CAREHOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, that is a definite possibility, as long as the eye test has been done recently (within the last year we’d recommend).

Unfortunately, we cannot conduct a diabetic screening at home as the equipment needed is too large to travel with us. We look into the eyes and provide a pressure test (glaucoma check), and if we see anything that concerns us, we’ll always refer you to your GP for further diagnosis.

Normally within 2-3 weeks of ordering your glasses we will return to personally hand deliver and fit your glasses.

Yes, if you are unable to get to an optician unaccompanied due to a physical or mental illness, then they would qualify for one of our comprehensive eye tests from one of our home-visiting opticians. They may qualify for a free home eye test or for help with the cost of their glasses as well. You can see if they’re eligible for this service on our website here.

Opticall’s home-visit eye test is the same as a high street optician, except we test in the comfort of your own home/care home.

During the sight test, we check your prescription and eye health using the mobile optical equipment we bring with us.

Our optometrists are able to offer a suitable test to everyone we help, regardless of communicative ability.

We make use of subjective and objective testing methods to help make sure everyone receives an accurate and appropriate eye care prescription.

As sight is a key sense, it’s vital for everyone to have a regular eye test whether you’re living with dementia or otherwise.

Better sight helps us to interpret the world around us and safely navigate our surroundings.

This is especially important for someone living with dementia, who may experience disorientation as the condition damages the part of the brain that controls memory recall.

Opticall offers a wide range of frames following your sight test.

As we learn more about your residents’ needs during their eye examinations, we can also help them choose a suitable frame during our visit. We are also able to engrave the spectacle frames for identification and we provide a personalised eyecare report on delivery of glasses which has a photo ID of your new glasses.

Your residents’ glasses will be personally hand delivered and fitted by an Opticall team member. We’ll make sure that the glasses feel comfortable on your resident’s face and we will make any adjustments before we leave your home. We also provide ongoing aftercare throughout the year.

To request a sight test clinic, please contact us by email here or on 02089984228.

An eye test is a vital health check for anyone, any age, any ability. It can get overlooked, especially if people are unable to explain that they have problems with their eyes. People with special needs are up to ten times more likely to have eye problems. Also it is important to note that many eye problems become more likely as we get older.

Eye tests are tailored to the needs of the individual. They do not rely on the person’s communication; people who have, for instance, had a stroke or have learning disabilities can still have an effective eye test. Our optometrists can look at the person’s eyes and assess if they are long or short sighted. They can check inside the eyes for signs of eye disease.

Good vision can have a positive impact on a person’s independence and general well-being, and can also help to prevent falls. Age is a risk factor for developing certain eye conditions such as glaucoma. This eye condition usually causes no symptoms in the early stages but if untreated may lead to significant loss of vision. Glaucoma may be picked up during a routine sight test.

A sight test may also detect changes in the eye due to cataract, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, as well as other health problems such as raised blood pressure.

A domiciliary sight test is an eye test that takes place in your normal place of residence (e.g your own home or a care home) or a day centre. Our Optometrists are experienced in examining people who have disabilities, and those who have limited communication or concentration. They can adapt the sight test accordingly. They will bring portable versions of the essential equipment used for a sight test in a high street practice.

It is extremely helpful to have the following information available when one of our opticians arrives. If you are a carer for someone, it would be useful to try to find out:

· The date of the person’s last eye test

· Their previous prescription – this may be written down or their previous optical practice will have this. If neither of those is possible, the optician may be able to examine their spectacles/glasses to find the prescription

· When the person wears spectacles and what for (bring all pairs of spectacles to the test)

· Whether the person is having any problems with their eyes or their vision

· Whether the person has ever been to hospital because of their eyes, and whether any close family members have eye problems

· The person’s medical history and that of their close family

· Any medication that the person is taking

Where possible, an eye test should take place in a room which has good lighting, and blinds or curtains which allow the room to be darkened when needed. Ideally, there should be three metres of space in front of the person’s chair or bed and enough space on either side so that the optometrist can get to both sides of the person. The practitioner will need access to a plug socket.

At the end of an eye test, the optometrist will give the person a copy of their prescription for spectacles (or a statement that no spectacles are required) together with any feedback and advice. With the person’s permission, this can also be shared with their family or carer. You might be told about:

· The health of the person’s eyes and their vision

· Advice on lighting

· Use of magnifiers

· Whether new spectacles are required, and why

· If further medical checks are required, and the procedure for referring the person to their doctor or the hospital

· When the person next needs an eye test

Make a note of information like this and add to any health records that you keep.

If an eye test is to be NHS-funded (you can check if you qualify for a free NHS eye test here), a sight test application form (GOS6) – supplied by the optometrist – must be filled in at the time of the sight test.

The person signing the form (which may be the person having the sight test or someone signing on their behalf e.g. a member of your care home team) must check all the information on the form is accurate. There is a further form to sign if the person is eligible for NHS help towards the cost of spectacles.

We are! Opticall pride themselves on being your local opticians who do home visits, so if you live in Herts, Bed, Bucks, Cambs, MK, Essex or North West London then we can come and visit you. Please call Opticall on 020 8998 4228 or email us on info@opticalleyecare.co.uk to book an appointment.