Eye Testing

Our Optometrists will conduct a full eye examination that will involve discussion of medications, family history of eye problems and any other issues your may feel are relevant. He will then check for any conditions such as:

• Dry eyes

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Macular Degeneration

• Diabetic Changes

If necessary Huw will order a Field Test and take digital retinal imaging (photos of the inside of your eyes). This is all included in your bulk billed examination. If further investigation is required, we will refer you to the local Ophthalmologist.

Your prescription (if glasses are required) will be fine tuned to give you the best possible vision. Then Huw will pass you to the girls for lens discussion and frame selection.

Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of a normally clear lens in your eye. Most cataracts develop slowly, do not disturb your vision however with time you will notice a difficulty in seeing clearly. The symptoms include:

• Clouded or blurred vision

• Increasing difficulty with site at night

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Seeing halos around light

• Fading or yellowing colours

Having a regular eye examination can detect the progress of cataracts. We then refer you off to the Ophthalmologist where cataract surgery is generally very safe and effective.

macular degeneration

The macular is the central part of the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina processes all our visual images. Key symptoms may include:

• Difficulty in reading or doing work that requires fine vision

• Distortion i.e. straight lines appear wavy or bent

• Dark patches or empty spaces in the centre of your vision

Early detection is very important as symptoms may be dismissed as part of just getting older. As with most health matters, the earlier you seek treatment the better the outcome.

Colorimetry Assessment

If there are any signs of visual stress an overlay assessment can be provided.

Visual stress is a sensitivity to visual patterns, particularly stripes. In some individuals this condition can interfere with reading. The assessment is done with a series of coloured overlays on white text, to see if a certain colour helps stop the text ‘'moving on the page’' or ‘'running into each other’'.

A more comprehensive test using the Colorimetry instrument is also available.

Dry eye

Symptoms of dry eye include:

• Stinging or burning

• Itchiness (particularly in the corner of the eye)

• Redness

A feeling of grittiness or the sensation of something in your eye like sand or an eyelash. Causes can be:

• Aging (our tear production slows with age)

• Certain medications

• Infrequent blinking

• Any trauma to the eye

• Prolonged periods of time in front of a computer screen

• Surgery such as cataract or laser surgery

A visit with our Optometrist can identify dry eye and normally with the use of drops or ointments to lubricate the eye the condition will ease.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetics should have their eyes examined every twelve months to keep a check on their eye health. Left unchecked, changes in the blood vessels can lead to vision loss - this is called diabetic retinopathy. If you have this condition at first there many be no noticeable changes to your vision, but over time it will get worse. We can refer you to the Ophthalmologist for assessment if necessary.

Digital Eyestrain

Digital devices have become a part of everyday life for most people, and with it can come digital eyestrain. Typical symptoms of digital eyestrain are:

• Red, dry or irritated eyes

• Blurred vision

• Eye fatigue

• Sleep disturbance

Blue light in moderation can be beneficial to us. It exists naturally in our environment from the sun, but also from artificial light sources such as computers, tablets, smartphones and watches. During the day, blue light can be beneficial as it boosts our attention - but at night the blue light tricks our bodies into thinking its still daytime. Falling asleep can become more difficult and sleep can be disturbed. We can add blue light blockers to your prescription glasses. They are also available in non prescription.

FRAME selection

After your examination we will chat to you about your lens options and which are best suited to your lifestyle and budget. Then this is where the fun starts!

Frames selection starts with trying on all different styles and shapes to establish what looks amazing. Frames have the ability to make you look alive, happy and fabulous. However, they also have the ability to make you look sad or crabby. That’s where we come in to guide you through the process. Your face is the first thing people see so we really do want you to look amazing!

Frame care and Repairs

If by chance you damage your frames, we will endeavour to repair or replace where necessary. All our frames have a 2 year warranty against manufacturing faults, but if you damage it yourself we can hopefully repair without too much trouble or cost.

If you have purchased your frames from us, we will replace nose pads and adjust frames free of charge. We can also clean your frames in our Ultrasonic bath which will bring them back to their original sparkling self!

Please feel free to drop your frames in at anytime.