Clinical

Eye sight is a precious sense. An eye test not only enables you to maximise your vision, it can identify signs of eye (eg. glaucoma), and other more general health issues (eg. high blood pressure and diabetes.)

In short…everyone! You deserves the best vision that you can achieve. Also, if you drive, you have a legal obligation to meeting the current visual requirements for drivers in the UK.

Eye tests are particularly important for those in the following categories:

Children

• To ensure proper development of the eyes and visual system is occurring
• Many childrens conditions may be asymptomatic (hidden) and they don’t know when to raise issues as to them things appear normal
• To teach children the importance of caring for their eye sight
• All children under 16, and under 19 in full time education, qualify for an NHS funded eye test

Over 40’s

• Many eye conditions become more common over this age
• Many people around this age require additional help for reading

Family history of Glaucoma

• Close family history of Glaucoma increases your risk of suffering the condition
• Those with Glaucoma or 40 and over with a close family history of Glaucoma (parent / sibling / child) qualify for an NHS funded eye test

Diabetics

• Your eye test may help identify signs of diabetes at an early stage
• For those with diabetes the eye test will assist in monitoring the condition (the eye test is in addition to local diabetic screening protocols)
• Diabetics qualify for an NHS funded eye test

Each eye test is individually tailored to the requirements of the patient however in general an eye test will cover:

• Discussion around your individual history and symptoms
• Assessment of your current distance and near vision
• Assessment of how well your eyes work together (including the muscles that control your eyes)
• Assessment of your external and internal eye health
• Tests to assess whether your distance and near vision can be further improved
• Assessment of your ocular pressures and visual fields (where required)
• Summary and discussion of your eye test results and next steps (as appropriate)

The outcome of your eye test is unique to you and your optometrist will discuss in detail the options available to you. These may include:

• You may be issued with a statement saying you do not need spectacles, a change of spectacles or further investigation
• You may be issued with a statement stating a change in prescription. You will then be offered the opportunity to purchase new spectacles, update existing spectacles or consider alternatives like contact lenses
• You may be referred to your GP or local hospital for further investigation / treatment

Some patients have concerns, even phobias, about eye tests. If this applies to you please contact us and you can speak directly to one of our optometrists for advice and reassurance. Remember, we will not perform any test on you without your full and agreed consent.