We have answered your most commonly asked questions about your eye health, vision, eyewear and general questions regarding our opticians here.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Normally for adults, it’s every 2 years unless they have a medical condition. For children, it’s once a year depending on their age.
Choosing an independent optician often means more personalised service and unique frame options, while larger chains might offer a broader selection and lower prices. Both provide professional care, so your choice depends on whether you value individual attention and supporting local businesses, or prefer a wider range and potential cost savings.
In the UK, eye tests are free for people aged 60 and over. This benefit is part of the NHS services, so if you’re in this age group, you can have your eye test at no cost.
Children should have their first eye test at around the age of 3. This helps ensure their vision is developing properly. If you notice any signs of vision problems earlier, it’s a good idea to visit an optician sooner.
The proper fit of your eyeglasses is crucial. Ill-fitting specs can lead to discomfort, reduced vision correction, and potential eye strain. A well-fitted pair should sit comfortably on your nose bridge, not slide down, and have temple arms that rest securely behind your ears without pressure. If your glasses don’t fit correctly, it’s advisable to have them adjusted by an optician. Proper fit ensures optimal vision correction and comfort throughout the day.
A thorough eye examination usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. This timeframe allows for a complete assessment of your visual health, including:
Yes, at Care Optics in Enfield, we are pleased to offer comprehensive hearing tests. We understand that good hearing is just as important as good vision for your overall well-being. Our qualified audiologists use advanced equipment to assess your hearing ability accurately.
A standard hearing test at Care Optics usually takes around 45-60 minutes. This allows our audiologist to conduct all the necessary assessments and discuss the results with you in detail.
We generally recommend that adults have a hearing test every two years, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have noticed any changes in your hearing. If you have concerns about your hearing at any age, it’s always best to get it checked sooner rather than later.
Eye Tests FAQs
How often should I have an eye examination?
For most adults, we recommend an eye examination every two years. However, more frequent checks may be necessary if you have specific eye conditions, a family history of eye problems, or if you experience any changes in your vision. Your optometrist will advise on the best schedule for you.
What does a standard eye examination involve?
A comprehensive eye examination at Care Optics includes a thorough assessment of your vision, including tests for near and distance vision, colour vision, and depth perception. We also evaluate the health of your eyes, checking for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We’ll discuss your lifestyle and visual needs to recommend the best solutions for you.
Do you offer free NHS eye examinations?
Yes, at Care Optics, we are pleased to offer free NHS eye examinations to eligible individuals. This typically includes those over 60, children under 16 (or under 19 if in full-time education), people with diabetes or glaucoma, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those receiving certain benefits. Please contact us to confirm your eligibility.
How long does an eye examination take?
A standard eye examination at Care Optics usually takes around 30-45 minutes. This allows us enough time to conduct all the necessary tests and discuss your results and any recommendations with you.
Should I bring anything with me to my eye examination?
Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses (including the packaging or prescription if you have it), a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your NHS number if you are eligible for a free NHS eye examination. It’s also helpful to bring details of any eye problems that run in your family.
Eyewear FAQs:
How long will it take to get my new glasses?
The turnaround time for your new glasses depends on the complexity of your prescription and the type of lenses you choose. In most cases, single-vision glasses are ready within a week to ten days. More complex prescriptions or lens coatings may take a little longer. We will give you an estimated collection date during your dispensing appointment.
Do you offer different types of lenses?
Yes, we offer a wide range of high-quality lenses to suit various needs and lifestyles. This includes single vision, bifocal, varifocal (progressive) lenses, as well as lenses with coatings to reduce glare, resist scratches, and offer UV protection. Our experienced dispensing opticians will help you choose the best lenses for your visual requirements and budget.
Can you reglaze my existing frames?
In many cases, yes, we can reglaze your existing frames with new lenses. However, the suitability of your frames will need to be assessed by our dispensing opticians to ensure they are in good condition and can accommodate new lenses safely.
Do you offer a warranty on your frames and lenses?
Yes, all our frames and lenses come with a manufacturer’s warranty against defects. The duration of the warranty may vary depending on the brand and product. Please ask our team for specific details.
Contact Lenses FAQs:
Do you offer contact lens fittings?
Yes, we provide comprehensive contact lens fittings. Our optometrists will assess your vision, eye health, and lifestyle to determine the most suitable type of contact lenses for you. We offer various types, including daily disposables, monthly lenses, and multifocal options.
