m.r.c. searle optometrist

Private and NHS Eye Examinations

This involves a thorough investigation of the eyes to include vision and eye health examination check.

At Searles Opticians we perform NHS and Private Eye examinations using the latest technology to determine your level of vision and spectacle prescription.    We then assess the health of your eyes.  As part of the examination we use a sophisticated fully automated digital camera to view the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels which not only determines the health of the eye, it also helps us to diagnose or grade more systemic general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Frequently asked Questions

You are entitled to a free NHS funded eye examination if:

  • you are aged under 16
  • you are aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
  • you are aged 60 or over
  • you are registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
  • you have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • you are 40 or over and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • you have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • you are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – we can advise you about your entitlement
You are also entitled to a free NHS eye examination 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 and meet the criteria on earnings limit
  • 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)
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help. We recommended that most people should get their eyes tested every two years. However, in some circumstances, we may recommend more frequent NHS sight tests; for example, if:
  • you are a child wearing glasses
  • you have diabetes
  • you are aged 40 or over and have a family history of glaucoma
  • you are aged 70 or over