Eye tests and prices
Eye tests that take their time.
Every test is with one of our two optometrists and lasts around forty minutes, with time at the end to talk through what we found. Prices are below, and you may not have to pay at all.
Slit lamp check · step 04
Prices
Tests, scans and check-ups.
Glasses and contact lens prices are on their own pages. Every test includes a copy of your prescription.
Eye examination
A full check of your vision and the health of your eyes, with a new prescription if you need one and time to ask questions.
40 minutes
Eye examination with OCT scan
Everything in a standard test plus a 3D scan of the back of the eye, which can show early signs of glaucoma and macular changes.
50 minutes
Children's eye test
Letters, pictures or shapes depending on age, with plenty of time for wriggly patients. No reading needed.
30 minutes
Contact lens fitting
For new wearers: we measure your eyes, fit trial lenses and teach you to put them in and take them out before you go.
45 minutes
Contact lens check-up
A yearly look at how your lenses fit and how your eyes are coping, with a new lens prescription if it has changed.
20 minutes
OCT scan on its own
A quick scan for people who already have an NHS sight test booked, or who want a yearly check because glaucoma runs in the family.
15 minutes
Dry eye assessment
For gritty, tired or watery eyes. We look at your tear film and eyelids, then suggest drops, warm compresses or other treatment.
30 minutes
Home eye test
If you can't get to us on your own because of illness or disability, we bring the equipment to you, including frames to try on.
60 minutes
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You may be entitled to a free NHS sight test
Free tests and vouchers towards glasses depend on your age, your health and some benefits. Children, people over 60 and people with certain eye conditions often qualify. Tell us when you book and we’ll check before you come in.
What happens at an eye test
Forty minutes, minute by minute.
01
0–5 min
A few questions first
Your general health, any medication, family history, how much time you spend on screens and anything you’ve noticed. Bring your current glasses or lenses.
02
5–10 min
Pre-test checks
Eye pressure with a gentle puff of air, a photo of the back of each eye, and the OCT scan if you’ve chosen one.
03
10–25 min
The sight test
Letters on the chart, one eye at a time, while we swap lenses until they’re as sharp as they’ll get. Better with one, or two? There are no wrong answers.
04
25–35 min
Eye health check
We look at the front and the inside of your eyes with a slit lamp and a bright light, and tell you what we’re looking for as we go.
05
35–40 min
Your results, explained
Your prescription, what it means and whether anything has changed since last time. You’ll leave with a copy, and no pressure to buy glasses from us.
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Your current glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses
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A list of any medication you take
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Your last prescription, if it was from somewhere else
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Proof of any benefits, if you may qualify for a free NHS test
Children’s eye care
From age three, with pictures instead of letters.
Children don’t always know their eyesight isn’t right, so we suggest a first test before they start school and then every year. We use pictures, shapes and matching games, and never rush. Tests are usually free for children, and most NHS vouchers cover a pair from our children’s range.
Bendy, tough frames in kids’ sizes
Myopia control lenses and advice
Saturday morning appointments
OCT scans
A closer look at the back of the eye.
An OCT scan takes a 3D picture of the layers of the retina and the optic nerve in a few seconds. It helps us spot glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic changes earlier, and gives us a baseline to compare with next time. We show you the images and explain what they mean.
No drops or puffs of air
Takes about five minutes
Images kept for comparison each year
Home visits
If you can’t get to us, we’ll come to you.
Sanjay visits patients at home on Thursdays, with portable equipment and a case of frames to try on. If you can’t leave home without help because of illness or disability, you may be entitled to a free NHS home visit. Ring us and we’ll check before we book.
Within eight miles of Market Row
Frames and glasses delivered and fitted
Care homes visited by arrangement
Questions
Things people ask before an eye test.
Anything else, ring 01632 960308 and ask whoever picks up.
How often should I have an eye test?
Every two years for most adults, and every year for children, over-70s and anyone with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. We’ll tell you when you’re next due and send a reminder.
Am I entitled to a free NHS sight test?
You may be, depending on your age, your health and some benefits. Tick the box when you book and we’ll check for you before your appointment.
Do I have to buy glasses from you?
No. You’ll leave with a copy of your prescription, and you can take it anywhere you like.
Will you put drops in my eyes?
Only if we need a better view, which is not often. If we do, your vision may be blurry for a few hours, so don’t plan to drive straight afterwards.
Do you do eye tests for screen users at work?
Yes. Many employers pay for a screen user’s eye test and a basic pair of glasses. Bring the form or voucher from work, or ask them to call us.
Can you check my eyesight for driving?
Yes, it’s part of every eye test. We’ll tell you if you meet the standard for driving, with or without glasses.
What if I need to cancel?
Please give us a day’s notice if you can, so we can offer the time to someone else. There’s no charge for cancelling.
Is there step-free access?
Yes. The practice is all on the ground floor, with a wide door, a lowered desk and parking for two cars behind the shop.
Book an eye test
Due an eye test? Pick a day and we’ll find a time.
Choose a test and the days that suit you, and we’ll call back to confirm a time. Most tests are booked within the week.