensors are placed over the visual cortex at the back of your head — this is painless.

Watching a screen

You sit and watch a screen showing a reversing black-and-white checkerboard pattern, one eye at a time.

Response measured

The team measures how quickly and clearly the visual signal reaches the brain from each eye.

Preparing for your appointment

Before you come in

Wear your usual glasses or contact lensesTell us if you need correction for distance visionNo other special preparation neededTake your usual medication as normal

Wearing your usual correction keeps the pattern in clear focus, which matters for an accurate result. Your recording is reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist.

How to get a VEP test at The Vesey

1. Referral

Your GP or consultant refers you, confirming the clinical question — or request the test and we'll help arrange it.

2. Triage & scheduling

Our Clinical Physiologist team triages the referral, then our administration team contacts you to arrange a convenient appointment.

3. Your evoked potential study

Sergio Cerqueira, Clinical Physiologist, carries out your recording onsite using portable evoked potential equipment.

4. Consultant report

Your recording is reviewed and reported by Dr David Martín-López or Dr Omar Al-Khayatt, Consultant Neurophysiologist, and sent to your referring clinician.

Request this test — £405

Unit 3, The Courtyard, Reddicap Trading Estate, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BU

How it compares to our other evoked potential studies

Each evoked potential study tests a different sensory pathway — here's how they compare.

Comparison Table
InvestigationDurationBest forPrice
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)~45 min appointmentAssessing the sensory pathway and spinal cord£405
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)~35 min appointmentAssessing the visual (optic nerve) pathway£405
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)~45 min appointmentAssessing the hearing (auditory) and brainstem pathway£405

Browse all neurophysiology investigations at The Vesey →

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Your questions, answered

What is a VEP test?
A visual evoked potential (VEP) test measures how visual signals travel from the eye, along the optic nerve, to the brain's visual cortex. It's reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist.
Do I need a referral for a VEP test?
Yes. This is a referral-based investigation, triaged by our Clinical Physiologist team before it's scheduled. Your GP or consultant can refer you, or you can request the test below and we'll help arrange the referral.
Is it painful?
No. There's no discomfort at all — you simply sit and watch a screen while small scalp sensors record your brain's response.
Do I need to bring my glasses?
Yes. Wear your usual glasses or contact lenses so the pattern is in clear focus, and tell the team beforehand if you normally need correction for distance vision.
What happens during the appointment?
Small, painless sensors are placed over the visual cortex at the back of your head. You then sit and watch a screen showing a reversing black-and-white checkerboard pattern, one eye at a time, while the team measures how quickly and clearly the visual signal reaches your brain from each eye.
Who reports the result?
Your recording is reviewed and reported by a Consultant Neurophysiologist, and the report is sent to your referring clinician.
What can a VEP test show?
A delay or reduced response can indicate slowed conduction along the optic nerve, which your consultant will interpret alongside your other results and clinical picture.

Ready to arrange your VEP test?

Request the test below, or call us and our team will help arrange your referral. The Vesey · Sutton Coldfield.

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