Category: Eye Health

It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Eyeland Visioncare: “How often do I actually need an eye test?” The honest answer is that an eye test isn’t only about whether you need glasses — it’s a vital health check that can detect serious conditions long before you notice any symptoms.

The general rule: every two years

For most healthy adults, we recommend a full eye examination at least once every two years. Your eyes change gradually, and a routine check keeps your prescription accurate while giving our optometrists the chance to monitor your overall eye health.

When you may need more frequent tests

Some people benefit from annual tests — or more often if advised. You should be seen more regularly if you:

• are aged 60 or over;
• are a child or teenager, whose eyes are still developing;
• have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma;
• wear contact lenses;
• notice changes such as blurred vision, headaches or eye strain.

Why regular tests matter

Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic eye disease often develop silently. A routine examination can pick them up early, when they’re far easier to manage. In other words, looking after your eyes is about much more than seeing the eye chart clearly.

Frequently asked questions

Is an eye test free on the NHS?

Many people qualify for an NHS-funded eye test. Find out more on our NHS Entitlement page.

How long does an eye test take?

A thorough examination usually takes around 20–30 minutes.

Due a check-up? Our friendly team in Lewisham and Mile End would love to see you. Book your eye test today.

If it’s been a while since your last visit — or your first ever eye test is coming up — it helps to know what to expect. At Eyeland Visioncare, an eye examination is relaxed, painless and surprisingly thorough. Here’s how it unfolds.

1. Your history and lifestyle

We start by chatting about your vision, your general health, any medication you take, and how you use your eyes day to day — from screen work to driving. This helps us tailor the test (and any lenses) to your real life.

2. Checking how you see

You’ll read from a letter chart so we can measure your vision at distance and near. Using a series of lenses, your optometrist fine-tunes the result to find your most comfortable, accurate prescription.

3. The health of your eyes

This is the part many people don’t realise is happening. We examine the front and back of your eyes, check the health of the retina, and measure the pressure inside your eyes using our gentle, non-contact Pulsair IntelliPuff tonometer — an important screening tool for glaucoma.

4. Your results and recommendations

Finally, we explain what we’ve found in plain English. If you need glasses or contact lenses, we’ll talk through the best options for you — including precision ZEISS lenses, which we fit as a proud ZEISS Lens Partner.

How long does it take?

Allow around 20–30 minutes for a comprehensive examination. You’ll always leave knowing exactly how your eyes are doing.

Ready to see the difference a personal service makes? Book your eye examination at our Lewisham or Mile End branch.

Children rarely complain about their eyesight — simply because they don’t know what “normal” vision is meant to look like. That’s why regular eye tests are one of the most important things you can do for your child’s development, learning and confidence.

When should my child have an eye test?

We recommend a first eye test by around age three or four, and then regularly through school. You don’t need to wait for a problem — and your child doesn’t need to know their letters, as we have child-friendly ways to test vision at any age.

Signs to look out for

• Sitting very close to the TV or holding books close;
• Squinting, rubbing eyes or frequent headaches;
• A turning or “lazy” eye;
• Difficulty concentrating at school or losing their place when reading.

Catching problems early

Conditions such as a lazy eye (amblyopia) respond far better to treatment when caught young. Our specialist children’s eyecare includes a battery of tests for squints, colour vision, focusing and more.

Free eye tests — and free glasses

Children under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education) are entitled to a free NHS eye test. We’ve carefully tailored our children’s range so the NHS voucher covers the full cost of a selected range of glasses — meaning the eye test and the glasses can be completely free. See our NHS Entitlement page for details.

Give your child the best start. Book a children’s eye test in Lewisham or Mile End today.

Looking after your eyes shouldn’t be a luxury. Many people are entitled to an NHS-funded eye test — and help towards the cost of glasses — without realising it. Here’s a quick guide to who qualifies.

You may be entitled to a free NHS eye test if you:

• are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education;
• are 60 or over;
• have diabetes or glaucoma, or are 40+ with a close relative who has glaucoma;
• are registered partially sighted or blind;
• receive certain benefits, or hold a valid HC2 certificate.

Help with the cost of glasses

If you qualify, you may also receive an NHS optical voucher towards your glasses or contact lenses. The value depends on your prescription, and we’ll happily apply it for you in-store.

Children’s glasses for free

We’ve priced a selected range of children’s glasses so the NHS voucher covers the full cost — so eligible children can walk away with a complete pair at no charge.

Not sure if you qualify?

Don’t worry — just ask. Our team checks your entitlement as part of your visit, so you always know where you stand. Full details are on our NHS Entitlement page.

Book your eye test at our Lewisham or Mile End branch and we’ll take care of the rest.

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” — and for good reason. It can quietly damage your vision before you notice anything is wrong. The good news? A simple, painless check during your routine eye test can help catch it early.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually linked to raised pressure inside the eye. Left undetected, it can lead to permanent sight loss — but when caught early, it can be managed very effectively.

Who is most at risk?

• People aged 40 and over;
• Anyone with a close relative who has glaucoma;
• People of African-Caribbean heritage;
• Those with diabetes or very short-sighted prescriptions.

Our painless screening: the Pulsair IntelliPuff

At Eyeland Visioncare we use the Pulsair IntelliPuff, a new-generation non-contact tonometer. It measures the pressure inside your eye with nothing more than a soft puff of air — no drops, no contact, no discomfort. It’s fast, hygienic and only takes a moment.

Why early detection matters

Because vision lost to glaucoma can’t be recovered, prevention is everything. A regular eye test — with eye-pressure screening built in — is your best protection. If we have any concerns, we’ll explain them clearly and refer you on if needed.

Protect your sight for the years ahead. Book an eye test with glaucoma screening in Lewisham or Mile End.