Frequently Asked Questions about Eye Tests

At Harrold’s Opticians, we regularly get asked similar questions regarding eye care throughout all of our stores. There are so many different information sites about eye care online, it can be difficult to get a straight answer.
That’s why we have decided to compile a list of our most frequently asked questions, to help you get the answers you need!

1. Why are eye tests so important? – We regularly see people who haven’t had an eye test in years, they haven’t noticed a difference in their eyesight so didn’t see the need for an eye test. You may not have any pain or symptoms with underlying eye conditions, an eye test can detect any problems and pick up signs of eye conditions very early. The earlier you receive treatment for any eye conditions, the more effective the treatment will be. Eye tests aren’t just beneficial for your eyes, they can also be beneficial for your health. The eye test can also detect any underlying health conditions such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol. As the small blood vessels in the eye are some of the smallest in the body it is also possible to pick up the early signs of other conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Tumours- Though rest assured that these are rare.

2. How often should I have my eyes tested? – The simple answer is that if you are worried or have any concerns then have an eye test. The national recommendation is to have an eye test is at least once every two years. If you have eye problems or a history of eye problems in your family, you should receive an eye test once a year.

3. How much does an eye test cost? – A standard, comprehensive eye test which includes retinal photography costs £36. All of our practices offer NHS services, so if you are entitled to a free NHS eye test you can receive it at your local Harrold’s branch.

4. Am I entitled to a free NHS eye test? – The NHS offers free eye tests to individuals who meet certain criteria. You are entitled to a free eye test if you are;
- Aged 16 and under.
- Aged 16 – 18 in full-time education.
- Aged 60 or over.
- Are registered as partially sighted or blind.
-Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma.
-Are aged 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma.
-Are a prisoner on leave from prison.
You're also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
- Income support.
- Income-related Employment and Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit
- Universal Credit (providing you meet criteria)
You are also entitled if;
-You have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (i.e. you are in receipt of Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both) and have income for tax credit purposed of £15,276 or less).
- You have a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).

5. What age should my child have their eyes tested? – Your children can have their eyes tested at any age. For children who can’t read there are various, specialised tests that opticians can carry out in order to test their eyes effectively. We would recommend that your child has at least one eye test before they start school. At least 1 in 5 children have an undetected vision problem which can affect their performance at school, early detection will increase the chances of an effective treatment.

6. My children get their eyes tested at school, why do they need to see an optician? – Whilst some schools do offer a vision check, it is not a full eye test. Short-sightedness and large squints may be detected but as the tests are usually carried out by an eye care professional it is unlikely that all possible vision problems will be looked for and identified. Also, vision tests are no longer mandatory at schools, so you may think that your child will be receiving eye tests but there is a possibility that they aren’t.

7. How much do your glasses cost? – At Harrold’s, we carry a wide range of brands, so our prices vary. We guarantee that we will stock an ideal pair of glasses for you to suit your budget. If you are entitled to a free NHS eye test, you may also be entitled to a voucher to help with the cost of your new glasses.

8. What brands do you stock? – We have a huge range of different brands at Harrold’s. Some of our most well-known brands include Ted Baker, Ray Ban, Nike, William Morris and Joules.

9. Can I get contact lenses with astigmatism? – Advances in technology over the last 10 years means we are now able to order lenses for most people with astigmatism. We will take careful measurements of the exact shape of the surface of your eye and your prescription and then decide which type of contact lens will be best for you.

10. At what age can my child start wearing contact lenses? – With contact lenses for children, there is not really a set age for contact lens wearing. Whilst most children are prescribed their first set of lenses between the age of 12-14, there are children as young as 8 who wear lenses. It comes down to your child, if they have a good level of personal hygiene are responsible and mature enough to take care of their lenses, they can probably start wearing lenses sooner rather than later.