Guides
Eye care guides
Straight answers to the questions people ask us every week in the shop on Park Road, written by Gavin Winstanley.
Glasses that fit: small faces, wide faces, big heads
Why standard frames don’t fit some faces, and what to do about it.
New glasses giving you headaches?
What is normal, the usual causes, and when to get them checked.
How often should you have an eye test?
Every two years for most adults, every year for some. The NHS intervals, when to come sooner, driving and screens.
Is your eyesight good enough to drive?
The 20-metre number plate rule, glasses, older drivers and telling the DVLA.
Glasses for night driving: what actually helps
Headlight glare, driving coatings, and why yellow glasses don’t work.
Independent opticians vs the big chains
An honest comparison: time, continuity, lens choice, price and fitting.
Which varifocal lens is right for you?
Essilor, Nikon, Zeiss and Hoya varifocals compared in plain English.
Struggling with your varifocals?
The four usual reasons varifocals don’t work, and how they get fixed.
How much is an eye test?
What a private eye examination costs, what it includes, and who gets one free.
Free NHS eye tests and glasses
Who qualifies for free eye tests, glasses vouchers and replacements.
Free glasses on benefits
Universal Credit, PIP, Pension Credit and HC2: what each one gets you.
Broken or lost glasses
What to do, how fast a replacement can be, and when the NHS pays.
Rather ask in person?
252 Park Road, Dingle, opposite Tesco Extra, free parking. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Or call 0151 726 0622