Question 1

How often should you have an eye test?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that adults with no complications have an eye test at least every two years, unless your optometrists advises otherwise. There are some exceptions to this below:

Under 15s should be coming every year.
Aged 70 and over? Then annually is best advised.
Diabetic and glaucoma patients should be seen every year.
Over 40 with a relative with glaucoma? Then we would advise we see you annually too.

But if you're concerned at any point, just book in and we can take a look.

Question 2

How much is an eye test?

Accepted Answer

NHS Eye Tests  - FREE (check if you qualify here) 
NHS Eye Tests with OCT Scan - £25
Advanced Eye Test (including OCT Scan) - £49
Standard Eye Test - £35
Kids - FREE

Question 3

How long does an eye test take?

Accepted Answer

Our standard eye tests are 40mins. This is slightly longer than other practices to ensure a thorough examination and customer experience.

Our advanced eye tests (including OCT scanning) are 1 hour.

Question 4

Who qualifies for NHS Eye Tests or Optical Vouchers?

Accepted Answer

You may be entitled to free sights tests if you are:
Under 16
In full-time education and aged 16-18
Aged 60 or over
A diagnosed Glaucoma patient
Aged 40 or over and are a close relative to a diagnosed Glaucoma patient, or have been advised that you are at risk of Glaucoma
Diabetic
Registered blind or partially sighted
In need of complex lenses
Getting, or your partner gets:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Employment Support Allowance (income related)
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Are entitled to, or named on, a valid HSC tax credit exemption certificate
Are named on a valid HC2 certificate

If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you might get some help towards the cost of a private sight test.

If you’re receiving Universal Credit please be aware that you’re not automatically entitled to help with your health costs. You need to apply to your local Jobs & Benefits office for help by submitting a HC1 form.

Does Universal Credit allow me to access NHS/HSC-funded eyecare?
You may be entitled to NHS-funded eyecare (HSC-funded eyecare if you receive Universal Credit in Northern Ireland) but you’ll need to show us your certificate of entitlement when you come in for your appointment. You can apply for a certificate using a HC1 form which is available here.

If you don’t have your certificate, we can still see you as a private patient and you can reclaim your entitlement using a HC5 form, as detailed on the last page of the HC1.

Question 5

What happens at an eye test?

Accepted Answer

Our optometrists will sit you down and discuss your family medical history or any sight concerns.

They will use various techniques to look in and around your eyes for signs of disease and test how well you can see near, far and how you focus.

We may use a bright light to look into the eye and get you to focus on a certain object whilst we do this.

The vision test itself will see you pop on a frame where we test your ability to see near and far, and how well you can focus and coordinate your eyes. This may include using a letter chart with different lenses in front of your eye.

We can test your eye pressure to assess the fluid in your eye, which can be a sign of glaucoma. We have puff or non-puff methods (getting you to focus whilst we puff some air on the eye, quickly and painlessly) or using other equipment so you can discuss this on the day with your optometrist.

If needed, your optometrist will provide a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

You can then enjoy frame shopping with our expert Optical Assistants who can advise on the best frame for you.

Question 6

How do you test children's eyes?

Accepted Answer

We advise children to get their eyes tested annually from around the age of 4, but sooner if you think they need.

At this age, we know not everyone will be able to use the traditional leter chart, so we use lots of different ways to make the eye test fun and accessible to all ages!

We use 3D perception books with funny glasses to wear, easily recognisable pictures, shapes and animals so we can determine a prescription if needed.

Some children require eye drops to help our optometrists see into their eye better but this will be discussed on the day and they do dilate the pupils making kids a bit more sensitive to light afterwards.

We have a fantastic range of kids frames that are robust, fun and fashionable so there will be something for everyone.

Kids eye tests are also FREE on the NHS and you can also get a voucher to help with frames.

Check out this post for more info on what to expect:

Question 7

I want to try contact lenses, where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Your first step is to book an appointment with an optometrist for an eye exam. Let them know when booking that you're interested in trying contact lenses. In addition to a regular eye exam, they'll perform a contact lens fitting and take you through everything you need to know about putting them in, out and aftercare.

Question 8

How do I pick the best frames for my face?

Accepted Answer

Our team of Optical Assistants are here to help you. They are experts in fitting frames and will go over everything with you in store.

Some things to think about are practicality with work, face shape, nose shape, hair colour. But our team will keep you right!

It can be good to bring someone else with you to help or we can take pictures of you trying frames on to show you side by side when you get your old glasses back on to see properly!

Question 9

What's the best way to clean my glasses?

Accepted Answer

Check out our Glasses Care page for all the top tips to keep your frames in shape!

Did you know we offer a refillable lens cleaner in both our stores. £10 for life long supply of our lens solution in our refillable travel bottles. Just pop into store when you’re running low and top up when you need.
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Unlimited refills, limiting waste, not time…What’s not to love?

Frequently Asked Questions