Here at McGovern Opticians we offer an in-depth sight test which can include an OCT scan, fundus photography and visual fields test. This will assess not only your vision, but also the general health of your eyes so we can create a treatment plan for each individual.

We all value our vision, and getting an eye exam is necessary for maintaining good vision and healthy eyes. It can also detect signs of underlying general health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, & high blood pressure.

Your eye examination visit will last approximately 40 minutes to ensure you get the best care possible.

At the start of the examination the optometrist will ask you questions about your vision, lifestyle, health, and any previous eye problems you or your family members may have had.

The optometrist will then examine the front and back of your eyes for any potential eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as your vision and spectacle prescription.

The optometrist will take an image of the back of your eyes using Fundus photography, which will be compared in the future for even little changes to your eyes. Other tests, like visual fields or OCT, may be performed by the optometrist to confirm that your eyes are healthy.

The optometrist will explain the test results and make recommendations at the conclusion of the examination.

The optometrist will gladly address any questions you may have. If additional medical testing is required, your optometrist will contact your GP and/or eye doctor on your behalf.

Even if a patient is unable to answer questions owing to their age, learning disabilities, or special educational needs, an optometrist can still do a vision test and identify whether glasses are needed, as well as review their eye health.

Every two years, or more frequently if the optometrist suggests it, an eye exam is suggested.

You are entitled to free NHS sight tests if you:

• are under 16
• are full time student ages 18 or under
• are aged 60 or over
• are a diagnosed glaucoma patient, or considered to be at risk of glaucoma (according to an ophthalmologist)
• aged 40 or over and with a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter diagnosed with glaucoma
• are diagnosed as diabetic
• are registered blind or partially sighted
• are eligible for an NHS Complex Lens Voucher
• receive, or your partner receives, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (the ‘guarantee credit element’)
• are on Income Support, or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income Based Employment and Support Allowance
• have a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• have made an NHS Low Income scheme claim and have a valid NHS exemption certificate (HC2 or HC3)
• are a war pensioner and need the sight test because of a disability for which you get a war pension