Eye health and optometry

It is recommended that everyone should get their eyes tested at least every 2 years. These tests identify if people need glasses but also help to detect any early signs of eye disease.

 

When you visit an optician for an eye test you’ll be examined by an ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist who is trained to check any changes in your vision and to recognise abnormalities and conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma.

 

Ophthalmic practitioners and optometrists prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. If necessary, they’ll refer you to a GP practice or a hospital eye clinic for further investigations.

 

Optician, Optometrist, & Ophthalmologist: what’s the difference?

An ophthalmologist is a fully trained and qualified doctor who specialises in the treatment of the eye.

 

An optometrist is not a fully qualified doctor. They are however trained and licensed to examine your eyes and detect visual difficulties and other eye conditions. Their training is specialised and limited to the eye, its mechanisms, and its disorders.

 

Known as Dispensing Opticians in the UK, these eyecare professionals use prescriptions written by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist to recommend and fit glasses and other eyewear.

 

Will I have to pay?

You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are:

  • Aged under 16
  • Aged 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
  • Aged 60 or over
  • Registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired (partially sighted or blind)
  • Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • Aged 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • A prisoner on leave from prison
  • Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement.

 

You’re also entitled if you or your partner, including civil partner, receive one of the following benefits (or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving):

  • Income Support
  • Income based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Universal Credit

 

In addition, if you hold certain certificates such as tax credit exemption. Further information is available on the NHS website – free tests and vouchers.

If you’re entitled to or named on Optical vouchers and complex lens vouchers. Optical vouchers and complex lens vouchers are also available to help with the costs of glasses or contact lenses for some people who are eligible. Find out more on the NHS website – free tests and vouchers. Here, you can also learn more about claiming a refund if you have paid for a sight test but think you may qualify for an NHS-funded sight test, or you’re about to have a test and you’re not sure if you qualify.

 

Eye injuries and emergencies

There is information available on the NHS website – eye injuries regarding when and how you should seek medical help for eye injuries and emergencies.

 

How to make a complaint

If you’re not happy with the service or treatment provided, you have the right to make a complaint. Wherever possible, complaints should be made directly to the dispensing optician as it may be possible to sort out the problem straight away.

 

If you have already contacted the practice and are unhappy with the response and / or you do not feel comfortable discussing your concerns with the optician directly then the next step would be to raise a formal complaint via NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB). NHS Frimley ICB is responsible for investigating complaints regarding healthcare services in Surrey. You can contact them via:

  • Telephone: 0300 561 0290
  • Email: southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
  • Post: South East Complaints Hub, NHS Frimley ICB, Aldershot Centre for Health, Hospital Hill, Aldershot. Hampshire, GU11 1AY.

 

What support is available to help me?

Healthwatch Surrey

If you would like information or signposting about ways to feedback or complain about your care you can contact our Healthwatch Surrey Helpdesk.

 

Independent Health Complaints Advocacy

If you live in Surrey and need help to make a formal complaint, the Independent Health Complaints Advocacy service can provide free, confidential and independent support. It is provided by Luminus, home of Healthwatch Surrey in partnership with SILC (Surrey Independent Living Charity).

They can be contacted via:

 

Further help and advice

The Healthwatch Surrey Helpdesk provides information and signposting to local people about health and social care services.

It’s also the place to share your experiences of health and social care.  Whether it’s good or bad, big or small, we welcome your feedback and act on it to help improve care where you live.