Local Services
Optometry Services in SHSSB
What is an optometrist?
Optometrists (previously known as ophthalmic opticians) are trained professionals who examine eyes, test sight and give advice on visual problems and treatments. They prescribe and dispense glasses and contact lenses and other aids. Optometrists are trained to detect eye diseases, referring people to their GP or hospital eye service as necessary. They can use and supply certain eye drugs.
Most optometrists work in community practice but some work in the hospitals as part of the Hospital Eye Service team.
Other Eye care Professionals in the SHSSB
Dispensing Opticians
Dispensing opticians advise on, fit and supply spectacle frames and lenses and some fit contact lenses. They are registered with the General Optical Council
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialise in eye disease treatment and surgery. They are usually based hospital eye departments. If an optometrists detects an eye problem that needs further investigation they will usually refer the person to an ophthalmologist.
Orthoptists
Orthoptists usually work in hospital with the ophthalmologists or in community eye clinics. They deal with problems of eye movement and binocular vision – the ability of the eyes to work together. Children with squints or lazy eyes (amblyopia) will usually be managed by an orthoptist.
How to choose an optometrist
Optometrists in the UK study for three years at university and spend a further year of supervised practice and training before qualifying. All optometrists practising in the UK must be registered with the General Optical Council and will be listed in the Opticians Register.
They should also have MCOptom or FCOptom after their name which means they are a member or fellow of the College of Optometristsand follow high standards of clinical practice.
All the optometrists/ opticians practices in the SHSSB are listed
- In the Yellow Pages under Opticians
- In this website – SHSSB Local Services
Recommendations from family, friends or work colleagues can be helpful.
Why should you have an eye examination?
- To ensure that your eyesight is as good as it can be, providing appropriate correction if needed.
- To check that your eyes are healthy. Early signs of potentially blinding conditions e.g. glaucoma can be picked up often before you have symptoms. The earlier a problem is detected and treated the less likely it is to affect vision.
- During an eye examination some other general health problems can be detected e.g. diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Good eyesight is essential throughout life – for education, work, driving, home life, sport and leisure.
To find out more information on eyesight and eye conditions look up
College of Optometrists www.college-optometrists.org ‘information for the public’
Royal College of Ophthalmologists www.rcophth.ac.uk
How often should you have an eye examination?
Everyone should attend their optometrist for an eye test at least once every two years as part of their health regime. Some people will be advised by their optometrist or GP to have an eye examination more frequently depending on their age and medical or family history,
There are NHS guidelines for how frequently people are entitled to a GOS sight test but if you have any concerns at any time about your eyes or your sight you should not hesitate to contact your optometrist.
Housebound patients.
Most optometry practices will provide domiciliary services (home visits) for people who are housebound and unable to attend a community practice. Contact your own optometrist initially. If they are unable to provide a home visit contact the SHSSB ophthalmic adviser, Fiona North tel: 028 37 414570.
Visual Impairment
If you have a condition that is seriously affecting your eyesight and your quality of life help is available locally. If you need more help than glasses alone your own optometrist can refer you to the Low Vision Clinic at Daisy Hill, Craigavon or South Tyrone Hospitals for further advice and aids.
There are also local resource centres where you can get very practical help and support.
The Conifers Resource Centre, Newry tel: 028 30 50800
Moy Resource Centre, Dungannon tel: 028 877 84832
Cherrytrees Resource Centre, Craigavon tel: 028 38394088
Who is entitled to an NHS eye examination?
Certain groups of people qualify for an eye examination paid by the NHS. People not entitled to an NHS eye examination are seen by their optometrist privately and must pay for their sight test.
The groups that are eligible for a GOS sight test are
- Children under 16 *
- Full time students 18 or under *
- People over 60
- People with diabetes
- People who have glaucoma
- People at risk of developing glaucoma
- People over 40 who have a parent/brother/sister/child with glaucoma
- People prescribed complex lenses. *
- People registered Blind or partially sighted.
- People entitled to a Tax Credit exemption scheme *
- People who hold or whose partner holds a SSA HC2 form.*
- People receiving or whose partner receives
- Income support *
- Job Seeker’s Allowance *
- Pension Credit Guarantee *
The groups marked * are also entitled to help towards the cost of their glasses.
If you are entitled to a GOS sight test or help with the cost of your glasses you will be asked to fill in a form at the practice at the time of your sight test. If you in receipt of any of the benefits listed you will be asked to show proof when filling in the form.
For further information or advice on optometry services in the SHSSB please contact
Ophthalmic Adviser
Fiona North
Public Health Dept
SHSSB
Tower Hill
Armagh
Tel: 028 37 414570