Information for Patients
Welcome to Eye Care at Home. This page contains important information about our services to help you prepare for your appointment and understand what to expect during your home eye care visit.
Contents
Before Your Appointment
Important: Ensure You Have Your Current Spectacles With You
Please ensure you have your current spectacles available during the appointment, even if they are broken or no longer comfortable. This helps our optometrist understand your visual history and current needs.
What to Prepare
- Current eyewear: All glasses, including reading glasses, distance glasses, and sunglasses
- Previous prescriptions: Any recent eye test results or prescriptions you may have
- Medication list: Current medications, especially eye drops or medications that may affect your vision
- Medical history: Information about any eye conditions, surgeries, or family history of eye problems
- NHS details: NHS number if known and eligibility documentation if applicable
- Comfortable seating: An area where you can sit comfortably during the examination
NHS Patients
If you are eligible for NHS eye care, please have your NHS number ready. We will verify your eligibility during the appointment. NHS eye tests are available for:
- People aged 60 and over
- People with certain medical conditions
- Named on a valid NHS tax exemption certificate
- Named on a valid HC2/HC3 certificate
- Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Receiving Income Support
- Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receiving Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
- Receiving Universal Credit and meet the specific criteria
- People with a family history of glaucoma
What to Expect During Your Visit
Duration
A comprehensive eye examination typically takes 45-60 minutes. If you need new spectacles, frame selection and fitting will require additional time.
Equipment
We bring all necessary portable equipment to your home, including:
- Vision testing charts
- Portable retinoscope and trial lenses
- Tonometer for pressure testing
- Ophthalmoscope for retinal examination
- Visual field testing equipment when required
The Examination Process
- Initial consultation: Discussion of your vision concerns and medical history
- Vision assessment: Testing your sight with and without current glasses
- Eye health check: Examination of the front and back of your eyes
- Pressure testing: Checking for signs of glaucoma
- Results discussion: Explanation of findings and recommendations
- Prescription provision: If new glasses are needed
Special Considerations
For Patients with Learning Disabilities
We specialise in providing adapted eye care for individuals with learning disabilities. Our approach includes:
- Extra time for the examination to ensure comfort
- Adapted communication methods
- Flexible testing procedures based on individual needs
- Involvement of carers or family members as appropriate
- Familiar home environment to reduce anxiety
For Elderly Patients
- We understand mobility challenges and work around them
- Clear explanations throughout the process
- Assistance with frame selection and fitting
- Consideration of conditions like dementia or hearing difficulties
- Involvement of family members or carers if needed
Care Home Residents
- Coordination with care home staff
- Flexible scheduling to suit daily routines
- Communication with healthcare professionals as needed
- Accommodation for residents who may find examinations challenging
After Your Examination
If You Need New Spectacles
- Frame selection from our comprehensive range brought to your home
- Measurements taken for proper fitting
- Explanation of lens options (single vision, bifocal, varifocal)
- Discussion of coatings and special features available
- Delivery and fitting appointment scheduled
Follow-up Care
- Spectacles delivered and fitted at your home
- Adjustments made as needed for comfort
- Instructions on care and maintenance of new eyewear
- Next appointment recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family member or carer be present?
Absolutely. We encourage the presence of family members or carers, especially if you have communication difficulties or feel more comfortable with support.
What if I cannot sit for the entire examination?
We can adapt the examination to your needs, including testing while you are lying down or in a wheelchair if necessary.
Do you accept NHS vouchers for spectacles?
Yes, if you are entitled to an NHS optical voucher, we accept these towards the cost of your spectacles.
What happens if you find a serious eye condition?
If we identify any concerning conditions, we will arrange urgent referral to appropriate specialists and inform your GP with your consent.
Contact Information
If you have any questions before your appointment or need to reschedule, please contact us:
Office Hours
Tuesday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Monday: 9am - 5pm (closed occasional Mondays)
Closed England bank holidays
Emergency
For urgent eye problems outside office hours, please contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest Accident & Emergency department.