At Chipping Norton Opticians we perform NHS and Private Eye examinations using the latest technology to determine your level of vision and spectacle prescription. We then assess the health of your eyes. As part of the examination we use a sophisticated fully automated digital camera to view the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels which not only determines the health of the eye, it also helps us to diagnose or grade more systemic general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
You will see either Chris or Kimberley for your eye examination.
You are entitled to a free NHS funded eye examination if:
- you are aged under 16
- you are aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
- you are aged 60 or over
- you are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
- you have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- you are 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
- you have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
- you are a prisoner on leave from prison
- you are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – we can advise you about your entitlement
You are also entitled to a free NHS eye examination if you:
- receive Income Support
- receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution-based)
- receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- receive income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- are awarded Universal Credit and meet the criteria on earnings limit
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
We recommended that most people should get their eyes tested every two years. However, in some circumstances, we may recommend more frequent NHS sight tests; for example, if:
- you are a child wearing glasses
- you have diabetes
- you are aged 40 or over and have a family history of glaucoma
- you are aged 70 or over
Can I ask for an eye test more frequently?
If you are concerned about your sight before your next NHS eye exam is due you should make an appointment to see us. We will be able to carry out an NHS eye test earlier than planned, if it is considered clinically necessary.
If you want an eye test more often than the advised interval you will have to pay for a private eye test.
If you’re not eligible for a free NHS eye test, you will have to pay for a private eye test.
What if I pay for a private eye test?
If you pay for a private eye test, you will not be eligible for a free NHS eye exam until your next sight test is due. This will usually be two years later but could be sooner in some cases. Our fee for a private eye examination is £45.
Read the answers to more questions about NHS services and treatments.
