Why should I have an eye examination?

You may think an eye examination is simply to check if you need glasses – but did you know an eye test can also detect the first symptoms of serious health conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetes and even cancer?

Regular eye examinations should be a part of your family’s health routine, allowing us to monitor your eye health over time, identify the slightest abnormalities and prevent the development of vision-threatening conditions.

1 in 6 Brits hasn’t had an eye test since childhood and only come to the opticians when they start to experience distorted vision, but by then it’s often too late to treat the symptoms.  It’s not worth risking your eyesight – book your eye examination today.

What Will Happen During My Eye Test?

At Narborough Eyecare, all our comprehensive eye examinations are tailored around your unique requirements.  During your 40-minute appointment our optometrist will take the time to chat through your lifestyle, eyewear preferences and medical history before carrying out an array of non-invasive tests to ascertain the state of your prescription and eye health.

Typically we’ll assess the exterior and interior health of your eyes using a special torch to examine your lens, optic nerve, retina and pupil reflexes.  We’ll test your eyesight with a letter chart and carry out additional checks on your peripheral vision, intraocular pressure and eye coordination.

There are options to upgrade your eye examination with an OCT scan which captures incredibly detailed images of your eyes and allows your optometrist to pinpoint the tiniest irregularities and the first symptoms of vision-threatening conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

How Often Should I Get My Eyes Tested?

National guidelines recommend that adults get your eyes tested every two years, whilst children under 16 and adults over 75 should book in annually.  So if you’re overdue your comprehensive eye examination please give us a call on 0116 275 3585 or book online

Do I Qualify For an NHS-Funded Eye Examination?

All children under 16 and adults over 60 qualify for free NHS-funded eye examinations, but you may also qualify if you meet the below criteria –

• You are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education
• You are registered as partially sighted or blind
• You have diabetes or glaucoma
• You are over 40 and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• You are a prisoner or on leave from prison
• You receive Income Support
• You receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• You receive Tax Credits and meet the criteria
• You receive Universal Credit and meet the criteria

For more information on free eye tests and optical vouchers, get clued up on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/