Your Eye Examination
Experience our comprehensive eye examinations
Our examinations are conducted in air conditioned consulting rooms and offer complete privacy to our patients. We have both downstairs and upstairs consulting rooms so if you have a preference, please do mention this when booking your appointment.
Although many of the tests carried out during the eye examination are standard to everyone, our approach is to tailor the eye examination to your specific eye care needs. We question. We listen. We take time to examine your vision thoroughly and we discuss any recommendations we have for the care of your eyes.
We allocate an appointment slot of up to 45 minutes with the Optometrist to give ample time for the examination and for him to conduct all the tests such as the OCT 3D retinal scan.
Your eyesight is precious: That’s why maintaining and protecting your eyesight is important
Unless otherwise advised, we recommend that you have an eye examination every two years even if you think your vision is fine. Not only does an eye examination identify whether your eyesight needs correcting but it can reveal any underlying general health problems with an ocular effect such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Enhanced Eye Examination
With the advances in technology, Optometrists can now examine the eye in far greater detail. Our Enhanced Eye Examination includes an OCT 3D retinal scan as well as retinal photography both of which examine the eye in greater detail and provide a visual record of any subtle changes in the eye. Ultimately, this builds a more complete profile of your vision and allows us to offer eye care to a higher clinical standard.
Eye Examination Fees
The cost of our Enhanced Private Eye Examination is £70 for adults or £50 for 19-25 year olds.
The NHS does not fund an OCT scan or retinal photography so the top up fee for our Enhanced NHS Eye Examination fee is £49 for adults or £29 for 19-25 year olds. Children under the NHS will be provided the necessary upgrades free of charge.
The Eye Examination
Find out more about our Eye Examinations
Here are some helpful tips about what to bring with you to your appointment.
Please bring your most recent glasses and/or contact lenses to your eye appointment. It is helpful if you are a contact lens wearer to be wearing your contact lenses so that an accurate assessment of the fitting can be established. If you are a new contact lens patient to our practice, please bring your contact lens specification with you.
If you are taking any medication, please also bring the names of any tablets or medicines and the name of your doctor.
It may be that you have a specific problem with your eyes, you have been sent by your GP or it may be a routine eye test. The Optometrist will ask questions about your current eyesight requirements, your general health, your family’s ocular health and your lifestyle and hobbies as some of these factors may be relevant.
It is important you mention any concerns you have with your eyes, such as any focusing problems or regular headaches, as this information can assist the Optometrist in determining which tests to conduct.
During 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 make sure you are well informed throughout the examination. If you do not understand anything or require more information, please do ask your Optometrist.
This is a brief overview of the elements of an eye examination.
Interior and Exterior Eye Examination
The interior and exterior of the eye are examined by shining a bright light into each eye using an ophthalmoscope to check that the eye is healthy and working properly.
This includes checking the health of your optic nerve, the retina and the blood vessels at the back of the eye. Any eye health conditions or any associated general health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes can be detected through this important test.
Additional Tests
We carry out further tests such as eye pressures, retinal photography, pachymetry, visual fields, colour vision or pupil dilation, if deemed necessary. Some of these tests are not covered by the NHS or Private examination fee and may incur an additional cost.
Eye Muscles
We check how your eye muscles work together using the Mallet or ‘OXO’ test or by using special lens filters and 3D tests. Good muscle balance is particularly important for those that use VDUs or drive.
Colour Vision Testing
Inherited colour vision deficiency affects more men than women, with around 8% of men and 0.5% of women being affected. Colour vision testing is carried out during the eye examination if required.
Assessment of your current glasses/contact lenses
An assessment of your current glasses or contact lenses is carried out to see if they are the correct strength and suitable for your vision.
Improving your vision
We test to see if your reading or distance vision can be improved using lenses of different strengths.
What to expect after you have had your eye examination.
The Optometrist will now have a detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes, the level of your vision and any special requirements that you may need.
At the end of the examination you will be handed a prescription for glasses or contact lenses or a statement which confirms that they are not needed. If the Optometrist considers you would benefit from having clearer, more comfortable vision with a change of prescription or new glasses/contact lenses he will explain why and show you the difference a new prescription can make to you. He will recommend the best corrective eyewear option for your needs.
As the prescribing and dispensing of glasses are very closely linked, the Optometrist will discuss your visual requirements with our Dispensing Opticians so that they can help you select the most suitable lens design and frame for your visual comfort.
The College of Optometrists’ current advice is that you have your glasses dispensed where you have your eyes examined.
Our Optometrists will advise you on when you will need to have your next eye examination. In most cases, this will be every two years however more frequent eye checks may be recommended depending on your particular circumstances.
Just before your next appointment is due we will send a reminder letter to you so you won’t need to worry about forgetting to book your next eye examination. In the meantime, if you notice any changes in your eyesight or you have any concerns, please do call us to organise an eye examination earlier than advised.
Look after your eyes – Have regular eye tests