WHY SHOULD I BOOK AN EYE TEST? can I get a nhs free eye test?

Regular Eye tests are especially important as they check your vision and the health of your eyes. They determine whether your vision could be improved by corrective glasses and can detect many eye conditions such as Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration. Eye tests also help detect other underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol as well as rare conditions such Multiple Sclerosis and brain tumours. Even if your vision is good eye conditions can still be present. Book an eye test to help can detect eye problems early and help preserve your vision and your health. We offer both NHS free eye tests and private tests, get in touch today to see if you eligible for a free test.

Diet can have a significant impact on your eye health. The foods you consume can influence various aspects of eye health, including maintaining good vision and preventing eye diseases. Here are some ways in which diet can affect your eye health:

1. Nutrient Intake:
   • Vitamins and Minerals: Consuming a diet rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene can help protect your eyes from various eye conditions and maintain good vision.
   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and walnuts can help prevent dry eye syndrome and support overall eye health.

             2. Antioxidants:

• Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin found in leafy greens, kale, spinach, and broccoli can help protect the eyes from harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

              3.Hydration:

• Staying well-hydrated is important for maintaining the moisture and health of your eyes. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and discomfort.

              4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight:

• Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, which, in turn, can lead to diabetic retinopathy. A balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce this risk.

              5. Reducing the Risk of Eye Conditions:

• Foods rich in sugar and processed carbohydrates may contribute to conditions like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A diet low in added sugars can help reduce this risk.

             6. Eye-Friendly Foods:

• Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and is essential for good vision.

              7. Limiting Excess Salt:

• Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which can negatively affect eye health. Reducing salt in your diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure and protect your eyes.

               8. Alcohol and Smoking:

• Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can harm the blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Reducing or quitting these habits is crucial for eye health.

It's essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health, including your eyes. If you have specific concerns about your eye health or are at risk for certain eye conditions, consider consulting an eye specialist or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan that meets your needs. They can provide guidance on the most suitable foods and supplements for your individual situation.

Most patients should have an eye test every two years. Certain patients should have a test every year; they include patients who are diabetic, are over 40 with a parent, sibling or child with Glaucoma, are under 16 or over 70 years old. 

However, if you have any concerns about your eyes or vision, we recommend that you book an eye test as soon as possible. 

It is helpful to take along:

• your current glasses and/or contact lenses
• any previous optical prescriptions, if you have them
• any letters or documents about previous visits to the hospital eye department
• a list of any medications that you are taking – even if they aren’t for a problem with your eyes
• your doctor’s contact details
• your NHS number

If you think you may be entitled to an NHS-funded sight test, you may need to bring along other documents. Check with your optometrist when you make your appointment.

Our fully qualified optometrists will discuss the reasons behind your visit and perform a comprehensive eye health examination. Next, a thorough check of your vision will be carried out. You will then be advised of our recommendations and whether glasses are required. We provide a seamless patient experience and work to the highest professional standards. 

Your children can have their eyes tested at any age. Being able to see clearly is important for a child’s overall development. Most children have excellent sight and do not need to wear glasses, but if there are problems and they are not detected early, a child may have permanently reduced vision in one or both eyes. It is estimated that 1 in 5 children have an undetected vision problem. We recommend at least one eye test before your child starts school as early detection of eye problems is paramount for effective treatment.  

For children who can’t read, the optometrist will used specialised tests to carry out an effective eye test. Children do not have to be able to talk to have their eyes examined either; it is possible to check whether a child has healthy eyes or needs glasses without asking them any questions. Eye examinations for children under 16 are paid for by the NHS. 

Some children may have a simple vision screening done at school (between the ages of four and five) but they are not equivalent to a full eye test. Significant short sightedness or large squints may be detected but many eye problems may not be looked for or found.. Also vision screening at schools are no longer mandatory so your child may or may not be checked. Crucially, vision screening at school does not include a eye health or retinal check. It is important for children to be checked by an eye care professional. 

A private comprehensive eye test is £35 which includes a free retinal photography. We also provide NHS services where you may be entitled to a free sight test (please see next question for more information).

The NHS offers free eye tests to individuals who meet certain criteria. You are entitled to a free eye test if you are;

• Aged 16 and under.
• Aged 16 – 18 in full-time education.
• Aged 60 or over.
• Are registered as partially sighted or blind.
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma.
• Are aged 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma.
• Are a prisoner on leave from prison.
• Income support.
• Income-related Employment and Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit
  Universal Credit (providing you meet criteria)
• You have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate 

If you need to cancel your appointment at any time please feel free to call us on 01926 494 400 alternatively you can email us on info@chasemeadowopticians.co.uk. You will be able to rebook another appointment right away. 

Returns and exchanges 

Chase Meadow Opticians (CMO) has a 28-day return policy. You can return any goods you have purchased from CMO for a refund or exchange if the item is still in original condition, with all original packaging within 28 days of when you received them. You will need provide us with your receipt and refunds will only be made to the debit/ credit card used to purchase the product.  

To initiate a return please contact us on sales@chasemeadowopticians.co.uk with all the relevant details (reason for return, date purchased, name and contact details) and we will contact you.  

Please note that shipping fees are non-refundable and will not be included in the refunded amount.  

Refunds 

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. 

If approved, a refund will be processed. 

If we are unable to accept your return, we will send you your items back and explain the reason for refusal.  

Exchanges 

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will notify you of the approval or rejection of your exchange. 

Once the returned items are approved for exchange, we will dispatch the items that you have selected as an exchange, if there is any difference in price then you shall be contacted about this also. 

If we are unable to accept your return or exchange, we will send you your items back and explain the reason for refusal.  

Late or missing refunds (if applicable)  

If you are waiting for an approved refund, please check with your Credit/Debit card provider first as it can take up to 10-20 business days for the credit to appear on your account depending on your bank. 

If you have done all of this and you still have not received your refund, then please email sales@chasemeadowopticians.co.uk. 

Sale items 

Items on sale cannot be refunded and can only be exchanged if approved by CMO.