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FAQs

General

What is the basic terminology?

Optometrists are qualified to perform eye examinations and produce prescriptions for visual correction. Our optometrists are also qualified to fit a varied range of contact lenses.

Dispensing opticians are qualified to examine optometrist's prescriptions to determine lens specifications. They recommend frames, lens types and coatings after considering the prescription and the customer's occupation, habits, and facial features.

Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the front surface of the eye. Often described as the shape of a rubgy ball as compared to a football.

Long Sightedness or 'Hypermetropia' is a dfficulty in focusing on close objects such as reading. Here the eyeball is too short to focus images on the back of the eye.

Short Sightedness or 'Myopia' is the inability to see clearly at longer distances, for example when driving. This is usually caused by the eyeball being too long to focus images clearly on the back of the eye.

Visual Acuity (VA) is a measure of the size of charatcter you are able to see on the eyetest chart. This is measured using your spectacles or contact lenses if you wear them, and is the standard measurement of 'how well you are able to see'.

 

Eye Examination

I'm a student - is my sight test free?

The following people automatically qualify for a free NHS sight test, provided the test is carried out on or after the required recall period:

*Aged 60 or over

*Children under 16
*Under 19 in full time education
*Benefit Claimants-Income Support, income based Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, etc
*Named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate-the sight test fee (or voucher) will be reduced by any amount the claimant is assessed as being liable to pay
*Diabetes or Glaucoma sufferer
*Relatives 40 and over of Glaucoma sufferers-(parent, brother, sister, son or daughter)
*Registered blind or partially sighted

Students do not automatically qualify for a free test if they are not on the above list, but if you are on a low income (as most students are), you can collect an income assessment form (called a HC1) from the practice and you may qualify for a HC2 certificate which will entitle you to a free sight test, or partial help towards your eyecare costs. You may also be eligible for financial help towards the cost of  spectacles or contact lenses.

Please contact us for further information.

 

How do I read a spectacle prescription?

A prescription is made up of a number of parts. Sph (or sphere) is usually the first number and will either have a plus (+) sign if you are 'long sighted' or a minus sign (-) if you are 'short sighted'.

On prescriptions for people with astigmatism there will also be a cyl (or cylinder) component. This is usually a number with a minus sign (-) and an axis (number 0 to 180 with an "x" preceding it).

For people who require a specific reading prescription, there may also be an 'add' which is usually a number with a plus sign between +0.75 to +3.00.

What is Retinal Photography?
What is Retinal Photography?

Retinal Photography is a painless procedure using a digital camera to take pictures of the retina in the back of the eye. The ability to record and store images in this way provides an impressive and invaluable record, allowing comparison with images obtaines at subsequesnt eye examinations. Retinal Photography allows the health of the back of the eyes, and small changes in the apperance of the retina to be monitored more carefully than ever before.

This is not an NHS procedure, but for a small fee, both Private and NHS patients can enjoy the peace of mind that Retinal Photography provides.

If you are an Eyeplan member - you will be exempt from any fees for Retinal Photography.

Spectacles

What are the various spectacle lens materials?

Spectacle lenses are made of two main types of materials - plastic or glass. Plastic lenses are often CR39 or polycarbonate. Both main materials come in a variety of refractive indexes, designed to minimise the thickness.
HiIndex lens materials are commonly 1.56, 1.60 and 1.67, as compared to 1.523 for common crown glass. The refractive index of plastic lenses is capped at around 1.74, whereas glass lenses range up to an index of 1.9, making them potentially thinner. However, hi-index glass lenses are very brittle and not suitable for many activities which carry a risk of lens impact.
Ultimately, the lens choice is very much a user application. Hi Index will provide a thinner edge and better cosmetic appearance but still weigh in heavy. Comparatively, plastic lenses are lighter but in high minus prescriptions will have a significantly thicker lens edge.
Furthermore the size of the frame will influence the overall edge thickness since a larger eyesize means a larger lens.

What happens if I can't wear my new varifocals?

When you order Varifocal lenses from Ivan Cammack (Optometrist) you are investing in 'peace of mind' as well as great products. We only use the best varifocal lenses made by recognised lens manufacturers. All varifocal lenses carry a no quibble guarantee: So long as you tell us within 60 days of purchase.

If you order varifocal lenses and 'for whatever reason' are not able to wear them, our lens manufacturer will provide you with alternative spectacle lenses at no extra charge. We will ensure that you are not 'stuck with' a product that does not meet your needs.

Contact Lenses

How much are Contact Lenses?

There are three elements which make up the cost of wearing contact lenses:

Assessment & Fitting Fees. Typically £67, which covers measurements, trials and teaching. This Fee is higher if you need specialist lenses, such as Toric (correct astigmatism) or Multifocal (correct presbyopia).

Contact Lenses. From around £90 for Rigid Gas Permeable lenses and from £11 per month for Soft lenses including cleaning and care products.

CLS Aftercare & Support. £8.95 per month for regular contact lens aftercare, full sight examinations and significant savings on spectacles, sunglasses and other optical products. Concessions are available where entitled.

Will I find Contact Lenses uncomfortable to wear?

Modern contact lenses can be very comfortable. Most wearers are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they feel. If you have tried contact lenses before and failed - new lens material technology means that your chances of comfortable success are now dramatically better, so try again.

Some 'rigid' lens designs cause minor irritation to your eyelids when you first wear them, but this generally settles after a few days.

Can I have lenses that I sleep in?

Perhaps!

Modern contact lens material technology has allowed the development of contact lenses that are 'safe' to wear for several nights without removal "to give the eye a breather". Conventional soft contact lens materials did not allow a sufficiently good supply of oxygen to the cornea (front of eye) to maintain good health - this is not the case with the silicone hydrogel materials used today, and lenses can be worn for a whole week without removal, and even up to one full month.

Whilst the idea of just puting contact lenses in for a month at a time sounds great - there are a few more risks involved. It is certainly possible to have lenses which you sleep in - you just need to make sure it's the right thing for you by discussing with your optometrist.

What is Ortho-K?

Ortho-K, or OrthoKeratology, is a process of correcting the sight using a rigid contact lens which is highly permeable to oxygen. It is worn overnight, during sleep, and corrects the vision to give you the freedom to spend the day without the need for contact lenses or spectacles! They are available to patients with the following levels of short sightedness:

A spherical spectacle prescription of -0.75D up to -4.50D
Astigmatism of up to -1.50D

If you are unsure about your prescription or have any questions about Ortho-K, please don't hesitate to contact one of our friendly members of staff for more information.