How often do I need a sight test?
For most people, we would recommend a sight test every 2 years regardless of whether you have any problems with your sight. This is because a thorough eye examination can identify other health issues.
Depending on your age or medical history, a more frequent test may be required. We advise all our patients on when their next eye test should be and will send you a reminder in advance to make an appointment.
Do I have to pay for my sight test?
Depending on your age and medical history, you may qualify for a free NHS eye test.
Some of the exemption categories include patients over 60, under 16 or under 19 in full-time education, diabetics of any age, patients with immediate family history of glaucoma, plus those on low income benefits. For further information and to identify whether you qualify for a free eye test please visit the NHS website.
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/
Our eye examination last 30 minutes and is carried out completely by your optometrist and costs £40 (if you do not qualify for an exemption). The examination includes all the tests that the optometrist feels are required for you with no extras added on.
If I use a screen at work, should my employer pay for my sight test?
If you spend a significant part of your working day using display screen equipment then your employer should cover the full cost of a regular sight test.
Depending on the results of your eye test, your employer may contribute towards the cost of a basic pair of glasses.
It is important to note that the use of a screen won’t cause your eyes to deteriorate but other factors, such as sitting too close to your screen or glare from the screen, may cause discomfort. We would therefore recommend you give your eyes a break regularly by looking away from the screen, and to avoid dry eyes make sure you blink fully.
What should I expect from a sight test?
We pride ourselves on offering a personal service and treating our patients as individuals. Therefore each eye examination is specially tailored to you.
We would begin by asking about your medical history and any vision problems you may be experiencing. The examination itself will involve a series of tests to assess and evaluate different aspects of your vision and eye health, and will take approximately 30 minutes. Find out more about the iSpy eye test here or to book an appointment click here.
Can I spread the cost of my frames and/or contact lenses?
With the finance options we have available, you can select the glasses you really want by spreading the cost through a manageable payment plan over
whatever repayment period you choose.
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Saturday, from 9.00am until 5.30pm.
Do you offer appointments for Minor Eye Problems?
Yes we provide a Minor Eye Conditions Service – to find out more click here. If you are registered with a local GP this will be free of charge, however even if you are not registered locally we can still offer you an appointment but there will be a charge. To make an appointment please telephone us on 01483 414 168 or contact us here.
Do you accept prescriptions from another opticians?
Yes! Just bring along your prescription from any other optician and we will happily help you choose a beautiful pair of frames.
Can children wear contact lenses?
Yes they can; there is no rule as to how old you have to be to wear contact lenses – but we do advise that they need to be old enough to care for and handle their lenses by themselves.
Do you provide help with inserting or removing contact lenses?
Using contact lenses can take a little bit of practice at first, but it wont take you long to be confident at putting them in and removing them safely and comfortably.
If you are new to wearing contact lenses, we will take the time to show you how to put them in and take them out whilst you are with us and also provide some aftercare advice for at home to ensure your lenses stay in tip top condition.
If you experience any discomfort or have concerns about your lenses just call us or pop in and we will be happy to help.
What payment methods do you accept?
Major credit cards (sorry no American Express), Contactless, cash and good old fashioned cheques. Or, if you would prefer to spread the costs over the coming months, we also offer a payment plan.
How much do your eye examinations cost?
If you do not qualify for an NHS eye examination, our 30 minute eye examinations cost £40. All tests are carried out by an optician and we do not charge hidden extras for imaging or any other test our opticians feels is required.
What offers do you have?
The three main offers we have are:
- Starting prices of £50 for our classic range (with single vision lenses). Varifocals start from £95.
- Two for one deals on frames within our Classic and Fashion ranges.
- Second pair offers on selected designer brands (please ask in-store for details).
In addition we carry out special offers from time to time – please do pop in or call us to see if any are available at the current time.
At iSpy we are transparent, open and honest about all of our pricing at all times. Our package offers are subject to some simple terms and conditions that can be explained by our team in-store.
What brands do you stock?
We carry three main groups of frames; our CLASSIC, FASHION and DESIGNER ranges.
Our Classic frames are unbranded and the most affordable frames we offer.
Our Fashion frames are our mid-budget range and include many of the well-known brands.
Our Designer frames speak for themselves.
You can find out more about all the brands we currently stock in the EYEWEAR section of our website, but if you are looking for a specific brand of frame, please call us as we rotate brands from one season to the next.
Do you have wheelchair access?
There is a small step at the entrance to the shop for which we have a ramp. If you require wheelchair access, please either phone ahead or if we don’t spot you, please feel free to tap on our glass for attention and we’d be delighted to help.
Can you provide specialist glasses?
At iSpy we can supply you with all different types of specialist glasses, from ski goggles to swim wear. It’s quite rare that we don’t have, or can’t get exactly what you are looking for. Please call us or pop in and ask one of our team.