Opticians

Optician is a general term that covers both optometrists and dispensing opticians. Optometrists carry out sight tests to check the quality of your vision and eye health. They look for signs of eye disease that may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses.

Dispensing opticians fit glasses and contact lenses, but do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as single-vision or bifocal, and help you to choose frames.

Sight test

When you visit an optician you may have your sight tested by an optometrist or an ophthalmic medical practitioner. They are trained to recognise abnormalities and diseases in the eye, such as cataract and glaucoma.

After the sight test the optician must legally give you your spectacle prescription (whether new or unchanged) or a statement saying that you did not need a prescription. This statement will also say if you are being referred to your GP or ophthalmic hospital.

It is recommended that you visit an optometrist every two years (or more frequently if advised). This is important because an eye examination can detect potentially blinding eye conditions. If you require an eyetest but cannot leave your home then Healthcall Optical provide free NHS home sight tests - see details on right hand side. 

It is easy to neglect the eyes because they rarely hurt when there is a problem. Once eyesight is lost, it may never be restored. 

Eye Care Entitlements

Some people are entitled to free NHS eye tests or optical vouchers.  To find out if you are exempt, follow the useful links.

Opening hours

To find an Optician in your area, use the search facility at the bottom of this page. All Opticians in the area will be listed, with the nearest shown first. Their addresses, phone numbers and opening hours are listed.