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A guide to your eye health

Published on 21/9/2021
Clinically reviewed on 27/9/2023 by Bryony Rhodes-Wort

Your questions about visiting the opticians and keeping your eyes healthy, answered by our clinical team here at Simplyhealth.

Woman having a checkup with ophthalmologist

What is 'optical' treatment, and what does it cover?

The term optical covers everything to do with your eyes, from the health of your eyes and the quality of your eyesight. Optical treatment refers to professional care provided by a qualified eye specialist, such as an optometrist or dispensing optician.

Optical cover is a form of health insurance that covers eye treatments. Most Simplyhealth Health Plans include optical cover, but remember to read your policy carefully.

Knowing the practitioners

To be able to practise as an optometrist or a dispensing optician, you must be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC).

What's an optometrist?

Optometrists, previously known as Opticians, are skilled healthcare professionals who examine the eyes to assess your vision, detect signs of injury and identify any abnormalities or problems. They can also spot underlying general health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

What's a dispensing optician?

Dispensing opticians are registered healthcare professionals who are trained to fit lenses, lens coating and glasses frames for patients using prescriptions written by optometrists.

They can advise patients on the various types of lenses, frames and protective eyewear, including prescription sunglasses. Dispensing opticians can help you decide on style, weight and colour to find the best option for you.

To become a dispensing optician, you need to complete a course that is approved by the General Optical Council, and you will also need to pass the qualifying exams from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

Why should you have a regular eye test?

An eye examination should be an essential part of your health routine. It's more than a simple test of your eyesight. Your optometrist is able to check your eye health and other general health issues during an eye examination, as well as being on hand to provide practical advice.

Here are some important reasons to have a regular eye examination:

Your optician can detect early signs of eye conditions before you notice them
They can also detect other general health problems
Checking for any changes in your vision which could affect your driving or eye comfort when reading
Unlike other parts of your body, your eyes often do not hurt if there is something wrong with them

When should you go to the opticians?

You should see an optician at least once every two years. However, you may need to be seen more frequently, depending on your age and health.

Your optician can recommend how regularly you will require an appointment, depending on your age and health. If you notice any changes or are concerned about your eyesight, then you should book an appointment with your optometrist.

When to get your eyes checked

Woman doing a snellen test at the opticians

What happens in an eye test?

During your appointment, you will have a comprehensive sight test. This will include a thorough examination of the front and back of your eyes for any health problems.

The vision test includes the use of a letter chart, which is used to determine how clearly you can see. Different lenses will be placed in front of each of your eyes to enable the optometrist to assess if a prescription is needed and, if so, to fine-tune this.

During your eye health check, your optician will check the condition of your eye’s various structures and may also perform tests to measure the pressure inside the eye. Eye movements and coordination are also checked to ensure that both eyes are working together, which assesses the function of the eye muscles.

Your optician will ask you a number of questions about: