Eye Tests

Please bring, your current glasses and contact lenses, and be prepared to explain any eye health issues or vision issues you have been experiencing since your last eye test.

It is also useful to know your family eye health history and share this with your optician.

Children’s eye tests are comprehensive, checking for potential eye health issues like lazy eye (amblyopia) and focusing problems.  
 
Adult eye tests primarily assess refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) and eye health conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. However, for the most part, the tests are the same.  

Regular eye tests are important for detecting and addressing potential vision problems early on. Early detection can prevent vision loss and improve overall quality of life. Eye tests can also detect other issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  
 
Beyond that, regular eye tests ensure your prescription is always up-to-date, so you have optimal vision.  

In addition to children and people with diabetes, these groups should consider more frequent eye exams:

• Older adults: As we age, our eyes change.
• People with certain health conditions: Like high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases.
• Those in jobs with eye hazards: Such as construction or welding.
• People with a family history of eye problems: Like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
• Those who drive a lot: Especially if your job requires you to drive (taxi driver, lorry driver etc). 

Yes, knowing your eye health history helps the optician assess your current needs and determine the appropriate tests. 

There are a few things you can do to ensure your eyes stay health, such as:

• Regular eye exams: Prioritise regular eye check-ups.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and manage stress.
• Protective eyewear: Wear sunglasses with UV protection and safety glasses when necessary.
• Avoid eye strain: Take frequent breaks from screens.

Any age if you have a concern about the vision, otherwise from around 3 years onwards. 

Children may feel anxious before their first eye test. To ease their worries, we’ll explain the simple process: a friendly eye care professional will gently look at their eyes to check for any issues. It’s completely painless, and we’ll make sure they feel comfortable every step of the way. 

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common reasons why people need an eye test. It’s a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry but objects up close are fine.  

Yes, even if you don’t experience any noticeable vision problems, regular eye exams can detect early signs of eye diseases and conditions. 

• Blurred vision
• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Double vision
• Changes in color perception
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Sensitivity to light 

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam promptly. 

Here are some simple signs that your child might need an eye test:

• Do they squint to see things clearly?
• Do they hold books or toys very close to their face?
• Do they try to sit as close to the TV as possible?
• Do they tilt their head to see better?
• Do they rub their eyes often?
• Are they struggling to read or write?
• Are they more clumsy than usual?

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye test with your local optician. Book an eye test with Gormley Opticians and experience ultimate eye care services.