EYECARE
Your eyes are so important
It goes without saying that your eyes are vital and it's important that they're looked after. A simple eye test can check the health of your eyes, address sight problems and even help with some children's reading difficulties. An eye test is not expensive – in fact they're FREE for children, people over 60 and some others. To find out more about eye testing, please follow the link below.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD EYES BE CHECKED?
Having regular eye tests is very important. A full examination at least every two years is recommended for most people. However, the following groups should all have their eyes tested annually: people over 60, because of increased risk; people from about the age of 45, because they often begin to develop reading difficulties; people who look at a screen for most of the day or do a lot of driving; and children, to help prevent problems in their future.
We are one of the leading children’s opticians in the area, and among the first in the country, to pioneer new equipment which has been specially developed to improve reading and understanding using corrective lenses.
Apart from finding problems with vision and some forms of dyslexia, an eye test can also detect (click to find out more):
BEFORE AN EYE TEST
We will need to know about any eye problems, whether glasses or contact lenses are worn, if there is, or has been, an eye injury or infection and about any close relatives who had eye complications. We will also ask about general health, if medication is being taken, about the type of work done and about leisure activities. Knowing these things means we can give the best possible advice.
DURING AN EYE TEST
An ophthalmoscope (like a tiny torch with a handle) is used to look for anything unusual inside each eye. Then, a retinoscope (like an ophthalmoscope), is used at arm’s length from the eyes to determine if distance vision needs correcting. Letter charts and ‘trial’ lenses are used to cross-check what we find. Tests are also made to find out if both eyes are working together, if corrective lenses are needed and to assess field of vision.
At the end if an examination, if glasses or contact lenses are advised, we will provide a written prescription. In the unlikely event that an abnormality is found, patients are referred to their doctor, or in urgent cases, to hospital.
CHILDREN’S EYES
Care Comes First
Children’s eyes change rapidly as they develop, which is why it is so important that they are tested at least every year. Finding and treating problems early can have a major impact on children’s eyes and in some cases can help with their future development. Sight tests for children are free on the NHS, and some glasses and lenses are also free.
Research has shown that some forms of dyslexia can be corrected with special lenses or reading glasses. We are one of the leading children’s opticians in the area, and among the first in the country to pioneer new equipment which is specially developed to improve reading and understanding using corrective lenses.