Eye Examinations
Why is an eye test important?
Eye examinations are an important way of monitoring your general health and keeping your eyes at optimum focus. Whether it’s difficulty reading small print, or trouble with night driving, an eye examination will give you the information needed to get back in focus with glasses or contact lenses.Forty‑five minutes with an experienced optometrist, advanced OCT retinal scanning, and a clear plan for your vision — all under one roof.
- Protects eye health
- Sharper, clearer vision
- Early detection of issues
- Personalised advice
Tailored Care
Examinations for every stage of
life.
Adult Eye Examination
Calm, friendly testing for children and young adults — early detection helps protect a lifetime of healthy vision.
Child Eye Examination
Calm, friendly testing for children and young adults — early detection helps protect a lifetime of healthy vision.
Next Steps
After the Eye Examination
We never rush you. Take your time to find the right next step for your vision.
Discuss Examination
Carmel will talk through the results of your examination with you, and arrange any further investigations if needed.
Discuss Frames
Choose a new frame, prescription sunglasses or sports eyewear from a wide range of designs to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Contact Lenses
A perfect alternative to glasses — we can arrange a contact lens fitting to suit almost any prescriptionCarmel will talk through the results of your examination with you, and arrange any further investigations if needed.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Why is an eye test important?
Your eyes cannot be replaced. You will not necessarily have any symptoms or pain.
An eye examination can pick up very early signs of any problems; the earlier treated the better.
The eye test can detect underlying health problems that you aren’t aware of, such as Diabetes or High Blood Pressure
The eye test will detect if your vision can be improved. You may just be used to seeing less clearly so don’t realise it can be improved upon. Good Vision gives a better quality of life. For children, it is essential that their eyes are functioning normally for them to perform well at school. Don’t accept that poor vision is due to your age. It may be possible to improve it further. It is important your vision meets certain legal standards for driving and certain occupations.
.
How often should I have my eyes tested?
Adults should have their eye tested every two years. An eye test is a regular health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision.
It may need to be more frequent depending on you age and medical history. Carmel and her team will advise when you should return for your next eye exam and will send you a reminder email or letter.
How much does an eye examination cost?
Further information on whether you qualify for this support is available <a href=”/nhs-support/”>here</a>If you do not qualify for NHS support you will have to pay for your eye test, which should cost £36.
NHS entitlement: Universal Credit does not automatically entitle someone to help with Eyecare Costs, the person needs to apply for help towards the cost by completing a HC1 form which is available here in the practice.
What age should a child have their eyes first tested?
Children can be tested at any age. Here at Murray Opticians, we are fully equipped to test children as young as 2.5 years old
It is recommended that an optometrist sees them before they start school and start learning to read.
It is recommended that every child has their vision checked before starting school. We pride ourselves on the specific expertise we have built up in delivering high quality eye care for children.
Often, vision problems can be the reason why a child does not perform well at school, for example because they cannot see the whiteboard. The earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment. Children’s eyes are fully developed by the time they are 8 years old so it is very important to have any problems detected before this
My eyes feel fine, why do I need a test every two years?
Eyes don’t usually let you know that something is wrong.
Any change is your vision is usually very gradual, so you become accustomed to the change.
Regular eye examinations are important to pick up any change as soon as possible to make sure any problem can be treated before it affects vision.
The eye test detects many conditions earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear. The eye test does not just check whether you need glasses, but it can show a number of underlying health problems, such as diabetes and glaucoma, and the general condition of your eyes.
I am diabetic, why do I need regular eye tests?
At Murray opticians we can detect early signs of DR by looking inside your eyes using an indirect ophthalmoscopic method.
We also take retinal photos each time you have an eye exam and we carefully check if there has been any changes in your eye health that require further assessment by the Diabetic Eye Clinic at the hospital.
What should I bring for the examination?
- List of any current medication with you.
- Your present spectacles, sunglasses and any magnifiers, if you use them.
- Contact lens wearers should wear their lenses to the appointment (unless specifically asked not to). If you wear contact lenses, please bring along your spectacles and contact lens case to your
appointment.
How long will the eye examination last?
Adult eye examinations will take between 30 minutes and 45 minutes.
Eye examinations for under 18s will take approximately 30 minutes.
How long will it take for my glasses to be ready?
Most glasses are ready within 2 days, some on the same day as they were ordered! However it does
depend on your prescription and therefore the maximum time it could take is 2 weeks.
If you have
an urgent order we will do our utmost to assist. We have a glazing lab on site which means we can
get glasses ready really quickly.
How long will it take for my contact lenses to be ready?
What are your opening hours?
9.00-1.00pm & 2.00-5.30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
9.00-1.00pm & 2.00-7.00pm Wed
Where can I park?
Parkins is available outside the practice on the Antrim Rd between 9.30-4.30pm
Alternatively there is parking in the streets nearby such as Pim St. Parking is usually easier after 4 pm in this area.