Eye test intervals

The following notes are taken from the guidance; “Frequency of GOS Sight Tests” issued by the Department of Health in January 2002.

These guidelines identify categories of patients who are symptomless and simply wish to have a routine re-examination.

Minimum Intervals Between NHS Sight Tests

Patient Category	Re-Examination Interval
Under 16 years, in the absence of any binocular vision anomaly	1 year
Under 7 years with binocular vision anomaly or corrected refractive error	6 months
7 years and over and under 16 with binocular vision anomaly or rapidly progressing myopia	6 months
16 years and over and under 70 years	2 years
70 years and over	1 year
40 years and over with family history of glaucoma or with ocular hypertension and not in a monitoring scheme	1 year
Diabetic patients	1 year

An optometrist or OMP may carry out a sight test at a shorter interval than those listed above, either at the practitioner’s initiative for a clinical reason, or because the patient presents him/herself to the practitioner with symptoms or concerns which might be related to an eye condition.  In these circumstances if a NHS sight test is carried out at an interval shorter than one of those listed above, the practitioner must annotate the GOS 1 form with one of the
following codes:

Patient Category	Code
The Patient is at risk of frequent changes of prescription for reasons not requiring medical referral or for reasons already known to a medical practitioner.	1
The Patient has pathology likely to worsen, for example age-related macular degeneration, cataract, corneal dystrophy, or congenital anomalies.	2
The Patient has presented with symptoms or concerns requiring ophthalmic investigation which:
Result in referral to a medical practitioner; or	3.1
Result in the issue of a changed prescription; or	3.2
Result in either no change or no referral (the patient’s record should indicate any symptoms shown to support this category of claim, if necessary).	3.3
The Patient:
Needs complex lenses	4.1
Has corrected vision of less than 6/60 in one eye	4.2
The Patient:
Has presented for a sight test at the request of a medical practitioner	5.1
Is being managed by an optometrist under the GOC referral rules, for example suspect visual fields on one occasion which is not confirmed on repeat, or abnormal IOP with no other significant signs of glaucoma	5.2
Is identified in protocols as needing to be seen more frequently because of risk factors	5.3
Other unusual circumstances requiring clinical investigation.	6

Further information and fuller details may be obtained from the Department of Health website.

Ray Ban

RayBan – we can also add precriptions we supply all accessories and can give you full infomation about the optics.

We have been very happy with the quality and the sales this summer – what you see in the store is only a fraction of what is available.

Ray Ban Tech Carbon Fiber ( Fibre ) Sunglasses now available.

Ray Ban continues to expand its use of materials this season. First they introduceRay Ban Craft Collection which used genuine leather accents, now in perfect timing for summer they release the Ray Ban Carbon Fibre from their Tech department.

The new collection features sunglasses which are composed of carbon fiber and a resin composite which creates a lightweight, strong, flexible, and resilient material.

Carbon fiber is used on everything from race cars and airplanes to the space shuttle. It’s not only strong (often stronger than steel), but also extremely light weight.

The Ray Ban RB 8301 Cabon Fiber aviator sunglasses fits almost all faces extremely well; it features slim elongated carbon fiber temples with rubber temple tips for added comfort and non-slip grip. It’s available in both polarized and non polarized lenses and in multiple classic color combinations.

Ray Ban RB 8303 Carbon Fiber sunglasses are a extremely lightweight, easy to wear classic rectangle style, and features a rimless three piece mount construction. The lightweight polycarbonate lenses are paired with slim elongated carbon fiber temples which feature rubber temple tips for added strength, comfort and non-slip grip. It’s available in both polarized and non polarized lenses and in multiple classic color combinations.

Your Ray Ban Team. Ask us and we'll get the look you want.

How to apply and remove contact lenses – Instructional video

click here to Learn How to apply and remove Contact Lenses

 

Prices : TRIALS include UNLIMITED FREE LENSES and the Trial covers everything including  consultations , lifestyles , Budget concerns , aftercare and education about the miricle of contact lenses.

FREEDOM from Glasses for ALL AGES.

Great for Sports , Socialising , Special Events and to have better vision.

Visit to TD Tom Davies

We have arrived at the TdTomDavies Design School in Richmond London.

We will be with Chintu who will teaching us more about design.

