Eye & Hearing Care FAQs - Everything You Need to Know

At Arthur Hayes Opticians, we never rush an eye examination. A full appointment typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. This allows us to carry out all the tests we need — including advanced imaging with our OCT scanner and Optomap retinal camera — and to take the time to discuss findings and any recommendations with you properly. We believe a thorough examination is the foundation of good eye health, and we will always make sure you leave with a clear picture of your vision.

Our comprehensive eye examination goes well beyond a standard sight test. As standard, every examination includes an assessment of your prescription for distance and near vision, a check of eye muscle balance and coordination, an assessment of colour vision where relevant, and glaucoma screening. We also include advanced retinal imaging — Optomap ultra-widefield photography and Zeiss OCT 3D scanning — as part of our routine examination. These technologies allow us to detect early signs of conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and retinal tears that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) is a non-invasive 3D scanning technology that produces a detailed cross-section of the layers of your retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. Think of it as an ultrasound for the eye. It allows us to detect very early signs of conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease, often years before symptoms or changes are visible with a standard examination. At Arthur Hayes Opticians, OCT scanning is included as part of our standard eye examination — we believe every patient deserves this level of care.

For most adults, we recommend an eye examination every two years. However, we may recommend more frequent visits depending on your age, your prescription, your family history, or any existing eye health conditions. Children, patients with diabetes, and those being monitored for conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration may need annual appointments. We will always advise you personally at the end of your examination when we would like to see you again.

Optomap is an ultra-widefield retinal imaging system that captures a detailed panoramic photograph of approximately 82% of your retina in a single, comfortable image — without the need for drops to dilate your pupils. This means we can examine a far greater area of the retina than with a traditional examination alone, giving us a much more complete picture of your eye health. The image also becomes part of your records, so we can compare it at future visits and spot even subtle changes over time.

Yes. Our Dry Eye Clinic offers specialist assessment and treatment for patients suffering from dry, gritty, watery, or uncomfortable eyes. Dry eye is a very common condition with a range of causes — including screen use, contact lens wear, hormonal changes, and certain medications. During a dry eye consultation, we will carry out a detailed assessment of the tear film and meibomian glands, and recommend a personalised treatment plan. In some cases, we may suggest Punctal Plugs — small, comfortable inserts placed in the tear drainage channels to help retain natural moisture on the eye surface.

Blepharitis is a chronic condition causing inflammation of the eyelid margins, often leading to sore, red, or crusty eyelids — particularly in the mornings. It is very common and can affect people of all ages. While blepharitis is not usually serious, it can be persistent and uncomfortable if left untreated. We offer dedicated blepharitis treatment at Arthur Hayes Opticians, which may include lid hygiene advice, heat therapy, and a tailored management plan to keep symptoms well controlled.

Yes — myopia management is an area we take seriously. Myopia (short-sightedness) in children is becoming increasingly common, and research shows that managing its progression early can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye conditions in later life, such as retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy. We offer specialist myopia management consultations and can discuss options including MiSight contact lenses, orthokeratology, and atropine therapy, depending on your child's age and prescription. We recommend bringing children in for their first eye examination by the age of three, and then every year through school age.