Have Your Eyes Checked Regularly

One of the most popular questions we're asked is "Why should I have regular eye tests when my vision is fine?"

Well, the answer is quite simple, even though you may think that your eyes are very healthy and there is nothing wrong with you, but as we age we become more susceptible to many eye conditions like glaucoma and cataract. A lot of these conditions don’t have any symptoms so the only way to detect them and receive the appropriate treatment is to visit the optician. This is why we reccommened seeing the optometrist (ophthalmic optician) on a regular basis, what's more you can now spread the cost of your optical treatment with our range of EyeCare schemes .

Some of the most basic reasons for having a check up are listed below:

• DVLA Examinations - Don't fail your driving test before you even start! Did you know that if you don't meet the minimum eyesight standard (ability to read a license plate on a stationary vehicle at 20 metres) then you will not be able to continue with your test, wasting your time and your fee? An eye test from Hammond Opticians will give you the peace of mind that you meet the minimum standard. And if it turns out that you don't, a pair of spectacles or contact lenses will enable you to take your test with confidence, and in all likelihood, pass with flying colours!
• High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - We use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to look through your pupil at the inside of your eyes. The eyes are the only part of the body where you can look at the blood vessels directly and if any signs are found we can refer you to your doctor.
• Diabetes - If you are diabetic it is very important to visit the optician regularly as the eye examination is an important way of monitoring the progress of your condition. Certain diabetic patients are entitled to receive free NHS funded Diabetic Retinal Screening examinations (Diabetic Retinal Examination)
• Glaucoma - This affects as many as 2 in 100 people over the age of 40 can be detected by measuring the pressure in your eyes and checking the field of vision. Half of the people who have it don’t even know it’s there. Unfortunately if it is left undetected, it can gradually cause irreversible blindness.
• Headaches - In this day and age, headaches can occur for a number of reasons. Eye strain, incorrect prescriptions, ocular muscle imbalance are some of the many reasons that patients can get headaches. Before taking a trip to the doctor it is well worth having an eye test with the latest computerized equipment as the first question your doctor will want to know is “when did you last have an eye examination?”
• VDU User - If you use a VDU or computer monitor as part of your job, then you may wish to know that your employer is required by European health and safety law to pay for your eye examination! Find out more about our VDU user eye tests today.

All the conditions discussed above can be detected during an eye examination. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest standard of eye care available. Our job is not only to ensure that your vision is at its best, but also to check the health of your eye - and consequently your overall wellbeing - part of this is being able to over the very latest in retinal photography, more details of which can be found on the Retinal Investigation page.

Here at Hammond Opticians our optometrists carry out a full set of tests with the most up to date technology available to check the health of the eyes. A full list of the tests we offer can be found below:

Full Eye Examination Optomap Retinal Examination Digital Retinal Imaging Contact Lens Examination Diabetic Retinal Screening Flashes & Floaters Investigation Red eyes, watery eyes etc Investigation

Glaucoma Investigation and Monitoring Assessment for Low Vision Dry Eye assessment and Treatment Dyslexia Investigation and Coloured Overlays VDU Users and Occupational Sight Tests Colour Vision assessment Driver’s Vision Analysis

We discuss your visual needs so that if you require glasses or contact lenses you will leave with exactly what is best for your lifestyle.