I have seen a lot of the frames and the possibilities are endless. The beauty in the system is in the bespoke nature of the service.

The detail in manufacture is great.

The Td Tom Davies Facebook site is great!

Compton Acres Optometrists – focused on enhancing visual acuity.

Links to Eye infomation

Links :

Easy Contact Lenses

Great sight on General Eye Conditions

Eye and Vision Specialist Library

Join us on Twitter for more Tweets to improve your vision and learn about the miracle of vision.

Twitter : NottinghamEye

Childrens Eyecare

Children eye info  from the sites below a

1.  http://www.eyeknoweyecare.com/

2.  Healthy eyes for Kids website a bit basic but a good start for getting to begin with eyecare.

3. Why are regular eyetests needed?

4. Transitions for children? This site as well as number 5 are very well done by the company Transitions the world leader in Photochromic Lenses due to the quality of the lenses.

5. Transitions Quiz?

We advise a first check at 4 years old. Often we use picture tests so dont worry about letters. The eyecheck can be quick. We have after school appointments.

Eyecare is essential as it is is linked to quality of life.

More links

Childrens eye testing – what do optometrists do? explains what optometrists to children do in a fun way. Interactive.

COLOUR VISION:  Click here for a very nice detailed look at colour vision problems and why they happen.

Healthy eyes at Compton Acres Optometrists

People putting eyesight in peril

People putting eyesight in peril

Regular eye tests can save people’s sight, says the charity

The credit crunch could mean more people going blind as they avoid eye checks to save money, warns a charity.

Action for Blind People found over a quarter of 2,350 adults polled had not had an eye test in the past two years, and of those 30% blamed cost.

The charity says a million UK people have sight loss that could have been prevented.

At around £24, the cost of a check-up is a small price to pay compared to losing your sight, it says.

Experts say the maximum time a person should go between tests should be two years – unless advised otherwise by an optician.

If you wait till you think something is wrong it may already be too late to save your sight An RNIB spokeswoman

Richard Tolson of Action for Blind People said: “It is understandable that people are worrying about their finances at this difficult time; however there are many options for those who need help.

“We are urging the general public to make sure that they don’t cut back on getting their eyes tested this year. We feel it’s a New Year’s resolution worth making.”

Eye tests are available free on the NHS for certain groups including those at risk of glaucoma, people on low incomes and the over-60s in England.

In Scotland free NHS eyes tests are available at any age.

Employees who use a computer for most of their work can also have a sight test paid for by their employer.

Dr David Bull, of current affairs shows The Wright Stuff and Watchdog Healthcheck, said: “The cost of an eye test is a small price to pay compared to the devastating cost of losing your sight.”

Some sight-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma, have no symptoms and could cause a person to lose up to 40% of their sight before they notice a difference. An eye test can pick up these conditions.

A spokeswoman for the Royal National Institute of Blind People said: “The cost of glasses or getting to the optician needn’t be a barrier to having an eye test.

“If you are on a low income or on benefits you could be entitled to an NHS voucher to help towards the cost of glasses.

“And those who have difficulty getting out to a test can have an optician visit them at home.

“All you need to do is contact your local optician who can either provide this service or refer you to one who does.

“We strongly urge everyone to have regular eye tests. If you wait till you think something is wrong it may already be too late to save your sight.”

Help with Optometrist Charges

Some people are automatically exempt from paying charges for eye tests, and for glasses and contact lenses. Some people on a low income can claim for help with all or part of the costs. People who use a computer screen or VDU as a regular part of their job are entitled to free eye tests that are paid for by their employer.

Who gets free NHS eye tests?

The following people automatically qualify for free eye tests (tests to check for vision problems). Tell the optometrist beforehand that you are entitled to a free test.

• If you are under 16.
• If you are under 19 and in full-time education.
• If you are aged 60 or over.
• If you (or your partner) gets one of the following:
  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
• If you are registered blind or partially sighted.
• If you have diabetes or glaucoma.
• If you are aged 40 or over and have a close relative (parent, brother, sister, son, or daughter) with glaucoma.
• If you are advised by a hospital eye specialist (an ophthalmologist) that you are at risk of glaucoma.
• If you are under a hospital eye service and your eye test is carried out through the hospital eye department as part of the management of your eye condition.
• If you have been prescribed complex lenses. The optometrist will need to see your last optical prescription.
• If you are a War Pensioner and the eye test relates to your pensionable injury.
• If you have an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
• If you are on a low income and have a certificate HC2 (see below). If you have an HC3 certificate you may get some help towards the cost.

