CLINICAL
EYECARE

Eye test FAQs

What, if, when, why, how?

At All In One we believe that an eye test is not just about getting a new pair of glasses - it is a vital health check for your eyes.

This is why we charge £25 for an eye test and we do not give free eye tests as we believe many opticians include these costs in the cost of the spectacles. We do not believe you need to wear spectacles to get an eye test. We want you to think of an eye test as a regular once a year or once in two year visit to your optician with no obligation to get a pair of glasses if you do not need them.

Our optometrists perform the eye test to help detect eye conditions before you notice the effect on your sight. Early treatment can often prevent your sight from getting worse. The test also looks for indications of general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can also affect the eye.

Having your vision corrected will help you make the most of everyday life, and is very important for children's educational development.

A contact lens check is not the same as a full eye test. Contact lens wearers need regular eye tests as well as contact lens checks.

Does an eye test mean I have to wear glasses?

All In One opticians are very different as we want you to know as much about your eyes and eye care as we do. So we give you as much information as you need to take good care of your eyes.

Having regular eye examinations is important for clear vision and healthy eyes. If you are scheduled for an appointment, use the following list to prepare for your visit. We are very different from every other optician as our opticians – and not trainee staff – perform all the tests to give you the best record of the state of the health of your eyes.

Your optometrist at All In One will spend a few minutes at the beginning of the exam discussing your present state of health as well as your health history as we would like you to look after your eyes in a holistic way viewing your health as a complete process that involves improved exercise, diet and a healthy life style as they all impact vision.

Here are some useful things we at All In One think you and your family may need to know

Do you need to prepare for an eye test?

We would like you to tell us of any present health conditions or problems you have such as diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnancy, allergies, and serious illnesses. The eyes may be affected by the slightest changes in the body. Our optometrist needs to know possible causes that could impact your vision.

Do feel free to ask our optometrists about any aspect of your eye test, for instance:
Is my eye generally healthy, no signs of any eye condition?
Do I need to tell anyone in my family to have their eyes tested?
When do I need to wear glasses or contact lens?
What is the name of my refractive error?
How large is the error in my eyes?
How often do you think I should have my eyes tested?

When you go for your eye test you should take with you any glasses and contact lenses that you wear, the names of any tablets or medicine you are taking and the name of your GP.

What should I discuss with my optometrist?

It may be a routine eye test, you may have specific problems with your eyes and vision, or you may have been sent by your GP. Special demands on your eyes created by work and hobbies may also need to be addressed. Our optometrist may also want to know about your general health and health of your family, including if someone in your family has an eye condition – this is especially important with the immediate family your mother, father, brothers or sisters and children.

Do I need extra tests as part of my eye test?

Some people may be at higher risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Extra tests ensure early detection.

If you over 40 years old (people over 40 are more at risk of developing glaucoma)
If you have a close relative with glaucoma (people who have or have had a close relative with glaucoma are more at risk of developing glaucoma themselves)
If you are of African or Caribbean origin (people of African or Caribbean origin are more at risk of developing glaucoma, and at a younger age.)

Do I qualify for a free NHS eye test?

Do you have diabetes?

Diabetes can cause eye problems that may lead to sight loss if not treated. You should ask about the tests below and also about dilating eye drops.

Not everyone is entitled to get free National Health Service (NHS) tests. If you answer 'yes' to any of the questions below, you are entitled to NHS free eye tests.

Are you aged 60 or over?
Are you under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education?
Do you or your partner receive income support, family credit, income based job seekers allowance, pension credit guarantee, and are entitled to or named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or are named on valid HC2 certificate?
Do you have diabetes or glaucoma?
Are you age 40 or over and have a close relative with glaucoma?
Does a hospital ophthalmologist say you are at risk of glaucoma?
Are you registered blind or partially sighted?
Are you entitled to vouchers for complex lenses?

NHS rules may change from time to time. If you think you qualify for free eye tests, speak to your optometrist before you have your eyes tested and they will ask you to sign a NHS Sight Test Form.

All In One Eye Tests.

We hope we at All In One Opticians can help you understand why regular eye checks are important. Here is why we think a regular eye test at All In One Opticians should be a vital part of your health routine.

CLINICAL EYECARE