The Importance of Regular Eye Tests

For most patients, the obvious reason for having an Eye Test is to ensure that they can see properly and to determine whether or not they need glasses or contact lenses or, if they already wear glasses or contact lenses, to check whether their prescription has changed. However, the importance of regular Eye Tests extends far beyond this obvious reason.

A comprehensive professional Eye Test is a vital health check for your eyes that can pick up early signs of an eye condition before you are aware of any symptoms. If they are diagnosed early enough, many eye conditions can be treated. Your eyes do not usually hurt when something is wrong, which means that, if you do not have regular Eye Tests, you may potentially suffer vision loss before you are even aware that there is a problem.

A full eye examination by a Qualified Optometrist will include tests that will rule out disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal problems. In addition to eye-related concerns, your Optometrist may also be able to detect other health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer.

The Isle of Man Department of Health & Social Care funds free Eye Tests for all Isle of Man residents. Following recent changes by the DHSC, most people are only entitled to one free Eye Test every two years, but children under 16 and people aged over 70 are entitled to an annual free NHS sight test, as are diabetics and people aged over 40 who have a family history of glaucoma. There are also other medical conditions which may entitle you to an annual free NHS sight test. In addition, if you feel that your vision has deteriorated due to a prescription change, you may still be entitled to a free Eye Test, even if it has been less than two years since your previous one. If you are in any doubt as to whether you are entitled to a free NHS sight test, please call us on 673643.

At Tracy Vanderplank Opticians, we strongly recommend that you have a comprehensive Eye Test at least once a year or more frequently if you have a particular condition or concern. If you are not entitled to a free Eye Test in any year, we offer a private Eye Test for the modest cost of £45.