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

What are the symptoms of earwax?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty hearing
Sensation of fullness in the ear
Itchiness in the ear
A ringing sound (tinnitus)
Discharge from the ear
Dizziness or vertigo
Earache or pain
Coughing

These symptoms should go away once the earwax has been removed.

Question 7

How do I know if I have excess earwax?

Accepted Answer

Hearing loss is the most obvious sign that you may need to have wax removed from your ear. There are a few other slow-growing signs that you can look out for, especially if you have a history of compacted earwax.

Ear pain

Usually resulting purely from pressure on the ear canal, if the wax has been pushed deep into the ear, the pain may come from direct pressure on the eardrum as well.

Cough

This is actually caused by the hard wax pressing a nerve called the vagus nerve which runs along the ear. The pressure can excite the nerve and make you cough despite your throat being clear.

A ‘full’ ear

If the hard wax is pressing equally around the ear canal, then it is experienced as a sensation of fullness inside the ear.
Your ears are self-cleaning so you should be fine to just leave them to it. If you feel earwax is causing a problem, get in touch with your GP or Specsavers store to discuss treatment options.

Question 8

Why do I have too much earwax?

Accepted Answer

Your ear canal regularly secretes earwax thanks to the sebaceous glands located in your outer ear. The movement of your neck and jaw massage these secretions along the ear canal, picking up debris like dirt and dead skin along the way. Once combined, this is what forms earwax as we know it.
If there is a change in the consistency of secretions from your ear canal, this will naturally cause harder earwax to be formed. This is common as we get older. If there is an increase in the amount of debris in your ear, then this will also have a similar effect. Harder wax moves more slowly along the ear canal, making you more prone to a build-up.
Medical conditions like eczema, which increase the amount of dead skin in the ear, can also cause excess earwax.
Living or working in a dirty environment, such as construction, may increase the amount of debris mixing with earwax and again lead to  blockages. 
There are a number of other factors that can cause compacted and hard earwax – these are just a few examples that can contribute to it.

Question 9

What is microsuction earwax removal?

Accepted Answer

Microsuction earwax removal uses a vacuum to gently remove any excess wax from your ears. It’s one of the most effective services for cleaning your ears and can be completed by one of our accredited Hearcare Professionals in store.

Question 10

Is ear syringing different from microsuction?

Accepted Answer

Ear syringing is a technique of removing earwax that involves pushing water through the ear canal to flush out the wax. Although it can be successful, it can have side effects and possible complications, especially if done incorrectly, causing ear infections or impacted earwax. Ear syringing is not a service that is provided by Specsavers.

Question 11

What should I expect at my earwax appointment?

Accepted Answer

Rest assured that our specially trained clinicians will use the safest method of wax removal to help you hear again.

Your wax removal appointment will take around 30 mins. While we adjust to new social distancing guidance, it would be really helpful if you could attend your appointment alone.

After asking a few questions to get a better understanding of the health of your ears, our clinician will examine your ear canals and ear drums by using an otoscope (magnifier with a light). They will record this information to help keep track of any changes in your ear over time.

We’ll then talk you through the procedure and show you the equipment that will be used and explain how it works. You’ll need to sign a consent form before we remove any wax from your ears.

Once you are happy to go ahead, our clinician will use a magnifier and suction tube to gently remove any wax that’s in your ear.
After our clinician has performed the procedure, they will then check the health of your ears and record this information.

If we are unsuccessful in removing any wax, we’ll advise you on your next steps.

Question 12

Can you remove impacted earwax at home?

Accepted Answer

No – we’d strongly advise against trying to remove impacted earwax at home as there’s a risk of causing more permanent damage to your ears in doing so. As a rule of thumb, don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.

Question 13

Are at-home earwax removal kits safe?

Accepted Answer

You should avoid buying any at-home earwax removal kits without first getting some advice from an audiologist or pharmacist. They’ll be able to recommend the safest way to remove earwax.

