Health Problems - Opticians

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• Dentists
• Opticians

Choosing an Optician

You can choose your optician but, unlike doctors and dentists, you do not have to register.

Some opticians - ophthalmic opticians (or optometrists) examine eyes for any medical problems, test eyesight and dispense glasses. Other opticians - dispensing opticians - have glasses made up, adjust frames and sell glasses, but do not carry out eye tests

Examinations and Sight Tests

It is a good idea to have your eyes tested regularly; your optician will advise you how often you need to do this. Even if you think your vision is perfect your sight can get bad slowly over time and you might not notice. An eye test may also help to pick up other health problems in their early stages.

Once you have had your eyes tested, if you need glasses, the optician must give you a prescription for your lenses that will be valid for six months.

Choosing your Glasses or Contact Lenses

You can buy your glasses or contact lenses from the opticians where you had your eyes tested and where your prescription was issued. Of you can take your prescription to another optician and buy your glasses there.

Charges

Young people under 16 or under 19 and in full time education do not have to pay for sight tests. Other people on a low income or claiming benefits may get free tests.

Young people under 16 or under 19 and in full time education can get vouchers to help with the cost of buying new glasses. People on low incomes or claiming benefit may also be able to get vouchers. If you choose glasses that cost more than the voucher, or if you choose contact lenses, you will have to pay the difference yourself. Vouchers must be used within six months of the date of issue.

Last Updated: 25-Jun-2007