We know how important your eyes are. At Unia Opticians our examinations are always full and thorough.

The initial part of the examination will involve a careful assessment of your history and symptoms. We will then ascertain your prescription and check the health of the eye.

The eye examination includes tests which can establish the presence of conditions such as Glaucoma, Cataracts and Macular Degeneration. Systemic diseases, e.g. diabetes and high blood pressure can also be detected.

Our testing room is equipped with the latest diagnostic technology including an optical coherence tomographer (OCT). This is an in depth imaging instrument which works in a similar way to ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound. It can aid the early detection of diseases such as Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration.

Eye Examinations for Children
Good, clear vision is essential for the normal development of the eye. This critical period generally takes place up to the age of 8. Uncorrected poor vision can result in a lazy eye and affect learning and progress. At Unia Opticians, we recommend regular eye examinations for children.

Children under 16 are entitled to a free NHS eye test. Students under 19 and in full time education are also entitled to this exemption. If spectacles are then required, an NHS voucher will help towards the cost of spectacles.

FURTHER EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES

OCT – Optical Coherence Tomography
This is an imaging technique using light waves. The test enables us to discover, identify and evaluate retinal diseases such as Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy as well as many other abnormalities. This hospital grade scan is non invasive and quick to carry out allowing for a thorough assessment and often early detection of ocular problems beyond the scope of an eye test alone. Even in a healthy eye, the scan provides an invaluable baseline image of the eye, allowing for close observation of any changes, where necessary.

Retinal Imaging
Digital retinal imaging (also known as fundus photography) is carried out using a high resolution imaging system that takes pictures of the back of the eye. It is non-invasive, safe & allows us to detect conditions like Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration & other sight threatening diseases.
In a healthy eye, the image provides us with baseline data allowing for any changes that may occur to the eye over a period of time, to be monitored closely.

Visual Fields
The visual fields test is a subjective measure of central and peripheral vision and both eyes are evaluated separately. Using this test, we are able to map out the visual pathway and in doing so, detect diseases such as Glaucoma and other abnormalities of the optic nerve.

Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy 
This instrument is essentially a microscope with a light and enables us to look at the eye in greater detail. It can be used to look at the front surface of the eye e.g. the cornea, the middle of the eye e.g. the lens & the back of the eye e.g. the retina.
Inflammation, infection, Cataracts, and other conditions can be observed & investigated with the slit lamp. Its use is also vital in contact lens practice.