Question 14

Are cotton buds safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Cotton buds can pose a lot of unnecessary risk to your ear health and are not ear cleaners – it can push the wax further into the ear canal and put pressure on, or even damage, your eardrum – so it’s best to avoid using them.

Question 15

What can I do if my ear still feels blocked?

Accepted Answer

If your ear still feels blocked, get in touch with an audiologist or pharmacist. They might recommend another option to try or refer you on for further help.

Question 16

What is earwax?

Accepted Answer

Essentially, earwax is an efficient self-cleaning service for your ears, and helps to protect the sensitive ear canal from things like bacteria and debris that can cause infections.

Produced naturally by glands in the ear canal, you’ll recognise earwax as any colour from yellow, to bright orange, to dark brown. Your body will normally produce enough earwax to maintain health on its own, but sometimes this wax can become hard and impacted, which can lead to problems like hearing loss, or discomfort.

Question 17

What causes earwax?

Accepted Answer

Our ears are very efficient at cleaning themselves. Ironically, it’s usually when people try to clean their ears that impacted earwax is caused. Using things like cotton buds, your finger, or other objects to try and remove earwax can actually push it further into the ear – where it can build up and become impacted.
It can also be caused by excessive earwax, which can simply happen when your body naturally produces more earwax than it needs, or if it becomes drier or stickier than normal. It’s when this excessive earwax builds up that it can become impacted.
Other causes of impacted include:

Wearing earplugs, earbud headphones and hearing aids
Narrow or hairy ear canals
Age – earwax becomes drier as we age
Exposure to moisture causing the earwax to expand

Question 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

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 36

What are extraocular muscles?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 37

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 38

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 39

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 40

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 41

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 42

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 43

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 44

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 45

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 46

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 47

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 48

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 49

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 50

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 51

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.

Question 52

What health and safety measures are Specsavers Weston Favell taking regarding Covid-19?

Accepted Answer

All Specsavers stores, including Weston Favell, follow official advice on Coronavirus (Covid-19) and are currently open as normal. Contact the store for more information.

Question 53

How much does an eye test cost at Specsavers Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

An eye test costs approximately £20-25. You can also add an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test for about £10 in most stores.

Question 54

What is the price for a hearing test at Specsavers Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

Hearing tests at Specsavers are free and can be booked online or in-store.

Question 55

Can I return or exchange products purchased at Specsavers Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

Yes, products can be returned or exchanged within three months of purchase. In-store purchases should be returned to the store, and online purchases follow the online returns policy.

Question 56

What services does Specsavers Weston Favell offer?

Accepted Answer

The store offers eye tests, adult eye tests, contact lens services, and eye health services, along with hearing tests and ear wax removal.

Question 57

What are the opening hours for Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists at Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00-17:30; Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9:00-17:00; Sunday: 10:00-16:00.

Question 58

Can I amend an online appointment booking at Specsavers Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bookings can be amended via the confirmation email or confirmation page after booking.

Question 59

What popular nearby stores and services are available near Specsavers Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

Nearby places include YO! Weston Favell Extra Tesco Kiosk (Japanese restaurant), Shoe Zone (footwear and clothing store), Fitness Incorporated Northampton (supplements retail), WHSmith (bookstore), and LloydsPharmacy (pharmacy).

Question 60

How can nearby restaurants around Weston Favell Shopping Centre enhance my visit to Specsavers?

Accepted Answer

After your appointment, you can enjoy meals at nearby eateries such as YO! Weston Favell Extra Tesco Kiosk offering Japanese cuisine, Jenny's Restaurant for American dishes, or Burger King for fast food.

Question 61

What amenities are available nearby for convenience when visiting Specsavers Weston Favell?

Accepted Answer

Close to the store are useful amenities including the Weston Favell Centre Post Office, Barclays POD bank, and the DHL Express Service Point for shipping and postal needs.

Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists - Weston Favell

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

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Specsavers Opticians and Audiologists - Weston Favell