Examinations

Regular eye examinations are an essential part of your ongoing healthcare; It is advisable to have your eyes examined every two years, although this may vary depending on age or medical conditions such as Glaucoma.

An eye examination is about more than just measuring your vision. A full examination will also check for eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. A comprehensive test can also discover early signs of general health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. 

Following the eye examination, the optometrist will explain your visual requirements to a member of our fully qualified dispensing staff. The dispensing optician will then interpret all the information from the eye examination and, if required, will help you decide upon spectacles that will suit your requirements.

If you are in any of the categories below, you may be entitled to receive partial or full support with the cost of eye examinations.

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:

• you're aged under 16
• you're aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
• you're aged 60 or over
• you're registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
• you've been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• you're 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• you've been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you're at risk of glaucoma
• you're a prisoner on leave from prison
• you're eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement

You're also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

• receive Income Support
• receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not Contribution-based)
• receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance 
• are awarded Universal Credit
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

It is important that the optometrist knows why you are having your eyes examined. It may be your normal routine check-up or there may be a specific reason such as problems with your vision or VDU screening. The optometrist should be aware of any medication you are taking and any other relevant clinical information such as if you suffer from headaches, are currently wearing spectacles or contact lenses.