Your store visit explained
Your store visit explained
Every eye examination is tailored to your individual needs, but
this is what a typical visit would entail…
Pre-test
Before your full eye examination, you will have what is known as a pre-test with one of our optical assistants. The optometrist uses the results of the pre-test during your eye examination.
Dependent on your individual needs, a variety of different pieces of diagnostic equipment will be used in the pre-test.
One of the most commonly performed tests uses a tonometer. A tonometer will blow a gentle puff of air onto the surface of each eye to measure the internal pressure. This is one of a variety of tests that allows the optometrist to assess your risk of developing glaucoma.
Other tests, such as autorefraction, are used to see how long or short-sighted you are. These tests can be performed on separate pieces of equipment or on single multifunctional machines.
The optical assistant may then take a photograph of the back of your eyes using digital retinal photography. This image is saved and will be useful in monitoring changes in eye health on future visits.
Optometrist check
The optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of other medical conditions. They will ask you if you are experiencing any eye problems and about your general eye health and lifestyle. It is important to have a clear understanding of your needs so that we can select the best management plan and/or lenses for you.
Your optometrist will use a variety of equipment including:
A retinoscope to get an accurate measurement of your vision. This test can also be used with children or for someone who cannot easily describe their vision.
At the end of you eye examination, your optometrist will explain what all the tests and evaluations have indicated and recommend the very best options for your individual needs.
Your optometrist will use a variety of equipment including:
A retinoscope to get an accurate measurement of your vision. This test can also be used with children or for someone who cannot easily describe their vision.
To fine-tune their findings, they will ask you to read a test chart through different strength lenses. This lets them know which lenses give you the best vision possible.
An ophthalmoscope and/or a Volk lens examines the retina at the back of the eye, your optic nerve and its blood vessels - to make sure they are healthy.
A slit lamp, a powerful microscope, is used to examine the front surface of the eyes. This checks for abnormalities or scratches on your cornea, iris and lens and is particularly important for contact lenses.
You may also be asked to perform a visual field check. This will involve your ability to detect flashes of light in your peripheral vision and is often used to detect early glaucoma or problems that could be associated with headaches and other issues.
To fine-tune their findings, they will ask you to read a test chart through different strength lenses. This lets them know which lenses give you the best vision possible.
An ophthalmoscope and/or a Volk lens examines the retina at the back of the eye, your optic nerve and its blood vessels - to make sure they are healthy.
A slit lamp, a powerful microscope, is used to examine the front surface of the eyes. This checks for abnormalities or scratches on your cornea, iris and lens and is particularly important for contact lenses.
You may also be asked to perform a visual field check. This will involve your ability to detect flashes of light in your peripheral vision and is often used to detect early glaucoma or problems that could be associated with headaches and other issues.
At the end of you eye examination, your optometrist will explain what all the tests and evaluations have indicated and recommend the very best options for your individual needs.
Making your glasses
After your eye examination, you will be given a copy of your prescription. Our friendly staff will help you choose new frames and advise on the different lens options.
The assistant will need to take careful measurements to make sure your new glasses fit correctly. This is now done by the use of our new tablet technology. Our staff use Digital Precision Eyecare technology to calculate the important measurements needed to fit your lenses. Our state-of-the-art software allows us to show you how different lens options will improve your glasses with a ‘real time’ demonstration. This clever new technology also helps us to select the best varifocal lenses for your chosen frames.
The assistant can now send your chosen frames, along with your measurements and lens selections, to the lab, where your glasses will be custom-made for you.
An appointment will then be made for their collection.
Making your lenses
Many prescription lenses are stocked at the in-store lab, but more specialist lenses are ordered in from our central manufacturing laboratory.
When they arrive, the lab technician checks that the power of the lenses is correct, and that there are no imperfections. They then carefully fit the lenses into the frames.
Contact lenses
Before your contact lens consultation begins, your optometrist will talk you through what type of lenses would most suit your lifestyle, and the best option for you, such as daily disposable, monthly disposable and continuous wear lenses.
You won’t need another eye test, but the optometrist will want to check the front surface of your eyes to make sure there’s nothing to stop you wearing contact lenses safely and comfortably.
Then, the optoptometristician checks to see that the lenses fit well and tests vision, as well as one further check to make sure they’ll stay comfortable. Once the optometrist is happy that the lenses are right you will be handed over to an optical advisor, who will talk you through everything you need to know as a new contact lens wearer. The optometrist will also explain why aftercare is so important with contact lenses, so you will be asked to return to the store in a few weeks’ time to check you are still happy with your choice.