Eye Examination

We offer a full and thorough eye examination to private and NHS patients.

We allow up to 30 minutes for each appointment.

As the NHS requires proof of your entitlement to free NHS sight tests, please come prepared with the relevant documents

Why have an eye examination?
Should children have eye tests?
The Sight Test
Am I entitled to a free NHS sight test?
Proof of Entitlement to NHS sight test

Why have an eye examination?
An eye examination allows the optometrist to:

  • Determine any relevant prescription of your eyes for spectacles or contact lenses
  • Check your eye health and any associated general health problems
  • Perform any further testing such as eye pressures, retinal photography, visual fields, colour vision or pupil dilation, if deemed necessary
  • Check the muscles of the eyes work together

Should children have eye tests?
It is important for all children to have their eyes tested as eye problems can develop at any age and these may not be noticed by the child's parents. An eye test can still be carried out even if a child is unable to read as instead of children recognizing letters, we use pictures.

We would normally recommend that a child from the age of 3 has an eye test, particularly if there is a history of squints in the family. Generally, the earlier we can treat childhood eye problems the better.

Most of the time children do not require glasses but a regular eye check allows a picture of their eye health to be built up. Children under the age of 16, or under 19 and in full time education, receive a free eye test paid for by the NHS. Normally, we only require to see children every 2 years.

The Sight Test
The optometrist will ask about your general health, any medications taken, your eye history and family health history as some of these factors can affect your eyes.

The optometrist will then show you test charts with different lenses to determine your prescription. He will be able to ascertain whether you are long or short sighted, presbyopic or astigmatic. An examination of the health of the eyes is carried out to determine the presence of ocular diseases or general health problems with an ocular effect.

If the optometrist feels that you need any further testing, he may carry out tests such as eye pressures, visual field assessments and retinal photography.

At the end of the consultation the optometrist will discuss your sight and eye health with you and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. He will also give you a copy of your prescription.

Am I entitled to a free NHS sight test?
You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are:

  • Under 16 or under 19 still in full time education
  • Aged 60 or over (from age 60-70 the entitlement is one test every 24 months and over 70 it is one test every 12 months in normal circumstances)
  • Registered blind or partially sighted
  • Diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma
  • 40 or over with a first degree relative with glaucoma, or you have been advised by an opthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
  • Prescribed a complex lens over plus or minus 10 diopters or over 6 diopters of astigmatism

You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are receiving the following benefits or credits:

  • Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (not contribution based)
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution based)
  • Working Tax Credit and are named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
  • Child Tax Credit and are named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
  • You are named on a NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
  • Prisoners on leave from prison

People named on a NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) might also get help. Kindly bring in your certificate and we will be pleased to advise.

Proof of Entitlement to NHS sight test
You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to free NHS sight tests. Please bring the relevant documentation with you.

  • Aged under 16: NHS Medical Card/Current Child Benefit Award Notice/Passport/Birth Certificate
  • Aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education: Current Child Benefit Award Notice/Birth Certificate/Passport and Letter from your school, college or your local education authority to prove that you are a full-time student
  • Aged 60 or over: NHS Medical Card/Driving Licence/Passport/Birth Certificate/State Retirement Pension Order Book
  • Registered Blind or Partially Sighted: Local Authority Certificate of Registration
  • Suffering from diabetes: Out-patients Appointment Card/Repeat Prescriptions Card/Record of Blood Sugar Readings
  • Suffering from glaucoma or considered to be at risk of glaucoma: Letter from GP or your hospital eye clinic
  • Aged 40 and over with a first degree relative with glaucoma: NHS Medical Card/Driving Licence/Passport/Birth Certificate
  • Proof of Income Support: Income Support Order Book
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance: Employment and Support Allowance Award Notice.
  • Prisoners on leave from prison: Licence provided on release of custody
  • Proof of Working Families' Tax Credit and Disabled Person's Tax Credit from Inland Revenue
  • Jobseeker's Allowance or Low Income: HC2 or HC3 Certificate
  • Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit