Eyelink Cambridge

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Frequently asked questions

General Questions

Why should I have my eyes examined regularly?

As we age there is an increasing chance of eye problems developing. For instance, many of the changes caused by eye disease occur slowly, often over a period of years and sometimes without obvious signs or symptoms. Regular check-ups make detection more likely and enable prompt treatment. The result for you, the patient, is a better chance of curing or controlling any eye disorder.

Our Opticians can provide you with information tailored to your specific needs. As a trained professional, the Optician has information available on many eye related conditions.

How often should I have a Sight Test?

At Eyelink we recommend that you have your eyes examined at least every 2 years. Certain medical conditions require monitoring on a regular basis, and yearly examinations are recommended in these cases. Should you wear contact lenses, yearly appointments are obligatory to renew your annual contact lens prescription. These recommended intervals assume that you are not experiencing any discomfort or visual change.

What does the eye examination involve?

By carefully interpreting any symptoms or history you may have, an Optometrist is able to carry out a series of examinations and measurements to determine your optimal prescription and general health of your eyes. Should it prove necessary, further equipment may be used to assess your eye pressures, visual fields, colour vision status. Retinal Photography allows detailed examination of your retinas, and provides a permanent record for future reference.

Am I entitled to a free eye examination through the NHS?

You are entitled to an eye examination paid for by the NHS if: • you are under 16 years of age • you are under 19 years of age and in full time education • you or your partner are getting income support • you or your partner are getting family credit • you are over 60 years of age • you suffer from glaucoma • you are over 40 years of age and have a family history of glaucoma • you require certain types of complex lenses • you are registered as blind or partially sighted

Can I get help, towards the cost of glasses?

If you fall into any of the first four categories above you will get help towards the cost of glasses. If you require complex lenses you may get a small allowance.

If I am on a low income or a student but do not qualify in the above groups can I get help?

You can apply for help towards the cost of eyecare by submitting a form AG1 to the DSS. These forms are available at most Opticians, Dentists, Post Offices and Benefit offices.

Do I need to see my Doctor before I can have an eye examination?

No. All you need to do is make an appointment. You can ring, email us or just call in. We may even be able to see you without an appointment.

Why do my spectacle lenses have to be so thick and heavy?

They don't! Modern lens materials mean that lenses can be made much thinner and lighter nowadays. Frames can also be lightweight and durable; modern styles are also very neat and ideal for higher prescriptions. For more information check out our lenses page.

How often should I have my eyes examined?

On average about every two years. Certain people may require more frequent examinations. For example diabetics or people who have a family history of glaucoma. Children should also be seen at least every year and in many cases every six months. We will advise you when we would recommend your next appointment, and our computerised recall system will automatically send you a reminder when you are due.

Driving Related Questions

What is the legal vision requirement for driving?

You must be able to read a standard number plate on a motor vehicle, in good light, from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet). The minimum field of vision for safe driving is defined as 120 degrees wide and 20 degrees both above and below the horizontal. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that these requirements are met and to inform the DVLA if they are in doubt. Regular eye examinations are therefore recommended.

Which frames are best for driving?

You should choose a style that does not restrict your field of vision e.g. Frames with thin rims or rimless, combined with sides fitted to the frame above eye level.

Which lenses are best for driving?

Plastic lenses are recommended, as they are lighter and safer should you be involved in an accident. Anti-reflection coated lenses reduce glare and reflections from oncoming lights, especially car headlights at night.

Are tinted lenses suitable for driving?

Tinted lenses are suitable for daytime driving under normal weather conditions. However, it is not recommended that they be used either at night, or in poor driving conditions.

VDU Operators

I work all day on a VDU, which lenses should I choose?

Choose lenses with an anti-reflection coating – they will help to reduce glare from your computer screen.

Should I wear my glasses when I use the VDU?

If you wear glasses generally, your eyes will feel more comfortable wearing your glasses on a VDU provided you have the recommended distance vision breaks away from your screen. Inform your Optometrist that you are a VDU operator and they will be able to offer you advice.

How will I know that I need an eye examination if I use a VDU?

You should visit the Optometrist if you suffer from persistent headaches, eyestrain, squinting, blurring of vision, double vision, dry eyes, watery eyes or excessive blinking. You should ensure that you have an eye examination every 2 years – this is particularly important if you are a regular VDU user.

Contact Lenses

Do I need spectacles if I wear contact lenses?

Absolutely YES! The key to successful contact lens wear is to incorporate rest days without them. This is particularly important at the first signs of discomfort, blurring of vision or early signs of infection. Examples include: itchy eyes due to hay fever, if you have a head cold, sinus infection or flu, signs of conjunctivitis or if you are taking a course of medication not compatible with contact lens wear. It is recommended that contact lenses are not worn while flying, and definitely not when sleeping on a plane. This is why no contact lens wearer should be without a pair of spectacles. All too often contact lens wearers have omitted to update their spectacles to the current prescription or modern styling, resulting in a pair of spectacles that are not worn due to poor vision and cosmesis. Ensure that your spectacles are comfortable, provide equivalent vision to your contact lenses and are aesthetically pleasing. Look good, feel good and see well!

Is it possible to get contact lenses for occasional use only?

Yes. Many spectacle wearers are happy using their glasses but want the option of contact lenses for certain occasions, e.g. Playing sports and holiday breaks. At Eyelink, your Optometrist will advise you of the best contact lens system to meet your requirements. Generally, daily disposable soft contact lenses are the most convenient when travelling.

How soon can I get contact lenses?

At EYELINK our extensive range of trial lenses allows us to fit and supply you with suitable lenses to commence wear on the same day. If you are new to contact lenses, a practical handling session will be provided to ensure that you are able to insert, remove and take care of your lenses before commencing wear. Our instructors are very patient and will spend several sessions with you if necessary, so you do not feel pressured and can take your time as you enter the new world of contact lenses.

Is it OK to sleep in my contact lenses?

Unless our Contact Lens fitter has specifically said that your contact lenses are suitable for regular overnight wear, the answer is NO. Several designs are suitable for occasional overnight wear, but check with your Optometrist first.

Can I wear contact lenses?

Yes – in most cases you will be able to use contact lenses. Certain individuals with unusual prescriptions or poor health may not be suitable.

I get very confused when I see all the contact lens care solutions that are available today. How do I know which to use?

As always follow the advice of your Optician, they will be only too pleased to ensure that you are looking after your contact lenses (and your eyes) properly. Never be tempted to cut corners when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Our Contact Lens Replacement Scheme gives you 10% discount on all contact lens solutions as well as low cost replacement lenses and ensures regular contact lens check-ups. For more details check out our contact lens page.

I have astigmatism can I wear contact lenses?

Many people with astigmatism - (irregular shaped eyes) can now be fitted with contact lenses. Gas permeable contact lenses will correct moderate degrees of astigmatism quite well. In higher degrees of astigmatism special types of lenses called toric lenses can be used. These can be soft or gas permeable. Soft lenses for astigmatism are now available in all the different types of disposable from the new silicone hydrogel material to daily disposable and have recently been significantly increased in the range of powers available in each of these.

I have now reached the age where I need separate glasses for reading. Can I have contact lenses to correct this?

Yes. There are various options of how we can correct this, but now we also have the advantage of the latest silicone hydrogel soft lenses available as a multifocal. These work very easily and create big advantages over other forms and even spectacles themselves as you can read at any height in front of the eye, which could prove a huge advantage for computer use - please enquire.

Spectacles

How quickly can you make up my spectacles?

As we assemble our spectacles in our own workshop, they may take as little as 1 hour to make up. Certain specialised jobs require extra care and may take a little longer. Lenses and frames that need to be ordered from the manufacturers may delay the process, but our Dispensing Optician will advise you of the likely timescale before we proceed.

How thick will my spectacle lenses be?

This depends on your prescription, the type of lenses you choose and the frame style. Generally, the higher the prescription the thicker the lens will be. Use of high index materials, reduction in lens diameter and choosing a frame with a full rim around the lens are all methods of keeping the lens thickness to a minimum. Ultra thin 1.74 index plastic lenses are now available to bring the thickness of plastic lenses more in line with the thinner glass lenses. Our Eyelink Dispensers will be happy to advise you on the best frame and lens choices to suit your prescription.

What are the advantages of plastic over glass lenses?

Plastic lenses are lighter and have 3x the impact resistance of glass lenses. Glass lenses are generally thinner, are more durable to scratches and have slightly higher light transmission than standard plastic lenses.

What are photochromic lenses?

These are lenses, both in glass and plastic, which change from a relatively clear state to dark sunglass tint when exposed to sunlight and UV radiation. Typical brand types of these lenses are Reactolite and Transitions.

What are polarised lenses?

These are specialised tinted lenses that eliminate reflected light from surfaces in addition to direct glare from bright objects. This is very useful for fishermen who have to see through the surface of the water, while having to ignore annoying reflections. They are also of benefit to skiers and sailors. These lenses can be made up with or without your prescription.

Book an appointment: Request a time and date to suit you.