The Eye test can pick up very early signs of any problems and the earlier they are treated the better. The Eye test can detect underlying health problems that you may not be aware of, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, some brain tumours and multiple sclerosis. The Eye test will show if your vision can be improved. Good vision gives a better quality of life. For children it is essential that their eyes are functioning normally in order for them to perform well at school. It is important your vision meets certain legal standards for driving and some occupations.

Even if you are not aware of any problems you should have your eyes tested every 1 - 2 years. The eye test 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.

Certain patients are entitled to an NHS eye test without charge and may also be entitled to a voucher to offset the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses prescribed - please refer to our information on NHS eye examinations.

Your Optometrist can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy by looking inside your eyes. The earlier any changes are detected, the more likely it is they can be monitored and treated to prevent loss of sight. Early treatment is essential so an annual eye test is recommended by the NHS for all diabetic patients. Your eye test will be paid for by the NHS.

Astigmatism is caused when the eye does not focus light evenly. Contact lenses for astigmatism have been available for many years and most types of astigmatism can be corrected with contact lenses. Your Contact Lens Optician will take careful measurements of the exact shape of the surface of your eye and your prescription and decide which type of contact lens will be most suitable for you. Often, due to these precise measurements, a specific lens will need to be ordered for you to try as they are harder to fit exactly to the eye. Even daily disposable soft contact lenses are available for astigmatic contact lens wearers.

We will require a current, valid contact lens specification to supply your replacement contact lenses. We recommend that you should have an annual eye test and a contact lens check every 6 months, or more frequently, as advised by your Contact Lens Optician.

This is an essential check-up that should be carried out by your Contact Lens Optician, usually every 6 months. Regular routine aftercare is essential to monitor the health of the eyes and to ensure your ongoing suitability to wear contact lenses. Regular visits also allow your Contact Lens Optician to keep you informed of the latest developments for contact lens wearers and to ensure that you are getting the best level of comfort and vision from your contact lenses.

Most people cannot leave their contact lenses in all day, every day, and expect their eyes to remain healthy. It is best to let your eyes breathe normally - at least every evening and preferably one whole day a week - by not wearing your contact lenses. Therefore, you need up-to-date glasses to wear. Also, your eyes may feel irritated by the contact lenses or you may get an eye infection, in which case you would need glasses to wear instead. If you do not have up-to-date glasses, you may be tempted to over-wear your contact lenses.