FAQs

A: Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are different types of eye disorders or refractive errors. In the normal eye, light enters through the front of the eye at the cornea and is directed to a single point at the back of the eye on the retina. In an eye with a refractive error, the light is not directed to a single point to the back of the eye but in front of the retina. This is known as myopia or nearsightedness. When the light is directed to a point behind the retina, the refractive error is known as hyperopia or farsightedness. The refractive error known as astigmatism occurs when the light is sent to two points behind, in front of or on the retina.

A: It can be different for each person but as long as your eyes are healthy, a general comprehensive eye examination is recommended after every one to two years. Contact lens wearers should be checked yearly to ensure that the cornea and anterior part of the eyes stay healthy.

A: All comprehensive eye exams are performed by our Optometrists. The exam not only determines your prescription but it also aids the Optometrists in detecting: high blood pressure, diabetes, and retinal and corneal disorders. The exam also includes cataracts and glaucoma screening.

A: YES! Our Optometrists will be able to detect early signs of various sight-threatening diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Together with other tests, we can also detect neurological diseases and glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease if left untreated. Early detection and prevention are crucial to the successful treatment of these diseases. It is recommended for the young and healthy individuals to have their eyes examined at least once every two years, if they are not a contact lens wearer and annually, if they are.

A: NHS SIght Tests Regular eye examinations are important, which is why we recommend you have an eye examination at least every two years if you are aged between 9 and 70 *. Under 9's and over 70's should have a sight test every year.  (*unless advised otherwise by your optometrist or doctor)

More than 30 million people in the UK are entitled to a free eye examination paid for by the NHS. You are automatically entitled to a FREE sight test on the NHS if you....

• Are aged 60 or over
• Are aged under 16 - or under 19 & still in full time education
• Live in Scotland ^*
• Diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma
• 40 years of age or over with a close relative with glaucoma
• Registered blind or partially sighted
• In need of complex lenses (you may also get an optical voucher)

(* The new NHS eye examination in Scotland is an eye health assessment, appropriate to patients needs and any symptoms they present.)

In addition, you are also entitled to a free NHS sight tests if you (or your partner) are receiving the following benefits or credits:

• Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit (and are named on a NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate)
• You are named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate

Help with paying for your glasses

As well as a free eye examination, you may also be entitled to some help with the purchase of glasses or contact lenses, if you are:

• Under 16 or under 19 and still in full time education
• Named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate
• In need of complex lenses
• You or your partner claim Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Working Family’s Tax Credit/Disabled Person’s Tax Credit (and are named on a NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate)

 

A: Did You Know?

• 20 Million British people risk avoidable sight loss because they fail to have regular sight tests.
• One in ten British adults have NEVER had an eye examination.
• 85% of us admit to having problems with our vision.
• More than 30 million Britons are entitled to FREE eyecare (sight tests and / or optical vouchers to cover the cost of any vision correction required) paid for by the NHS.
• Everyone should have an eye examination once every two years unless advised otherwise by their optometrist. The Eye Care Trust recommends children aged under 9 and people aged 70 and over have annual eye examinations.

it’s estimated that 1 in 5 children has an undetected problem with their vision.
Fifty per cent of us think an NHS sight test costs £20 or more? despite it being free!
A quarter of over 60 year old say the quality of their vision affects their daily routine.
(source of information. The Eyecare Trust)