All our HSH Practice staff are wearing clinical PPE, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians are wearing a clinical masks, apron, gloves and visor. We kindly request your wear one of our clinical masks which we will supply to you free of charge when you enter the Practice. 

We continue to adhere to our locked door policy & appointment only system which allows us to safely manage Patient visits resulting in a distanced and controlled environment.

Our Optometrists & Dispensing Optometrists will refresh their aprons, gloves between each Patient. We perform a full clean down of equipment between each Patient with hospital grade anti-viral wipes and smaller equipment sanitised in our UV-C cleaning unit. 

You are most welcome to try on frames, however we do request you place any frames handled onto the side units, which we will then place in our UV-C sanitisation unit and wipe down the unit with clinical anti-viral wipes.

The day before your eye examination, we will call you to confirm our Covid-safe questions to ensure that no-one visiting the Practice is experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms.

Many people think that a sight test is just about checking whether your vision needs correcting with glasses or contact lenses. But there are other important reasons to have regular eye tests.
An Eye Test is a vital check on the health of the eyes and can detect a range of common eye conditions.
Many of these, if found early, can be treated successfully, avoiding potential sight loss.
An eye test can also spot other health conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes and increased risk of stroke.

Everybody! Sight tests should be part of everyone’s health care routine just like going to the dentist.
And remember, children are never too young to have an eye check. Special tests have been devised to help Optometrists examine even the youngest children.

Most people should have their eyes checked every two years, unless advised otherwise by their Optometrist.
Certain groups may need their eyes checked more frequently. These include: People with a family history of glaucoma, anyone aged over 70 and, diabetics.
Speak to your Optometrist for individual advice.

Eye test appointments usually last 30 to 40 minutes. Your Optometrist will tailor the examination according to your individual circumstance, taking into account factors such as your age, medical history and lifestyle.
Tests performed during your eye exam might include: using a retinal camera or ophthalmoscope to examine the retina, blood vessels and nerves at the back of the eye, assessing your visual acuity by asking you to read letters from a Snellen chart and measuring the pressure inside your eye.

Those entitled to a sight test paid for by the NHS include the following groups:
– Aged 60 or over
– Under 16 or under 19 still in full time education
– Diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma
– 40 years of age or over with a close relative with glaucoma
– Registered blind or partially sighted
– Complex lens wearers
– Receive Income Support
– Receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution based)
– Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
– Receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
– Awarded Universal Credit
– Entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
– Named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
People named on a HC3 NHS certificate may also get help.
You may also be entitled to a voucher towards the cost of any eyewear prescribed. Ask your Optometrist for details.
Your Optometrist will also be able to advise on eligibility for NHS eye tests at home.
For more information about looking after your eyes visit www.visionmatters.org.uk
This information is a guide only and should not replace advice given by your healthcare professional.