How an eye test at home works
step 1
Arranging a home eye examination
If you need an eye examination it may be a good idea to contact your usual optometrist to find out if they’re able to visit you at home. It can be useful to see the same optometrist, as they already have a record of your eye problems and will be familiar with your needs and requirements.
If you don’t have an optometrist or if your usual optometrist cannot help, then you can telephone your local CCG will keep a list of optometrists in your area who provide home visits and should be able to provide their details.
About home eye examinations
You can arrange for an optometrist to visit your home to carry out, as far as possible, a full eye examination. Not all optometrists do this, but your GP or your local Clinical Commissioning Group should be able to tell you which optometrists in your area provide eye examinations at home.
step 2
How an eye test at home works?
- A test of your level of eye sight – you’ll be asked to read letters on a chart or to match symbols.
- Checks of the outer eye to confirm the outside of your eye is healthy and that your eyes react to light.
- Checks of the inner eye – a light will be shone into your eye and you’ll be asked to look in different directions.
- Tests to confirm that the muscles that control the movement of the eyes are working well.
- Test to work out if you need to wear glasses and what prescription these glasses need to be.
Home Eye Test Eligibility
If you:
- are over 40
- are over 25 and of African-Caribbean origin
- have a close relative with glaucoma
- are diabetic
You should also have:
- a basic field of vision test – to test your side (peripheral) vision
- an eye pressure test – again there are several tests for this, but the most common one involves puffs of air blown at the front of each eye. It doesn’t hurt, but will probably make you jump.
step 3
Results of your eye test
Your optometrist will discuss the results of your eye test and the health of your eyes with you. You may want to write down brief details of these results for you to keep. You’ll then be given either a prescription for new glasses or a statement saying that new glasses aren’t required.
If the optometrists thinks there is any reason for you to be seen at the hospital because of an eye condition, they will arrange for you to be referred to the right ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor) for your condition.
If you need to change your glasses
Your optometrist will bring a selection of new frames, in a range of styles and prices, for you to try on. If you don’t find a style that you like or that suits your budget, don’t be afraid to ask if you can see some more. If you have old frames that you’d like to use again ask the optometrist to inspect them to see if they’re still suitable. Always ask for a statement of the exact cost of the frames and lenses before agreeing to go ahead with the order. You may be entitled to help with the cost of NHS glasses so remember to ask the optometrist about this.
When your spectacles are ready the optometrist will contact you again to arrange delivery. The person who delivers your glasses should make sure they fit you comfortably.
Always keep a record of the optometrist’s name and phone number in case you need to contact them again.
If you have a complaint
Always try to resolve any problems with your optometrist before going any further. Sometimes clear and accurate communication can clear up problems without causing too much aggravation to both sides. However, if this isn’t an option, there are some alternatives.
If your complaint has still not been resolved, contact the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS).
Useful contacts
- NHS Choices
- NHS 24 in Scotland (telephone 0845 242424 )
- Northern Ireland Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland
- Citizens Advice
- Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians.
Did you know 95% of our patients are entitled to a free Home Eye Test
- Nothing is ordered without the consent of the family of latter.
- All glasses are professionally labelled with the patient’s name, date and intended use. we even label the case with the patients name, intended use and description of the glasses.
- Finally your glasses are hand delivered within 5-10 working days. Included a free collection and repair service.
- We provide a Vision and clinical Report on all of our patients, to be put with their care plans.
- We have an extensive experience in working with elderly patients including those with dementia, mental health problems and learning difficulties and we fully understand and have a sympathetic approach that is required.
- At all times we understand the need to safeguard older, more vulnerable patients who live in care homes, as their needs are different from those of other older people.
With a firm commitment to professionalism and excellence, we are proud to be NHS registered and licensed, ensuring that you receive trusted and reliable eye care services. Our caring and compassionate team takes the time to understand your unique vision concerns and provide tailored solutions that align with your lifestyle and preferences.
Get In Touch
- Phone : +01268 777729
- Email : [email protected]
- Address : Woodfield Farm, Apton hall road, Stambridge, SS4 3RG, Essex
- Fill out contact form