Question 1

What is Specsavers doing in reaction to Covid-19?

Accepted Answer

All stores are following advice on Coronavirus (Covid-19) (find out more at specsavers.co.uk) and are open as normal, please contact your nearest store if you require more information

Question 2

How much is an eye test?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a Specsavers eye test varies, but it's around £20-25. When you book an eye test, you can also book an additional Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test.

In most stores, the cost of our hospital-grade OCT appointments is just £10 but in some Scottish stores, this may vary. If in doubt, you can call your local practice to check. (You can find contact details for your local branch at specsavers.co.uk/stores)

Question 3

Can I return products?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we want you to be completely happy with your purchase at Specsavers. If you have any concerns within three months of the date of purchase, we'll put it right. No quibble, no fuss.

If your purchase was made in-store, simply return it to the store you bought it from where our colleagues will be happy to help. You can find your nearest store at specsavers.co.uk/stores.

If your purchase was online you can find our full returns policy in our Legal Policy section at specsavers.co.uk/legal/terms-of-purchase

If you have any other questions, you can find out how to contact us at specsavers.co.uk/news-and-information/customer-care

Question 4

What is your replacement policy?

Accepted Answer

If your purchase was made in-store simply return to the store you bought it from where our colleagues will be happy to help. You can find your nearest store at specsavers.co.uk/stores

If your purchase was online you can find our full replacement and returns policy at specsavers.co.uk/legal/terms-of-purchase

Question 5

How much do hearing tests cost?

Accepted Answer

Hearing tests at Specsavers are free.

If you think you're having difficulties with your hearing you can use our free online screener at specsavers.co.uk/hearing/free-online-hearing-test or find your local store to book a hearing test at specsavers.co.uk/hearing/stores

Question 6

I have booked an online appointment. Can I amend it online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can amend your booking either from the booking confirmation email or the confirmation page that you get immediately after your booking.

Question 7

How often should I have an eye test?

Accepted Answer

For most people, it's advisable to have an eye test every two years, but it's best to attend earlier if any eye problems occur or if advised by your optometrist.

Question 8

At what age should children first visit the optician?

Accepted Answer

There are tests that can be used on infants and preschool children who cannot read. If you have any concerns about your child's vision, you should find a local optician who will test their vision.
However, if you have no concerns it's perhaps better to wait until your child is a little older - say around three and a half years - before taking them for a full eye examination.
Even if your child's vision seems good, it's worth taking them for a full sight test at a qualified optician when they reach school age, just to make sure that there aren't any issues with their vision that are likely to affect their early school years.

Question 9

How long should an eye test take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the patient, but a young, healthy person with no apparent problems should take around 20 minutes.

Someone older, perhaps with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or other ailments can take much longer.

Your optician will determine what clinical tests are needed to provide the correct information for new spectacles or contact lenses; if necessary, they might refer the patient for a medical opinion.

Question 10

What tests does the optician use in the sight test?

Accepted Answer

Sight tests, also known as eye examinations, are more than just tests of your vision.

A comprehensive sight test includes a thorough examination of the front and back of the eye for any health problems, too.

You might have certain tests - such as 'auto-refraction' (to provide the optician with a rough estimate of any spectacle prescription) and 'tonometry' (a measurement of the pressure inside the eye) before entering the consulting room.

The optician will ask you questions about any problems you're having with your eyes or might have had in the past, and about any family history of eye problems (some eye problems can be hereditary).

The vision test (known as the 'refraction') includes the use of a letter chart, with different lenses being placed in front of the eye while the optician uses further techniques to fine-tune the prescription.

The prescription is the power of lens for the right and left eye which will correct the patient's vision. During the eye health check the optician checks the condition of the eye's various structures using an opthalmoscope and a number of other instruments such as a slit-lamp and a visual field analyser.

Question 11

What does the 'red and green' test tell the optician?

Accepted Answer

This test is known as the 'duochrome test'; it's used to estimate if you're short or long sighted.

This 'red and green' test works on the principle that the wavelengths of red and green light are focused slightly differently by the eye, red being closer to the retina with short sight (i.e. clearer) and green focused closer to the retina in long sight.

Question 12

How do I cancel an order?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately as payment is taken at the point of order, we can't amend or cancel an order once it has been placed.

Question 13

What does 20/20 vision mean?

Accepted Answer

This term indicates that an individual has a visual acuity of 20/20.

It's a term only used in North America - in Europe, 6/6 notation is used. These figures are based on letter charts which are used in the standard sight test, such as the Snellen chart.

The top number refers to the distance at which the chart is viewed (20 feet or 6 metres) and the bottom number refers to the distance at which a person with ideal vision can see a letter clearly.

So if you have 20/40 (or 6/12) vision then you'll just be able to see something from a distance of 20 feet that a person with perfect eyesight will be able to see from 40 feet.

Question 14

Do I have to do anything special before an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Note any changes you might've seen since your last test and think of any questions you might have for your optician.

Remember to bring your current glasses or contact lenses and note the names of any prescription drugs or medication you might be taking.

