What is the difference between an NHS and a private eye examination?

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An NHS eye test is designed to check your vision and basic eye health. A private eye examination allows us to provide a more in-depth assessment, including advanced diagnostic technology such as OCT scans, retinal imaging, and detailed health analysis.

 

What is included in a Private Eye Examination?

 

Our Private Eye Examination includes:

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• Full vision and prescription check

• Eye health assessment

• Eye pressure check (glaucoma screening)

• Visual field testing

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This is ideal for routine eye care and general monitoring.

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What is included in an Advanced Private Eye Examination?

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The Advanced Private Eye Examination is a more detailed assessment and includes:

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• Everything in the standard private test

• Retinal imaging

• Visual field analysis

• Eye pressure measurement

• Enhanced clinical review

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This is recommended for patients who want a deeper understanding of their eye health.

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What is included in the Prestige Private Eye Examination?

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The Prestige Private Eye Examination is our most comprehensive assessment and includes:

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• Extended 1-hour consultation

• OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan

• Retinal imaging

• Visual field testing

• Eye pressure checks

• Detailed analysis of eye health and early disease detection

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This is ideal for early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

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What is an OCT scan and why is it important?

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OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is an advanced scan that provides a 3D image of the back of your eye. It allows us to detect eye conditions years before symptoms appear, making it one of the most important tools in modern eye care.

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How often should I have an eye test?

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Most patients should have an eye examination every 1–2 years. However, this may be more frequent depending on:

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• Age

• Medical history

• Family history of eye conditions

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Do I need an eye test if my vision is fine?

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Yes. Many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular eye examinations help detect problems early before they affect your vision.

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Do you offer eye tests for dry eye symptoms?

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Yes, we assess and manage dry eye conditions. We can recommend tailored treatments and products to improve comfort and eye health.

 

Can I just get my prescription checked?

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Yes, we offer a Refraction Only Eye Examination, which is a shorter appointment focused purely on checking your prescription.

 

Do you check for serious eye conditions?

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Yes. All of our examinations are designed to detect early signs of:

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• Glaucoma

• Macular degeneration

• Diabetic eye disease

• Retinal conditions

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Are your eye tests suitable for contact lens wearers?

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Yes. We can assess your vision and eye health and advise on contact lens suitability and prescriptions.

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How long does an eye test take?

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• Refraction Only: 20 minutes

• Private Eye Examination: 30 minutes

• Advanced Eye Examination: 45 minutes

• Prestige Eye Examination: 60 minutes

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