Most eye care experts recommend that you have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on your age, risk factors and whether you currently wear corrective lenses. Children need regular eye exams to detect vision problems that may interfere with learning.

Pure Vision charge a standard rate of £25.00 for a private eye examination. We would recommend you check if you are covered by the NHS before booking your eye test.

An eye examination is carried out by an optometrist and usually takes about 20-30 minutes for adults and around 15-20 minutes for children. Sometimes it can take longer if you need extra tests, but this is to make sure you can see as well as possible.

The PEARS (Primary Eye-care Assessment and Referral Service) service is available as an alternative option to presenting at Accident & Emergency for the diagnosis and treatment of minor eye conditions. In most cases your GP/optician will refer you to us, as our main optician (Irfan Uddin) is qualified for PEARS testing.

You are covered for your eye examinations by the NHS if you are;

• aged under 16
• aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
• eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your ophthalmic practitioner can advise you about your entitlement
• a prisoner on leave from prison

You may also get an NHS optical voucher if you:

• receive Income Support
• receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
• are awarded Universal Credit
• receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
• are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• are named on a valid NHS Certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

We see the value people buying glasses online, but here are a few things to consider before committing:

• You won’t benefit from a qualified dispensing optician taking your measurements, which could mean your lenses won’t be fitted properly, meaning you don’t get the full benefit of your new glasses and in some cases, it can detrimentally affect your vision.
• There will be no one available to discuss your requirements, there are a great number of lens types and coatings available and it is important you choose the right ones.
• If you are experiencing difficulties when adjusting to new lenses or frames, there will be no one who can discuss with you about your prescription and eye health problems.
• With the ease of selling on the internet, there can’t always be a guarantee that you are receiving the genuine article, but all opticians’ practices offer fully traceable products and a transparent service. Be wary of fakes and copies that have flooded the online market.

This isn’t to say that the internet should always be avoided, but for a full eye care service, we always recommend visiting a registered optician.

Of course!

Have regular check-ups and find out about your family eye health history. – Have you eyes tested when you’re due a check-up (usually bi-annually), even if you think your vision is okay. An eye test can detect a vast amount of unrelated illnesses and eye conditions not related to sight.  Lots of eye conditions are genetic which increases your chances of developing them, it is vital your optometrist’s are made aware of this.

Stop smoking. – Smoking increases your chances of getting cataracts, age related macular degeneration or damage to your optic nerve and furthermore, sight loss.

​Eat Well. – Keeping your eyes healthy starts with what is on your plate! Certain nutrients can help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Ensure you get plenty of Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E.  Dark green vegetables, blueberries, salmon, eggs and citrus fruits all contain the vitamins and nutrients needed to keep your eyes healthy. It is important to maintain a well balanced diet; this lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like Diabetes. The leading cause of blindness in adults is Type 2 Diabetes.

Wearing Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays (UV). Too much UV exposure increases your chances of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Most sunglasses protect from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) light rays, Maui Jim lenses also protect form UVC (cancerous). 25% of all car accidents are caused from glare, polarised lenses help to reduce glare.

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Use Safety Eye Wear

If you use hazardous or airborne materials at home or at work, wear safety glasses or protective goggles. This includes DIY, gardening or sports. Protect your eyes when playing any sports involving flying objects to avoid eye injury. Always wear protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses to shield your eyes for sports.

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Using Computers

Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause dry eyes. We blink up to four times less when staring at a screen meaning we are not giving our eyes the opportunity to lubricate themselves sufficiently. Blink more or use lubricating eye drops to avoid discomfort and itchy eyes.  

Many patients report trouble focusing at a distance when using a computer for too long. We suggest you rest your eyes every 20 minutes, looking into the distance for 20 seconds. Never stay on a computer for prolonged amounts of time without a break. We recommend taking a 15 minute rest every two hours. Neck, back and shoulder pain can be experienced when sitting at a computer. Posture is crucial, choose a supportive chair and make sure you sit upright with your feet flat on the ground. You should be level with your device. Don’t have your device on your lap or fixed on a wall above eye level.

Take care of your contact lenses. – When wearing contact lenses it is essential you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling them. Do not swim in contact lenses and never clean your lenses or the contact lens case with anything other than what your optometrist has recommended for you.