Opticians

Regular eye tests show if you need to get glasses or change your current glasses. 

They can also detect early signs of conditions including diabetes, mascular degeneration and glaucoma, before you expereince symptoms, improving the chances of effective treatment.

You need to go to a registered opticians' to have an eye test.  An optometrist will examine your eyes and test your site.  They will give you a pescription if your sign needs correction, or a statement saying that is does not.

You are entitled to a free eye test if:​

• you are aged 60 or over
• you are registered partially sighted or blind
• you have been diagnosed diabetes or glaucoma
• you are entitled to certain benefits
• are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you're at risk of glaucoma
• are a prisoner on leave from prison
• are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement

You can find more details about who is entitled to a free sight test by visiting www.nhs.uk/free-nhs-eye-test.

Sight and hearing loss

If you think you should be registered as blind or partially sighted ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. This may mean you can get extra help such as financial benefits and specialist equipment.

Contact The Integrated Single Point of Access Team for advice and information about special equipment that may be available. Call The Integrated Single Point of Access Team on 01429 803100 or email [email protected].