How long does a contact lens fitting appointment take?
A contact lens fitting appointment usually takes around 45-60 minutes. This includes the initial assessment, trial lens fitting, and teaching you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
Can I try contact lenses before committing to a purchase?
Yes, we typically offer trial lenses during your fitting appointment to ensure comfort and vision correction are satisfactory before you make a purchase.
Do I need regular aftercare appointments if I wear contact lenses?
Yes, regular aftercare appointments are essential for contact lens wearers to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your lenses are still the best fit for you. We usually recommend annual contact lens aftercare checks.
Myopia Control FAQs:
What is myopia control and why is it important for children?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry. Myopia control refers to strategies and treatments aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia in children. This is important because higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy.
What myopia control options do you offer at Care Optics?
At Care Optics, we offer several evidence-based myopia control options, which may include:
- MiYOSMART Lenses: These innovative spectacle lenses from HOYA use DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology to slow down myopia progression while providing clear distance vision.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow myopia progression.
- Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: In some cases, low-dose atropine eye drops may be recommended by our optometrist as a myopia control strategy. This is usually used in conjunction with other methods and requires careful monitoring.
- Specialised Soft Contact Lenses: Certain soft contact lenses are specifically designed with peripheral defocus technology to help slow myopia progression.
How do I know if myopia control is right for my child?
If your child is diagnosed with myopia, or if you’ve noticed they are experiencing increasing short-sightedness, we recommend booking a myopia control consultation at Care Optics. Our experienced optometrists will conduct a thorough eye examination, discuss your child’s lifestyle and visual needs, and advise on the most suitable myopia control options for them.
How effective is myopia control?
The effectiveness of myopia control treatments can vary depending on the individual child and the chosen method. However, studies have shown that these interventions can significantly slow down the progression of myopia compared to wearing standard single-vision glasses or contact lenses. Early intervention generally leads to better outcomes
What is the process for starting myopia control treatment?
The process typically involves a comprehensive eye examination and a dedicated myopia control consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss the available options, answer all your questions, and develop a personalised treatment plan for your child. This may involve a fitting process for MiYOSMART lenses or Ortho-K, or a discussion about the use of low-dose atropine. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
Hearing Tests FAQs:
Do you offer hearing tests at Care Optics?
Yes, at Care Optics in Enfield, we are pleased to offer comprehensive hearing tests. We understand that good hearing is just as important as good vision for your overall well-being. Our qualified audiologists use advanced equipment to assess your hearing ability accurately.
What does a hearing test involve?
A typical hearing test at Care Optics involves several stages. We’ll start by discussing your hearing history and any concerns you may have. Then, we’ll perform a physical examination of your ear canal and conduct a series of tests in a soundproof booth. These tests may include pure-tone audiometry (to measure the quietest sounds you can hear at different frequencies), speech audiometry (to assess your ability to understand spoken words), and tympanometry (to check the condition of your middle ear and eardrum).
How long does a hearing test take?
A standard hearing test at Care Optics usually takes around 45-60 minutes. This allows our audiologist to conduct all the necessary assessments and discuss the results with you in detail.
How often should I have a hearing test?
We generally recommend that adults have a hearing test every two years, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have noticed any changes in your hearing. If you have concerns about your hearing at any age, it’s always best to get it checked sooner rather than later.
What happens after my hearing test?
After your hearing test, our audiologist will explain your results clearly and answer any questions you may have. If any hearing loss is detected, we will discuss the available options, which may include hearing aids or other management strategies. We offer a range of discreet and advanced hearing solutions to suit your individual needs and lifestyle. If further medical evaluation is required, we will refer you to a specialist.
people worldwide have a vision impairment, with at least 1 billion of these cases being preventable or yet to be addressed.
increase in myopia (nearsightedness) of the world’s population in 2010 to 50% by 2050.
of diabetic people worldwide affected by diabetic retinopathy.
people in the UK are living with sight loss, and this number is projected to increase to over 4 million by 2050 due to an aging population and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors.
We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions and provided the information you need. If you have any further queries or require personalised advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. You can reach us via our contact page or by visiting us in practice.
Thank you for choosing Care Optics – we look forward to helping you see life more clearly!