The Eye Examination - What to Expect

A Regular Eye Examination is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Most people know that we check their glasses prescription as a part of the eye exam, but a Comprehensive Eye Examination also includes screening for signs and symptoms of more serious eye conditions, for example Glaucoma and Age Related Macular Degeneration.

How Often Should I have my Eyes Examined?

Most Eye Care Professionals advise that every adult should have a comprehensive eye exam every 2 years. Some people need to have their eyes tested more regularly and our Optometrists will be able to advise you of this when they see you.

Your optometrist may recommend you have an NHS sight test more often than every 2 years if you:

  • are a child wearing glasses
  • have diabetes
  • are aged 40 or over and have a family history of glaucoma
  • are aged 70 or over

We will advise you at the end of every eye examination when we would recommend that you have any further routine examinations.

The College of Optometrists provide independent and regulated advice on the importance and recommended frequency of eye examinations:

https://lookafteryoureyes.org/eye-examinations/the-eye-examination/

Can I Ask for a Sight Test more Frequently?

Routine Eye Examinations allow us to review you regularly, however if you notice a change in your vision or eyes outside of your routine review, please contact us at the practice and we will arrange an appointment to see you as soon as we can.

What is the Cost for an Eye Examination?

Private Eye Examination £40

Our private Eye examinations each include; assessment of Spectacle prescription and Examination of Ocular Health including Fundus Photography. We also include Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan for each patient. This is a non-invasive scan allowing us to evaluate the layers of the retina in more detail, this is especially useful in the detection of Macular disease and is also useful in the detection of early glaucoma. Glaucoma is often asymptomatic, but the abilty to compare sequential scans for each eye may aid our ability to detect early changes which may necessitate referral to our Ophthalmolgy Colleagues in the Hospital.

NHS Funded Eye Examination.

If you are eligible for an NHS funded eye examination you will not be charged for a Standard Eye Examination.

NHS Eye Examination includes assessment of Spectacle Prescription and examination of Ocular Health including Fundus Photography, but does not include OCT scan. All patients eligible for an NHS eye examination can up-grade their Eye examination to include OCT examination for £15.

NHS Up-Grade to Include OCT Examination: £15

You can check on the NHS website if you think that you should be entitled to a free Eye Exam:

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/

Do I Need to Take Anything to My Eye Examination?

If this is your first visit to our practice it would be helpful to take along:

  • Your current glasses and/or contact lenses
  • Any previous optical prescriptions, if you have them
  • Any letters or documents about previous visits to the hospital eye department
  • A list of any medications that you are taking – even if they aren't for a problem with your eyes
  • Your GP’s contact details
  • your Health and Social Care Number.
  • If you think you may be entitled to an NHS-funded sight test, you may need to bring along other documents. Check with our staff when you make your appointment.

What Happens in an Eye Examination?

The eye examination usually takes around 20 – 30 minutes. During the exam we will ask you about:

  • Your General Health
  • Any problems you may be having with your eyes or your vision
  • Any past ocular history (previous surgery or visits to the Eye Department
  • Family History of eye problems.
  • Your work and/or hobbies

We will then assess your vision and determine what your spectacle prescription is.

We will check your eye movements and coordination to make sure both eyes are working together and undue stress is not being placed on your eye muscles. We will then assess the health of your eyes and take a photograph of the back of your eyes.

After the examination we will give you a copy of your prescription and advise you on which spectacles we would recommend for you. If you do not require spectacles, we will issue a statement which confirms that you do not need them.

Broken Spectacles

If you've had an accident and broken your glasses, please call into the practice. Many repairs can be completed on the day, we also offer a one day glazing service that will ensure you aren't inconvenienced for long.