Opticians - Frequently Asked Questions

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1 To find an optician you can contact your local Business Service Centre, look in yellow pages or contact NHS Direct Wales on There are 3 different kinds of Optician: Optometrists Historically known as ophthalmic opticians, optometrists are trained professionals who examine eyes, give advice on visual problems, prescribe and fit glasses or contact lenses. They also recommend other treatments or visual aids where appropriate and recognize eye disease, referring such cases as necessary. Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner (OMP) Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners are medical doctors specialising in eye care. Like optometrists, they examine eyes, diagnose abnormalities and prescribe suitable corrective lenses. Dispensing Opticians As a trained member of the healthcare profession, a dispensing optician advises on, fits and supplies the most appropriate spectacles after taking account of each patient's lifestyle and vocational needs. Dispensing opticians are also able to fit contact lenses after undergoing further specialist training.

2 It is easy to have an eye test done, you do not need to register, you can simply ask any optician for an appointment. What does an Eye Sight Test involve? You may be asked a few questions about your health, medical history, any symptoms or medication you may be taking. The optometrist will determine what clinical tests are needed to provide the correct information for new glasses or contact lenses, to enable an assessment to be made of the general health your eyes, and to identify any other underlying medical problems. The interior of your eye will be examined using an ophthalmoscope which shines a light through the pupil allowing a detailed study of the internal structures. Other tests that may be carried out, if necessary, include for example those for glaucoma or colour vision deficiency. At the end of the examination you will be advised on how often your eyes should be examined and be handed a prescription for spectacles (or contact lenses) or a statement that confirms that your eyes don't need correction. If you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be referred to your doctor. a Yes. Diabetes can cause sever problems with your sight. It is very important that your eyes are checked every year, preferably with drops to dilate the pupil, so that the retina (back of the eye) can be examined thoroughly. If there is glaucoma in the family, you may be more at risk of developing it. Glaucoma can be treated effectively if it is diagnosed in time, so be sure to have a regular eye examination. It depends on who the patient is. A young, healthy person with no apparent problems will take about 20 minutes. Someone older, perhaps with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or other ailments can take much longer. ht Costs will vary so it is advisable to contact the practices beforehand.

3 o e Any age really. A child's eyes have finished developing by the time they are about eight years old. Many health authorities screen children in their area at around three years of age, but if you are concerned, or if there are any members of your family with eye problems, then it's best to have your child's eyes tested. You do not have to order or buy your glasses when you have your eye test. You can take your prescription away with you if you wish and it is for you to decide when you want it dispensed and by whom. There is competition in the supply of glasses and contact lenses and you can shop around for best value if you wish r If you were given an NHS optical voucher to buy the glasses, you may be eligible for a voucher towards the costs of their repair or replacement in certain circumstances, but you cannot have a voucher where the full cost is covered by any warranty, insurance or after-sales agreement. Children under 16 are entitled to a voucher for repair or replacement, but for all patients over this age the Business Service Centre must be satisfied that the loss or damage was due to illness and must approve the issue of a voucher before the repair or replacement is made. If you need your glasses/lenses repaired or replaced urgently you can choose to pay now and claim a refund later - if the Business Service Centre approves your claim - your optician will explain what you need to do..

4 People in the following categories are entitled to an NHS sight test, which is free: People aged 60 and over People suffering from diabetes People diagnosed with glaucoma People age 40 or over with close relatives diagnosed with glaucoma People considered to be at risk of glaucoma, as advised by a hospital ophthalmologist (ocular hypertensive) People who are registered blind or partially sighted People who have been referred by a hospital eye department for a sight test as part of the management of their eye condition People in the following categories are entitled to an NHS sight test, which is free, and also to a voucher to offset the cost of any spectacles or contact lenses prescribed. Children under 16 Those age 16, 17 or 18, if in full time education People who have been prescribed glasses with at least one complex lens People named on a NHS Low Income Scheme certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) People (and their partners) in receipt of the following benefits: Income Support Income based Jobseekers Allowance Full Working Families Tax Credit and named on tax exemption certificate Disabled Persons Tax Credit and named on tax exemption certificate If you are not in any of the above categories you will have to pay privately for your sight test. NHS Low Income Scheme - limited help Some people who are not included in the above categories may be entitled to some help with the cost of a private sight test, glasses or contact lenses if they are named on a valid NHS Low Income Scheme Certificate for limited help with health costs (HC3).

5 If you are dissatisfied with the service or conduct of your optical practitioner you should try to resolve any difficulties directly with the practice. In most cases your problem will be successfully resolved without difficulty. If you cannot reach an amicable agreement with your practice you can refer the matter to your local Trading Standards Officer or Business Service Centre via your practitioner (NHS patients only). You can also contact the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS), PO Box 4685, London SE1 6ZB. OCCS is an independent body set up to settle complaints from members of the public who are not satisfied with the optical services received in an optical practice? Anyone who is receiving, or has received, goods or services from an optical practice utilizing the services of an Optometrist (Ophthalmic Optician) or a Dispensing Optician registered with the General Optical Council. If a patient is unable to complain for themselves, then someone else - usually a relative or close friend - can complain for them, but in these cases OCCS will require written authority from the patient or the authorized representative before the complaint can be registered. It is also important that any complaint is made as soon as possible after the event. How to complain to OCCS Wherever possible, complaints should be made direct to the practice from which the goods or services were received as it should then be possible to sort out the problem straight away, but if the matter cannot be resolved, or if you would prefer to talk to someone who is not involved with the particular practice concerned, then you should write to, or telephone: The Administrator OCCS, P.O. Box 4685 London SE1 6ZB Telephone: Complaints about professional conduct If your complaint involves serious professional misconduct then your complaint can be referred to: The General Optical Council The Registrar 41 Harley Street London W1N 2DJ Telephone: r