Eye Examinations
We provide a raft of eye examination options. You will see that many of the tests carried out during our different eye exams are present in all examination versions – the main differentiating elements between the levels are time with the Optometrist, complexity of examination and level of technology used.
If your eye history is unusual, you have only one good eye, there is eye disease in your family, you are particularly concerned about your eyes, or aspects of your vision, it would be worth considering our Advanced or Comprehensive Eye Exam options. These are both upgrade options to your NHS entitlement.
If you aren’t sure, call the practice and speak to one of our team. No matter which examination you choose it will be completed with great care and attention.
Our Eye Exams
Our Optometrist will conduct your eye examination – some elements sometimes supported by the Optical Assistant team. It is far more than a simple sight test of old. The extensive eye health and vision assessments of an eye exam give us invaluable insight into your wider health and well-being. We have a firm relationship with our local fellow medical professionals and regularly liaise with other practitioners – be it GPs, Surgery Nurses, Pharmacists, Ophthalmologist Specialists or Orthoptists as needed, to ensure you are being thoroughly looked after health wise.
We will listen to your concerns, investigate your symptoms and either remedy or refer to a specialist who can.
Core elements of all our Eye Exams
History and symptoms - getting some background...
At the start of the eye examination, our Optometrist will ask why you have chosen to have an eye exam; whether it is a routine check-up or if you have come to see us for a specific reason.
If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision, they’ll need to know what symptoms you have, how long you have had them and whether any changes have happened, suddenly or slowly, over a period of time.
Discussion will include how your general health is, types of medication you are taking, whether you suffer from headaches, or have any close relatives with a history of eye problems.
You will be asked about your previous glasses or contact lenses and about the kind of work you do and whether you play sports or have any hobbies.
Eye Health - inside out...
We thoroughly check the condition of both the internal eye and outside regions around the eyes, using a variety of illuminated microscopes and photography equipment. This allows a detailed study of the eye’s structures. All elements are accurately recorded and permanent retinal or external eye images are kept for comparison at later visits.
Vision - looking sharp...
Your vision will be measured both with and without glasses, to check for any problems with your eyesight. The Optometrist would normally assess your distance vision (for TV and driving), your near vision (for reading and close work) and your intermediate vision (for computer use).
The next task is to carry out a series of focusing-related tests to measure the type of vision you have and then you’re guided through a stepped process to see how accurately we can get you to see. This results in your ‘Prescription’ and details any corrective lenses needed.
Eye Neurology & Movements - the electrics...
The eyes’ ability to synchronise position and co-ordinate their movements are thoroughly checked. Eyes utilise 12 external eye muscles, activated by three specific nerves, to control our eyes’ alignment. It is a complex system and plays a vital role in eye comfort. Inaccuracies in alignment can lead to eye strain, but can be alleviated by incorporating ‘prism’ in your prescription.
Checking how well you see around the side of your vision with a Visual Field test gives us information about how happy your optic nerve is, and how freely information passes through it to the visual brain. Other aspects of eye neurology we check include how the pupils work, and if indicated, colour vision assessment.
Conclusions - what’s next...
We will now have a detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes and the standard of your vision. Our Optometrist will talk through findings and conclusions and answer any outstanding questions you may have. If it’s simply the need for a new prescription in your glasses this can be organised. If this isn’t the answer, we will formulate a plan for further investigation or treatment – either with ourselves or via a referral on to the appropriate medical expert.
What we ask of you...
Before the examination...
- Please bring your most recent glasses or contact lenses to the appointment. If you are new to us be sure to also bring with you any previous glasses you haven’t got on with
- If you have your previous prescription, bring that too
- Medication list would be helpful also
During the examination...
- Do mention any problems or concerns you have with your vision – so these can be specifically addressed
- Don’t worry about giving “the wrong answers” – there is no such thing!
- Say what you see, and the Optometrist will guide you through the whole process
- There will be ongoing conversations about your sight and eye health as the exam progresses
- If you would like more information or anything is still a mystery, just ask
- We get it that eyes are complicated, but you’re in safe hands
Our Eye Exam Options
Choosing Glasses or Contact Lenses
Frame choice assistance – After the examination, if you need to have your prescription made up as glasses we can offer as much or as little help as you wish. If you struggle with choosing frames our team can be objective in how one frame may be more suitable for your prescription over another, and, as importantly, can be sure that it is the correct size and fit for your nose and face. And of course, they have to look fabulous! If you prefer less fuss, not a problem.
Spectacle lenses types – These come in many formats; the straightforward single vision options for just distance, middle or near viewing, through a raft of extended depth of field VDU lenses, to those developed to work well in the car, to bifocals, trifocals and of course the vast array of varifocal lens designs now out there, including the newest of Bespoke Design versions. Our optical advisors are there to be sure you are provided with the correct glasses for the correct function, within your budget and that do as they were intended to do.
Spectacle lens materials – There are now numerous options out there for us to explore. From thinner lenses of varying degrees, to specific lens surface treatments, from transition colour changing lens and polarisation, to the no-quibble scratch guarantee for those that are fearful of accidentally damaging their lovely new lenses. We can use technology to predict the precise thickness and weight of different lens materials in a chosen frame or frames, which prevents surprises on collection and can guide frame selection.
Private Referrals
Unfortunately if you need an referral to see an eye specialist there are now lengthy NHS waiting lists for all non-urgent cases, high demand quoted as the reason. Cataract removal surgery is a prime example of a non-urgent/high demand NHS eye service. Much as the Health Boards are working hard at addressing these shortfalls in service, if you are waiting for a specialist opinion or procedure it is worrying, and in the meantime can restrict how thoroughly you live life. Should you elect to have a Private referral we have excellent links with many eye specialists, covering a host of sub-specialities, both locally and further afield.