How can people on a low income apply for help?

Some people on a low income may qualify for help with health costs such as eye tests or buying glasses or contact lenses. Your entitlement to help is based on your circumstances such as your level of income, savings, etc. Use form HC1 ‘Claim for help with health costs‘. See below on how to get this form. You have to fill in the form giving various details of your circumstances. If your application is successful, you will receive either certificate HC2 or HC3.

• Certificate HC2 means that you will not need to pay the following health costs: prescription charges; NHS dental charges; eye tests, glasses and contact lenses; travel to hospital for NHS treatment; wigs and fabric supports.
• Certificate HC3 provides partial help with some of these health costs.

Certificates are usually valid for six months. If your circumstances remain unchanged after six months then, if necessary, you should make a new claim before the current certificate expires.

Can I claim a refund for a charge I have already paid?

If you are issued with certificate HC2 or HC3, you may be able to claim a refund if you have recently paid for an eye test, glasses or contact lenses. Claims must be received within three months of your paying the charge. Use claim form HC5.

How can I get the claim forms?

To get the forms HC1 or HC5 mentioned above:

• Contact your local office of the Department of Work and Pensions (the local Jobcentre Plus or ‘social security’ office) for a claim form. Find your local office in the phone book under ‘Jobcentre Plus’, OR
• Get them from an NHS hospital, OR
• Your dentist or optometrist may stock them, OR
• Phone the Department of Health Publications Orderline on 0300 123 1002 (minicom 0300 123 1003) and ask for a form to be sent to you.

Free eye tests for workers with computers and VDUs

If you use a computer screen or other type of VDU for much of your time at work, then you are entitled to free eye tests. This is laid down in the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. The tests have to be done by an optometrist and are paid for by your employer. Employers may issue vouchers for you to take to an optometrist to pay for the checks at the specified time intervals. If the prescription is required for VDU use, your employer must provide vouchers towards the cost irrespective of the time space between purchases.

Further information about help with health costs

The official information booklet HC11 ‘Help with health costs‘ provides more details of this scheme. Your local Jobcentre Plus office, NHS hospital, pharmacist, doctor, dentist or optometrist may have leaflet HC11. The leaflet HC11 is also available on the internet. Go to the Department of Health’s website – www.dh.gov.uk – and search for HC11.

Directgov

Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Directgov brings together the widest range of public service information and services online.
Produced by the Central Office of Information, Directgov provides information from across UK government departments on topics ranging from travel safety and parental leave, to special educational needs, local NHS services, and benefits. The site also brings together an increasing number of online government services – including being able to download and/or complete certain benefit claim forms online.

Benefit Enquiry Line – BEL

England, Wales and Scotland - Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55
Northern Ireland – Tel: 0800 220 674 Textphone: 0800 243 787
For people with disabilities, their carers and representatives. It is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. BEL offers confidential advice and information on benefits and how to claim them. In addition they can also send out an extensive range of leaflets and claim packs and help you to complete a claim form over the phone.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Provides independent advice on many issues including benefits. Listed in the phone book under ‘Citizens Advice Bureaux’. Also, see their excellent website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

Details are here: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1992/Uksi_19922792_en_1.htm

What is the difference between optometrists and opticians?

Optometrists do eye tests to check your vision and to look for signs of eye disease. They also prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Opticians (dispensing) fit and sell glasses, but do not do eye tests.

We are Optometrists.

High Resolution , Acuity , Adaptive Optics.

This video is a general description of how Essilor Varilux Physio is made – the way the lens is measured and fitted and what frame is used are all aspects we at Compton Acres Optometrists take into consideration.

We like the video as it demonstates how light waves are processed by the lens in various different directions of gaze and how the eye interprets this infomation.

The lens was also tested in virtual reality with a real time eye tracker ( shown in the video )

All the evidence shows that many people wearing professive lenses have problems and infact even those wearing Varilux Comfort will notice the improvements.