Question 15

Can I use other Specsavers stores?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can transfer your records to any Specsavers store to ensure your details are kept up to date. If you are wanting to use a different store, please let us know by providing your current store details, the store you are looking to visit and any dates if applicable here.

Question 16

My glasses don't seem to fit properly, does this matter?

Accepted Answer

It's important to get a good fit because poor fitting glasses might actually affect the quality of your vision.

For example, if you are short sighted and your glasses are further away from your eyes then they might seem weaker than they are.

Or, if you are long sighted you may feel that your specs are too strong. In either of these cases, visit your optician and have your frames adjusted as soon as you can.

Question 17

When will I know the results of my eye test?

Accepted Answer

Your optician will discuss the results with you at the end of the examination and explain if any further tests are required.

They'll also tell you if there's a change in prescription, if you need new spectacles or lenses or if they've found any problems.

Question 18

Will glasses improve my short sightedness, resulting in me not having to wear them as often?

Accepted Answer

There is no evidence to suggest that wearing glasses for a limited period actually alters or improves your eyesight.

Short sightedness, or myopia, is caused by the shape of the eye - either the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) is too steeply curved. Glasses and contact lenses are able to correct the refractive error but not the cause, but there are several methods which can "improve" your vision permanently which include refractive surgery.

If you would prefer not to wear glasses, perhaps you should consider contact lenses. There are various lens types available which can be worn for varying lengths of time. At Specsavers, your local optician will be happy to advise you on the most appropriate contact lenses for your prescription and lifestyle and answer any of your other questions. For more information on our contact lenses, visit our online guide here.

Question 19

What is the cause of retinitis pigmentosa?

Accepted Answer

The causes of retinitis pigmentosa aren't clearly understood, though there is some evidence that it is inherited which means it can affect other members of the patient's family.

However there are a number of isolated cases with no genetic pattern and some cases are so mild they may go undetected.

Question 20

What is the conjunctiva?

Accepted Answer

The conjunctiva is a thin mucous membrane which covers the inner surface of the eyelids and extends over the surface of the sclera (the white of the eye).

Question 21

What is nystagmus?

Accepted Answer

This is an involuntary rapid tracking movement of the eyes. It usually affects both eyes, and is often exaggerated or stopped by looking in a particular direction.

The eyes may move from side to side (horizontal nystagmus), up and down (vertical nystagmus), circular (rotatory nystagmus) or a combination of these.

The most common types are motor and sensory nystagmus. Motor nystagmus is usually hereditary and present shortly after birth. Sensory nystagmus is an acquired condition usually beginning in infancy.

If the underlying cause is known it may be treatable.

Question 22

How does diabetes affect the eye?

Accepted Answer

High blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin from diabetes can cause eye problems over time, such as making your small blood vessels and capillaries leaky.

In the eye, this can mean blood and fluid entering the retina and damaging the cells which detect light.

In the long term, diabetes can lead to other eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Question 23

What is aqueous humour?

Accepted Answer

The aqueous humour is a clear, watery fluid that fills your eye's anterior chamber.

It carries nutrients for the lens and for part of the cornea, and contributes to the maintenance of the intraocular pressure.

It leaves the eye through a drain or meshwork created by other cells where the iris meets the cornea.

Question 24

What are extraocular muscles?

Accepted Answer

The extraocular muscles are the muscles that control the movement of the eye.

Question 25

What is the lens?

Accepted Answer

The lens is a disc positioned behind the pupil, suspended by ligaments.

It is transparent and convex on both sides - shaped a bit like a Smartie.

Question 26

What is the macula?

Accepted Answer

The macula is an oval area at the centre of the retina at the back of the eye, which contains the greatest concentration of cones (the area which produces our clearest, sharpest vision).

Question 27

What is the retina?

Accepted Answer

The retina is the innermost layer of the posterior chamber wall.

It is a highly complex structure made up of several other layers.

Question 28

What is the conjunctivitis?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctivitis is a really common condition, affecting one or both eyes, that’s caused by inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and inner surfaces of the eyelid, called the conjunctiva. You may have also heard it referred to as pink or red eye.

Question 29

What does an ophthalmologist do?

Accepted Answer

Ophthalmologists are specialists who have undertaken medical and surgical training.

They have experience in diagnosis and treatment (surgical and medical) of eye disease.

Question 30

What causes an eye to become red and how can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Redness occurs when the blood vessels in the white of the eye, the sclera, expand.

If the redness occurs in small localised areas, or spots, this is probably due to an injury.

If the whole of the sclera appears reddened this might be caused by infection, allergy, glaucoma or simply tiredness.

Treatment for the red eye depends on what caused it in the first place, so if the redness doesn't resolve itself consult your optician ot GP as soon as possible.

If you wear contact lenses and you suspect a mild redness in your eyes might be due to being in a smoky or dry environment, you can try eye drops for immediate relief. If this doesn't work or if the redness is more severe, remove your contact lenses immediately and contact your optician.

Question 31

What is eye strain / asthenopia?

Accepted Answer

Eye strain/ asthenopia are terms which refer to a group of symptoms related to the experience of discomfort felt when viewing something, often for prolonged periods.

Although often painful, eye strain doesn't lead to permanent eye damage.

The symptoms of eye strain are varied and might include:

Headaches
Blurred vision
Light sensitivity
Red, watery eyes
Painful or sore eyes
Dry eyes
Tired eyes
Back and neck aches
Muscle spasms

Most, if not all, symptoms of eye strain are easily remedied, however if these symptoms become persistent or get worse, you should visit your optician as soon as possible.

Question 32

How can colour vision be tested?

Accepted Answer

There are various tests, but the most commonly used is the Ishihara test.

In this test, the optician shows the patient a number of plates which are printed with different coloured dots of differing brightness, density and size, arranged so that the dots of similar colour form a figure (for example a number) among a background of dots in another colour.

If a person has defective colour vision they'll be unable to identify some or all of the figures hidden in the dots depending upon what type of colour blindness they suffer from.

Question 33

I have a small raised white bump on my eyeball and redness and irritation in both eyes, can you help?

Accepted Answer

This is probably a pinguecula - a very common type of conjunctival degeneration which looks like a raised yellow/white deposit on the white of your eye nearest the nose.

It's not usually painful, but it can be uncomfortable. If so, it's best to use lubricating eye drops to help, and possibly antihistamine eye drops as the allergy may cause more irritation.

Pinguecula rarely need any treatment but can be removed or helped with steroid eye drops, for which you need to see an eye specialist.

If it's painful, you may have an eye infection like conjunctivitis or the pinguecula itself may be infected and need medication - in this case, it's best to see your optician or GP as soon as possible.

Question 34

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Accepted Answer

If you have diabetes, you’re at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye called the retina. This occurs because the retina at the back of the eye is supplied with blood by a delicate network of blood vessels.

Diabetes can cause the blood vessels to become blocked or leak, meaning the retina can’t work properly because it is not receiving a good blood supply. Left undiagnosed and untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to complications resulting in sight loss. Thankfully, with ongoing diabetes management and regular screening, you can protect your vision and reduce the likelihood of these visual complications.

Question 35

What causes glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

The eyeball contains a fluid called aqueous humour, which is constantly produced by the eye. Any excess fluid is drained from the eye through tiny channels and tubes. When the fluid cannot drain properly, pressure builds up in the eye.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. It often affects both eyes, usually to varying degrees. As most cases won’t have any symptoms, one of the best ways to detect glaucoma is during a routine eye test – that’s why it’s so important to have one regularly.
Glaucoma typically develops when this increased pressure damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, and harms the nerve fibres from the retina, the light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye.

In acute glaucoma cases this pressure rises rapidly to higher levels, even causing pain.

Question 36

What is dry eye syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Dry eye syndrome (sometimes known as dry eye disease) is a common condition that happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if the quality of your tears isn’t quite right. This doesn’t mean that you can’t cry and in some cases your eyes can water more. The function of the tears is to keep the front surface of the eye (the cornea) moist and healthy. So when the tear supply is reduced or of poor quality, your eyes can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Anyone can develop dry eye syndrome, but it’s more common in women and in people over 65.

Question 37

What are the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?

Accepted Answer

Macular degeneration isn’t painful. You may not even notice you have the condition until you experience a loss of vision. AMD affects activities requiring detail, such as reading and writing.

Dry AMD
The more common of the two conditions, dry AMD affects your ability to see fine detail. You may find it difficult to read, use your computer, watch the television, drive, etc. Some people may not realise the change in vision, as it happens so slowly

Wet AMD
Wet AMD involves a sudden and sometimes dramatic decline in your central vision, usually in one eye. Typically, wet AMD develops in people who have already had dry AMD. It is very important that anyone who has unusual symptoms (such as straight lines appearing to be wavy or blurring of the central vision) contacts an optometrist as soon as possible.

Question 38

What is myopia/short sight and how can it be corrected?

Accepted Answer

A person with myopia or short sight can see objects close to them clearly, but not far away.

Myopia is caused by the shape of the eye; either the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea (the clear covering of the front of the eye) is too steeply curved.

Myopia is corrected by spectacles or contact lenses with lenses which are 'minus' or concave in shape. So if you're short sighted, your prescription will have a minus lens power, e.g. -2.50D.

Question 39

What does axis mean on my prescription?

Accepted Answer

The axis number on your prescription tells your optician in which direction they must position any cylindrical power in your lenses (required for people with astigmatism).

This number shows the orientation or angle in degrees from 1 to 180. The number 90 means vertical position and 180 horizontal.

A higher number for the axis does not mean that your prescription is stronger - it simply describes the position of the astigmatism.

Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists - Amersham

Business Details

About

Location

Hours

Products & Services

Standard Optical Services (UK)

Services

Adult eye tests

Children’s eye care

Contact lens services

Eye health services

Adult hearing tests

Audiology services

Glasses

Women’s glasses

Men’s glasses

Children’s glasses

Sunglasses

Prescription glasses

Lenses

Contact lenses

Varifocal lenses

Bifocal lenses

Polarising lenses

Reactions lenses

Earwax Removal (UK)

Earwax removal

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Frequently Asked Questions About Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists - Amersham