Eye Examinations
Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that people often have questions about their eyes and their eye examination. We have included some of the most common questions here. but if you have any queries – please contact us!
Your eyes cannot be replaced. You will not necessarily have any symptoms or pain.
An eye examination can pick up very early signs of any problems; the earlier treated the better.
The eye test can detect underlying health problems that you aren’t aware of, such as Diabetes or High Blood Pressure
The eye test will detect if your vision can be improved. You may just be used to seeing less clearly so don’t realise it can be improved upon. Good Vision gives a better quality of life. For children, it is essential that their eyes are functioning normally for them to perform well at school. Don’t accept that poor vision is due to your age. It may be possible to improve it further. It is important your vision meets certain legal standards for driving and certain occupations.
Adults should have their eye tested every two years. An eye test is a regular health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision.
It may need to be more frequent depending on you age and medical history. Carmel and her team will advise when you should return for your next eye exam and will send you a reminder email or letter.
Further information on whether you qualify for this support is available here. If you do not qualify for NHS support you will have to pay for your eye test, which should cost £36.
NHS entitlement: Universal Credit does not automatically entitle someone to help with Eyecare Costs, the person needs to apply for help towards the cost by completing a HC1 form which is available here in the practice.
Children can be tested at any age. Here at Murray Opticians, we are fully equipped to test children as young as 2.5 years old
It is recommended that an optometrist sees them before they start school and start learning to read.
It is recommended that every child has their vision checked before starting school. We pride ourselves on the specific expertise we have built up in delivering high quality eye care for children.
Often, vision problems can be the reason why a child does not perform well at school, for example because they cannot see the whiteboard. The earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment. Children’s eyes are fully developed by the time they are 8 years old so it is very important to have any problems detected before this
Eyes don’t usually let you know that something is wrong.
Any change is your vision is usually very gradual, so you become accustomed to the change.
Regular eye examinations are important to pick up any change as soon as possible to make sure any problem can be treated before it affects vision.
The eye test detects many conditions earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear. The eye test does not just check whether you need glasses, but it can show a number of underlying health problems, such as diabetes and glaucoma, and the general condition of your eyes.
At Murray opticians we can detect early signs of DR by looking inside your eyes using an indirect ophthalmoscopic method.
We also take retinal photos each time you have an eye exam and we carefully check if there has been any changes in your eye health that require further assessment by the Diabetic Eye Clinic at the hospital.
- List of any current medication with you.
- Your present spectacles, sunglasses and any magnifiers, if you use them.
- Contact lens wearers should wear their lenses to the appointment (unless specifically asked not to). If you wear contact lenses, please bring along your spectacles and contact lens case to your
appointment.
Adult eye examinations will take between 30 minutes and 45 minutes.
Eye examinations for under 18s will take approximately 30 minutes.
Most glasses are ready within 2 days, some on the same day as they were ordered! However it does
depend on your prescription and therefore the maximum time it could take is 2 weeks.
If you have
an urgent order we will do our utmost to assist. We have a glazing lab on site which means we can
get glasses ready really quickly.
9.00-1.00pm & 2.00-5.30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
9.00-1.00pm & 2.00-7.00pm Wed
Parkins is available outside the practice on the Antrim Rd between 9.30-4.30pm
Alternatively there is parking in the streets nearby such as Pim St. Parking is usually easier after 4 pm in this area.