FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are the answers to some of the questions we get asked most frequently. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, then please feel free to contact us directly.
DO I NEED TO PAY FOR MY SIGHT TEST?
At Shephard & Akay Optometrists we provide both NHS and private sight tests.
NHS sight test is available free of charge if you are in one the following categories:
you’re aged under 16
you’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
you’re aged 60 or over
you’re registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
you’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement
You’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:
receive Income Support
receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
are awarded Universal Credit
are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
There are strict criteria on how often you are able to have an NHS sight test. Please contact us for more details if you are unsure about your eligibility.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY EYES CHECKED?
It can be different for each person, but as a general rule, adults with healthy eyes are recommended to have their eyes tested every two years. Children normally need eye tests every six to twelve months depending on circumstances. People over 70 and those over 40 and with close family history of glaucoma are recommended to have annual sight test. Your practitioner will be able to advise you on how frequently you need to have your eyes tested. Contact lens wearers should have a check-up every six to twelve months as recommended by their practitioner.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPTICIAN AND OPTOMETRIST?
The term optician refers to either a dispensing optician or optometrist. Dispensing opticians are trained to fit and supply spectacles and take various measurements necessary for the production of an accurate pair of spectacles. They are not trained to carry out sight tests.
Optometrists, on the other hand, are highly trained professionals who are qualified to carry out sight tests and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. They are also trained to diagnose eye disease and refer for further treatment or assessment as necessary.
The two terms are sometimes used loosely which can cause confusion. Another way to remember is that “all optometrists are opticians, but not all opticians are optometrists!”