Eye Examination FAQ’s

For most adults, an eye examination every two years is recommended. However, if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or you’ve noticed changes in your vision, we may advise annual checks.

Regular eye exams not only keep your vision sharp but can also detect underlying ocular and systemic health conditions early.

A standard sigh test checks your vision and the overall health of your eyes. Our advanced technology, such as OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and Optomap ultra-widefield imaging, takes things a step further. These scans allow us to look beneath the surface of the retina, spotting conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma years before symptoms appear. It’s peace of mind for your future eye health.

An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan takes a 3D cross-sectional image of the retina, similar to an ultrasound but using laser light instead of sound waves. It allows us to see beneath the surface of the retina, detecting early changes caused by glaucoma, macula degeneration, or diabetic eye disease. Even if your vision seems fine, an OCT scan can provide peace of mind and an invaluable baseline for your future eye health.

Yes. Your eyes are often described as “the window to your health” because changes at the back of the eye can reveal early signs of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

In many cases, we can spot these issues before you experience any symptoms, allowing you to seek treatment sooner.

An NHS sight test checks your prescription and basic eye health.

Our private examinations offer a more detailed service, with longer appointment times and advanced technology such as OCT and Optomap imaging.

Many patients choose private appointments for the extra reassurance, especially if they have a family history of eye disease or simply want the most thorough care.

Yes. Eye conditions often develop silently, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time you notice changes in your vision, damage may already be advanced.

Regular examinations mean we can detect problems early and protect your sight for the long term.

Not at all. Eye tests and scans are completely painless. Some equipment uses light to take detailed images of your eyes, which might feel bright for a moment, but there are no needles or invasive procedures involved.

Yes. Both glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be detected during an eye examination—often long before you notice symptoms.

Using advanced scans such as OCT, we can spot early structural changes in the optic nerve and macula that aren’t visible with standard testing. Early detection is vital: with timely treatment and monitoring, we can help slow or even prevent further vision loss.

Yes. During your examination, we’ll measure your vision against the legal standard for driving. We also check contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and peripheral vision, factors that can affect how safe you feel behind the wheel, especially at night.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, we’ll make sure your prescription is accurate so you can drive with confidence.

Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, is caused by prolonged screen use. Common symptoms include headaches, tired eyes, and blurred vision.

During your eye test we can check whether your prescription needs updating, and we may recommend specialist lenses or coatings designed to reduce glare and ease eye fatigue. Simple lifestyle changes, such as the 20-20-20 rule, can also make a big difference.

Yes. Cataracts are very common and usually develop gradually over time.

During your eye test we’ll check for any signs of lens clouding. If a cataract is detected, we’ll monitor it carefully and advise you on the right time for referral. Many patients are reassured to know that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures carried out in the UK.