The NHS recommends most adults have an eye test every two years. Annual tests are advised if you are over 70, have diabetes or glaucoma, have a family history of glaucoma, wear glasses or contact lenses, or have been told to attend more frequently.

At Eyeland Visioncare in Lewisham and Mile End we assess each patient individually and recommend the appropriate interval based on your personal eye health profile.

A full eye examination at Eyeland Visioncare includes: medical and ocular history review; visual acuity testing; refraction (prescription assessment); eye muscle balance testing; slit-lamp examination; retinal and optic nerve examination; intraocular pressure measurement (glaucoma screening); and colour vision testing.

The appointment takes approximately 30–40 minutes and screens for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and hypertensive retinopathy.

Common signs include: difficulty reading small print; blurred vision at distance; frequent headaches after reading or screen use; squinting to see clearly; eye strain or fatigue; and difficulty seeing in low light.

Only a qualified optometrist can confirm through a sight test whether you need a correction and what prescription is required. Book an appointment at our Lewisham or Mile End practice — NHS-funded tests available for eligible patients.

Optometrist: Examines eyes, diagnoses conditions and prescribes glasses and contact lenses.

Dispensing optician: Fits and supplies glasses and contact lenses from a prescription — does not carry out eye examinations.

Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor specialising in eye disease and surgery.

Eyeland Visioncare's team includes qualified optometrists providing full NHS-standard eye examinations.

Yes. You qualify for a free NHS sight test if you are: under 16; under 19 in full-time education; aged 60 or over; registered blind or partially sighted; diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma; over 40 with a close family member with glaucoma; or receiving Universal Credit, Income Support, or the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC3).

Eyeland Visioncare is NHS-accredited and provides free NHS-funded eye tests at both Lewisham and Mile End.

NHS optical vouchers contribute towards glasses costs based on prescription complexity, not lens type. As varifocals typically cost more than the voucher value, a top-up payment is usually required.

Eligibility for NHS vouchers includes children under 16, those in full-time education under 19, and adults on qualifying benefits. We will always advise you on your full NHS entitlements and any costs before any purchase.

Children should ideally have their first eye test before starting school, around age 3 to 4. If you notice signs earlier — squinting, frequent eye rubbing, sitting very close to the television, or light sensitivity — bring your child to an optician immediately.

NHS eye tests are free for all children under 16. Early detection is critical: conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) are most successfully treated before the age of 7.

Signs include: one eye turning inward or outward (squint); the child closing or covering one eye; poor depth perception; tilting the head to one side; or generally poor vision in one eye.

Because children often do not complain — particularly when the other eye compensates — amblyopia can be difficult to detect without a professional eye test. Treatment is most effective before age 7 and may include glasses, patching, or atropine eye drops.

Glaucoma is called the 'silent thief of sight' — in its most common form there are typically no symptoms in the early stages. Peripheral vision is lost gradually and often unnoticed until significant damage occurs.

Warning signs may include blurred vision, rainbow-coloured haloes around lights, eye pain, redness, and nausea. Because glaucoma has no early symptoms, regular eye tests are the only reliable method of early detection. We include pressure measurement and optic nerve assessment as standard in every examination.

Yes. An eye examination can reveal signs of diabetes before a patient is even aware they have the condition. Diabetes affects the small blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), detectable via retinal photography.

Beyond diabetes, eye examinations can indicate high blood pressure, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, and certain brain tumours — making regular eye tests an important part of overall health screening.

Dry eye occurs when eyes do not produce sufficient tears or tears evaporate too quickly. Common causes: ageing, prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants), hormonal changes, air conditioning, and blepharitis or Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Treatments include artificial tear drops, warm compresses, lid hygiene, prescription anti-inflammatory drops, and Omega-3 supplementation. Eyeland Visioncare offers full dry eye assessment and a personalised management plan.

Floaters are spots or cobweb-like shapes drifting across your vision — caused by clumps in the vitreous gel casting shadows on the retina. Most are harmless and become less noticeable over time.

Seek urgent eye examination within 24 hours if you notice: a sudden significant increase in floaters, new floaters with flashes of light, a shadow or curtain across your vision, or sudden vision loss. These may indicate a retinal tear or detachment — a medical emergency.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 in the UK. It affects the macula (central retina), causing central vision blurring, difficulty reading, and straight lines appearing wavy.

Dry AMD progresses gradually; wet AMD is faster and requires urgent treatment. Detected via retinal photography or OCT imaging during an eye examination. Risk factors: age over 50, smoking, family history, and UV exposure.

Current clinical evidence does not support permanent eye damage from screen use in adults. However, prolonged screen use causes digital eye strain — eye fatigue, dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision — all of which are temporary.

The 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. In children, excessive screen time with reduced outdoor activity is linked to the development and progression of myopia (short-sightedness).

You must read a standard number plate from 20 metres in good daylight (with glasses or contact lenses if worn). Clinically: visual acuity of at least 6/12 on the Snellen scale using both eyes together, plus adequate field of vision.

If your vision falls below the legal standard, you must stop driving and notify the DVLA — it is a criminal offence to drive with uncorrected below-standard vision. Annual eye tests are recommended for all drivers over 40.

Yes, when fitted correctly and worn as directed. The key: professional fitting, following your wearing schedule, strict hygiene, and regular aftercare.

Daily disposables are generally the safest option, eliminating lens case contamination. Never sleep in lenses unless approved by your optometrist, swim whilst wearing lenses, or continue wearing if you experience pain, redness, or blurred vision. Eyeland Visioncare provides contact lens assessment, training and ongoing aftercare at both Lewisham and Mile End.