At Vision Direct Opticians we like to do things differently, any customer wanting to purchase new distance or reading glasses, Varifocal, or Bifocal glasses from our website www.2for1glasses.co.uk, can now view the frames they like in our practice in Bolton, and we will still guarantee you get all your eyewear at our internet prices. That's the frames and the lenses.
Our Bolton Store reflects the high quality of our products and provides a friendly, relaxed and stylish environment for you to shop. We pride ourselves on our customer service and friendly and professional staff, and continually strive to give you the best value glasses and sunglasses on the High Street today.
The latest Test Room Equipment at the Practice Retinal Imaging ( Included Free with Eye Exam)
Why do you need an eye test?
A regular eye test can help detect eye conditions before you notice the effect on your sight. Early treatment can often prevent your sight from getting worse.
A full eye test should take about 30 minutes.
Opticians who test your eyes are now called optometrists. The information on this page will help you to talk through what's best for you with your optometrist. We recommend that you have an eye test at least once every two years or more often if advised. You should take with you any glasses that you wear, the names of any tablets or medicine you are taking and the name of your doctor.
Eye tests should normally include the following:
Discuss the reason for your visit
It may be a routine eye test, you may have specific problems with your eyes and vision, or you may have been sent by your GP. Special demands on your eyes created by work and hobbies may also need to be addressed. The optometrist may also want to know about your general health and health of your family, including if someone in your family has an eye condition.
Checking your eye sight
You will be asked to read letters on a chart. For those who are not able to read, there are other tests such as identifying pictures or matching letters and pictures.
Checking your outer eye
A light will be shone on the front of your eyes to check their health and how well they react to light.
Checking your inner eye
An ophthalmoscope is used to check the back of the eyes. The light of the ophthalmoscope will be shone into your eyes to check their health and you will be asked to look in different directions.
Checking your eye muscles
Your optometrist will check that the muscles which control your eye movement are working well.
Checking to see if you need glasses
If you need glasses to improve your vision, the optometrist will work out exactly what prescription you need. They may shine a light in your eyes and then ask you to look at letters or colours on a chart through various lenses in a special frame or machine.
Do I need extra tests as part of my eye test?
Some people may be at higher risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Extra tests ensure early detection.
Are you over 40 years old?
People over 40 are more at risk of developing glaucoma.
Do you have a close relative with glaucoma?
People who have or have had a close relative with glaucoma are more at risk of developing glaucoma themselves.
The Eye Retinal Imaging Camera Picture (Healthy Eye)
Extra tests
The field of vision test
There are various different machines which measure the field of vision. These tell how far around you can see. You will be shown patterns of lights and asked to say which ones you can see. Each eye will be tested separately. This test can help to detect glaucoma and other problems.
The eye pressure test
An increase in eye pressure may be a sign of glaucoma. There are two ways to test the pressure. One uses eye drops to numb your eyes for a short while and then placing an instrument on the front of your eyes, and the other involves blowing at least three puffs of air at the front of each eye. Neither test hurts.
Dilating eye drops
If the optometrist needs to see the back of your eye more closely, drops will be put in your eyes that make your pupils larger. It takes up to half an hour for the drops to work properly. Some people find the drops make their eyes dazzled or their sight blurred. You should not drive or use heavy machinery for a few hours after the drops.
If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions you are entitled to NHS free eye tests.
Are you aged 60 or over?
Are you under 16, or under 19 and in full time education?
Do you live in Scotland?
Do you or your partner receive income support, family credit, income based job seekers allowance, pension credit guarantee, and are entitled to or named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or are named on valid HC2 certificate?
Do you have diabetes or glaucoma?
Are you 40 or over and have a close relative with glaucoma?
Does a hospital ophthalmologist say you are at risk of glaucoma?
Are you registered blind or partially sighted?
Are you entitled to vouchers for complex lenses?
NHS rules may change from time to time. If you think you qualify for free eye tests, speak to your optometrist before you have the eye test and they will ask you to sign a NHS Sight Test Form.
I am on a low income, do I still have to pay?
To apply for help from the NHS ask for a HC1 form from your optometrist, doctor, social security office, dentist or pharmacist.
