Eye Examinations

This is what the NHS covers including checking your prescription and the health of your eyes. However, the purpose and contents of the NHS sight test were laid down in 1989, long before many of the modern tests we now use in practice were developed.

You are eligible for an NHS eye examination if you are:

• Under 16, or under 19 in full time education
• Aged 60 or over
• Suffer from glaucoma or diabetes
• Aged 40 or over and are either parent, brother, sister or child of a person with glaucoma
• Considered to be at risk of glaucoma by an Ophthalmologist
• Prescribed complex lenses under the NHS voucher scheme
• Registered blind or patially sighted
• You or your partner receive income support, working families tax credit, income based job seekers allowance or disabled person’s tax credit
• You or your partner have a valid HC2 certificate

Recent advances in technology have made it possible to examine your eyes in far greater depth than ever before. In addition to what we carry out in a standard sight test we can now use a special camera to take photographs of the inside of your eyes. This allows us to see any abnormalities more easily and provides a permanent record of the condition of your eyes on a certain date. This gives us much more information about your eyes overall health. We will store the photos for as long as you remain a patient at the practice so that we can see how your eyes change over the years.

Undergoing this quick painless procedure can help us save you a lot of problems and even loss of sight in later life.

A Premium test will be offered as standard for all private eye examinations and is available to NHS patients  –  a small additional fee may be payable.

We are accredited to provide urgent appointments through the MECS scheme.

This is a free service available to all patients over the age of 18 who are registered with a local GP – including those in Ripon, Harrogate, Boroughbridge & Kirkby Malzeard, Pately Bridge & Masham.

Eye conditions which can be seen through this service include:

• Sudden onset or recent reduction / loss in vision
• Red / sore/ irritable eyes.
• Recent onset flashes &floaters.
• Suspected FB

Contact us directly – no need to be referred by your GP.

Can your child see clearly?

In a recent survey 84% of parents agreed that good vision would have a positive impact on their child’s performance at school yet only 50% of children have ever had an eye examination.

Is your child one of them?

We welcome children of all ages into the practice making adjustments to the tests dependent on age and maturity. Most children do not complain of eye problems as they assume everyone else sees the same.

All children under 16 and those under 19 and in full time education are entitled to a free NHS sight test and a voucher towards the cost of spectacles. We stock a fantastic range of comfortable, trendy and hard wearing frames many covered by the voucher allowance.