Comprehensive Eye Tests

At Consett Eyecare, we believe a thorough eye examination is one of the most important investments you can make in your long-term health. Unlike the quick appointments common at larger chains, we provide unhurried, extended consultations — giving our team the time to carry out a full clinical assessment and giving you the time to ask every question you need answered.

More Than Just a Prescription

Many people think of an eye test simply as a way to check whether they need glasses. In reality it is a comprehensive health screen. During your examination we assess not only your vision but also the internal and external health of your eyes, looking for early signs of conditions that may have no symptoms in their early stages, including:

• Glaucoma — raised pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve before any vision loss is noticed
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of sight loss in the UK
• Cataracts — clouding of the lens, often developing gradually without the patient realising
• Diabetic Retinopathy — changes to the blood vessels at the back of the eye caused by diabetes
• Hypertensive Retinopathy — signs of high blood pressure visible in the eye's blood vessels
• Retinal Detachment — a sight-threatening emergency that can be identified before complete detachment occurs

What Happens During Your Test

Your appointment at Consett Eyecare typically follows this structure, though our optometrist will tailor the examination to your individual needs:

• Initial consultation — we discuss your general health, medications, family history of eye disease, and any specific visual concerns you have
• Pre-screening — digital equipment measures your eye pressure, corneal curvature, and performs automated refraction to give the optometrist a baseline before the test begins
• Visual acuity — checking how clearly you can see at distance and near with and without any current glasses
• Refraction — the optometrist determines your exact prescription through a series of lens comparisons, adjusted precisely for your eyes
• Binocular vision assessment — checking how well your eyes work together as a team, including eye movements and focusing ability
• External eye examination — inspection of the eyelids, lashes, and front surface of the eye using a slit lamp
• Internal eye examination — the optometrist examines the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye, with pupil dilation if clinically indicated
• Results & recommendations — we explain our findings in plain English and discuss any recommended treatment, referral, or eyewear options

NHS Eye Tests

We are fully NHS registered. If you are eligible for a funded NHS sight test, you will receive our full comprehensive examination at no cost to you. You may qualify for a free NHS eye test if you:

• Are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education
• Are aged 60 or over
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma, or are at risk of glaucoma
• Are registered as partially sighted or blind
• Have a valid HC2 certificate (low income)
• Receive certain benefits including Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit

We also accept NHS optical vouchers toward the cost of glasses or contact lenses if a prescription is issued.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Test?

The right frequency depends on your age and health history. As a general guide:

• Children — annually throughout school age
• Adults with no known eye conditions — every two years
• Adults over 60 — annually
• Patients with diabetes, glaucoma, or a family history of eye disease — annually or as advised by our optometrist

If you notice any change in your vision between tests — blurring, distortion, new floaters, or discomfort — do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Contact us and we will see you promptly.

Advanced Technology

We continually invest in diagnostic equipment to ensure the most thorough examination possible. Our practice uses digital retinal imaging, automated tonometry for eye pressure measurement, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) where required, allowing us to detect and monitor conditions with a level of precision not possible with standard high-street equipment.

Book Your Eye Examination

Book your next eye test with Consett Eyecare today. Call us on 01207 505 151 or visit our contact page.