Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHY SHOULD I HAVE AN EYE EXAMINATION

You have only one pair of eyes so you need to look after them. Some eye conditions will not necessarily have any symptoms or pain. The eye examination can detect very early signs of any problems like Glaucoma, the earlier they are treated the better. The eye examination can also detect underlying health problems that you are not aware of, such as Diabetes, or high blood pressure. The eye examination will also check your standard of vision. If you have any defects in your vision, they may be able to be corrected. You may just be used to seeing less clearly and may not realise that it can be improved upon. Good vision gives a better quality of life. It is very important that your vision meets the legal standards for driving. Some occupations also have certain standards of vision required. For children, it is essential that their eyes are working properly for them to perform well at school.

HOW OFTEN DO MY EYES NEED EXAMINING

You should have an eye examination at least every 2 years. Even if you are not suffering any symptoms you should still have your eyes examined. The eye examination is a regular health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision. It may need to be more frequent depending on your age and medical history. Children should have their eyes examined at least every 12 months. We will normally advise you after the examination when you should return for your next visit and we will also send a reminder letter to you when you are due.

HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE BEFORE THEY CAN HAVE AN EYE EXAMINATION

Children can be examined at any age, even babies. It is important that they have been examined before they start learning to read. They do not need to know their alphabet before they are seen. Often, visual problems can be the reason why a child does not perform well at school, for example because they cannot focus well close up. The earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment. Children's eyes are normally fully developed by the time they are 6 to 8 years old so it is very important to have any problems detected before this, as some conditions are not able to be solved after this point.

During a child’s first year there are rapid changes in vision. Do not worry if your baby cannot seem to focus or their eyes seem to wander during the first 4 months. Signs that need checking by your doctor or Optometrist are - persistent eye infections (although in babies the tear ducts are not fully open for the first few months) or if after 4 months one eye seems to wander independently.

WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED TO SEE AN OPTOMETRIST WHEN THEY GET TESTED AT SCHOOL

Although they are checked at school, it is not a full eye examination. Their distance vision is normally checked but this will not detect any problems that they may have when doing close work. Short sightedness and large squints may be detected, but the school checks are not usually carried out by an eye care professional. For a full eye examination you should take your child to a registered Optometrist. If left undetected for too long, some sight defects cannot be corrected. Children’s Eye Examinations are free under the NHS until they are 16, and under 19 if in full time education.

SHOULD MY EMPLOYER PAY FOR MY EYE TEST AND GLASSES AS I NOW USE A COMPUTER

If you regularly use a computer as part of your work your employer must provide a regular full eye examination free of charge. They are only obliged to pay for a pair of basic glasses if it is shown that they are specifically for computer/VDU use. If you use them at any other time, for example reading or TV your employer does not have to pay for them.

WHAT IS A CONTACT LENS AFTERCARE

This is an essential check-up that should be carried out by us usually every 6 months. Regular routine aftercare enables us to monitor the health of the eyes and to ensure that you are getting the best vision and comfort from your contact lenses. Regular visits also allow us to keep you informed of the latest developments which may benefit you and allow you to get more from your contact lenses.