Questions we often get asked:

Are you really expensive compared to High Street Multiple Practices?

We understand that price is an important consideration when choosing an optometric practice.

As an independent practice, we focus on providing personalized and comprehensive eye care tailored to each patient’s needs. Here are a few key points that highlight the value of our services:

1. Personalized Care: Our team takes the time to get to know you, your specific vision needs, and any concerns you may have. This personalized approach often leads to better outcomes, as we are dedicated to addressing your unique eye health requirements.
2. Quality of Service: We utilize advanced diagnostic equipment and techniques to ensure thorough eye examinations. Our focus on quality means we take the time to perform detailed assessments and will always recommend the most appropriate options for your vision and eye health.
3. Expertise and Experience: Our optometrists are highly qualified, with extensive training and experience in detecting and managing various eye conditions. We provide a level of expertise that might not always be available in larger, high-volume practices.
4. Community Focus: As a local business, we are committed to the community we serve. By choosing our practice, you are supporting local employment and contributing to the local economy.
5. Comprehensive Offerings: In addition to standard eye examinations, we provide a variety of services, including specialized treatments, contact lens fittings, and advice on eye health, ensuring that we meet all of your vision and eye care needs under one roof.
6. Long-term Health Investment: Eye health is crucial to your overall well-being. Choosing a practice that prioritizes thorough exams and quality care can help detect issues early, potentially saving you from more severe problems and costs down the line.

We are genuinely committed to providing the best care possible and believe that the quality and personalized service we offer justify the pricing of our services. If you have any specific concerns about costs or services, please feel free to discuss them with us directly, as we’re here to help.

What is the difference between an optician and an optometrist?

The terms “optician” and “optometrist” refer to different roles within the eye care industry, each with distinct responsibilities and qualifications:

• Optometrist:
  • Role: An optometrist is a healthcare professional who performs eye examinations, diagnoses vision problems, and manages eye diseases. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, as well as medications for certain eye conditions.
  • Education: Optometrists typically hold a degree in optometry, which requires several years of university education, including clinical training. In the UK, optometrists must be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC).
  • Services Provided: Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, assess eye health, diagnose conditions (like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy), offer vision therapy, and give pre- and post-operative care for eye surgeries.
• Optician:
  • Role: An optician is a technician who specializes in the fitting, dispensing, and maintenance of eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses. They do not diagnose or treat eye diseases.
  • Education: Opticians may complete a diploma in optical dispensing, which includes training on how to interpret prescriptions from optometrists and how to fit and adjust eyewear.
  • Services Provided: Opticians assist customers in selecting eyewear based on their prescription, facial features, and lifestyle needs. They also make adjustments to frames, educate patients on proper eyewear care, and may handle repairs.

In summary, optometrists are responsible for eye health assessments and vision correction, while opticians focus on dispensing and fitting eyewear based on prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Both roles are important for comprehensive eye care.

Are varifocals difficult to get used to?

Varifocal lenses, also known as progressive or ‘Any Distance’ lenses, can take some time for individuals to get used to, especially if they are new to this type of eyewear. Here are some factors to consider regarding the adjustment period:

1. Multiple Vision Zones: Varifocal lenses contain multiple prescriptions in one lens, allowing for clear vision at different distances (close, intermediate, and far). The transition between these zones can feel different compared to single vision lenses.
2. Adjustment Period: Many people may require a few days to a few weeks to fully adjust to varifocal lenses. This adjustment period allows your brain to adapt to the new way of focusing through the different lens zones.
3. Initial Discomfort: Some users might initially experience distortion or difficulty seeing clearly through the peripheral areas of the lenses. This is normal and should improve as you become accustomed to the lenses.
4. Proper Fitting: A well-fitted pair of varifocals is crucial for comfortable wear. Misalignment or improper measurements can exacerbate adjustment issues, so it’s important to have your lenses fitted correctly by a professional.
5. Follow-Up Consultation: It’s a good idea to have a follow-up appointment with your optometrist after you start wearing varifocals. They can make adjustments if needed and provide guidance to enhance your comfort.

Overall, while varifocals may require an adjustment period, many people find them to be beneficial for their vision needs once they are used to them. If you have any concerns about comfort or clarity, discussing them with your optometrist can help address any issues you may encounter.

We are a Private practice. What does that mean?

The majority of High Street practices in the UK hold a contract with the NHS to provide sight tests free of charge to certain categories of patients.  The practice receives a fee per patient, irrespective of the length of appointment or quality of service and this frequently leads to business models that rely on volume rather than quality.

At the end of the COVID lockdowns we made the decision to pursue quality rather than volume, and as this was not financially feasible within the NHS contract we decided to cancel the contract and operate on a purely private basis. More information can be found HERE

We are very pleased with our decision and the quality of care we are now able to offer, and as we have now received over 200, 5 star Google Reviews a lot of our clients are happy too. However if all you want or need is a free sight test there are still plenty of stores offering this option, although we are unable to recommend a particular practice.