Q.
How often should someone within the care setting have an eye examination?
A.
In line with NHS guidelines, we would advise an eye examination should be carried out once a year should you be over sixty. However, should you have any concerns regarding someone’s vision, or they have had a fall that is unexplained, then we advise that you get in touch to arrange an assessment as soon as possible.
Q.
How can you examine someone with limited communication skills?
A.
Our Opticians are highly skilled professionals who have years of experience working with people with various different needs. In instance of examining the eyes of someone living with dementia we use a specially developed testing chart, which incorporates pictures rather than letters, making the eye examination easier for the patient. If we believe that the eye chart is not suitable, perhaps the patient has communication difficulties due to e.g. stroke then we will use the latest state of the art diagnostic equipment to assess for any eye diseases and to obtain a measure of the patient’s spectacle prescription.
Q.
What costs are involved in an eye exam carried out at a care home?
A.
For visits at home (in whichever setting that may be), you are eligible for free eye tests as long as you are unable to visit a practice due to ill health or mobility issues.
Q.
Do you offer an NHS service?
A.
We are registered with the NHS to provide optical care, and we adhere to the standards they set. We are also registered with The General Optical Council who are the regulators for the optical professions in the UK. We currently register around 29,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses.