Eye Examinations
Your eyesight is precious, and regular eye examinations play an important role in protecting your vision and supporting your overall eye health. At Clare & Howard, we provide professional eye tests using modern equipment, clear advice and a personal approach to eyecare.
Thorough eye tests with clear, personal advice
At Clare & Howard, we are committed to providing a high standard of eyecare for patients in Garstang, Preston and the surrounding areas. An eye examination does more than check whether you need glasses or a change in prescription. It can also help identify signs of eye conditions and, in some cases, wider health concerns that may need further investigation.
Our qualified optometrists take the time to assess your vision carefully, explain your results clearly and recommend the most suitable options for your needs, lifestyle and eye health.
Eye test
Every eye test is designed to check both your prescription and the health of your eyes. Your optometrist will assess how well you can see, whether one eye is stronger than the other, and whether corrective lenses could help improve your vision.
An eye examination can also help identify possible signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or other eye health concerns. Where further checks are recommended, your optometrist will explain the options available and guide you through the next steps.
On arrival
When you arrive for your appointment, we will confirm your contact details and ask a few questions about your vision, general health, lifestyle and any concerns you may have.
Please bring your most recent glasses with you if you currently wear them. We may also check whether you are eligible for NHS eye care, as some patients are entitled to certain eye examination services free of charge.
Pre-screening
Before you see the optometrist, we may carry out a number of initial checks to help build a clear picture of your vision and eye health.
These may include:
- Checking your current glasses and prescription
- Discussing any changes in your vision or eye comfort
- Measuring eye pressure where required
- Assessing your field of vision where appropriate
- Carrying out retinal imaging or OCT scanning if selected or recommended
Optomap retinal photography allows us to capture a wide image of the back of the eye, helping the optometrist review the retina in greater detail. OCT scanning provides a more detailed view of the different layers of the retina, which can support diagnosis and monitoring of certain eye conditions.
The eye test
During the eye test, your optometrist will carry out a series of checks to understand how well you can see and whether you are short-sighted, long-sighted or require another form of optical correction.
You may be asked to read letters of different sizes while different lenses are used to refine your prescription. Your optometrist will also examine the front and back of your eyes to assess their overall health.
If additional checks are required, such as retinal photography, OCT scanning, visual field assessment or blood pressure monitoring, these will be explained clearly during your appointment.
Post-appointment
Once your eye examination is complete, your optometrist will discuss the results with you and answer any questions you may have. If you need a new or updated prescription, you will be given a copy and guided through what it means.
We can then advise you on suitable lens options, frame choices or contact lenses depending on your prescription, lifestyle and preferences. You will also have time to browse our range of frames and choose eyewear that feels comfortable, suits your style and supports your vision properly.
Supporting your vision beyond the eye test
Your eye examination is only one part of the service. Once your prescription and eye health have been assessed, we can help you choose the right frames, lenses or contact lenses to suit your needs.
Frames
Choose from a carefully selected range of frames, with help from our team to find a style, fit and shape that works for your face, comfort and prescription.
Lenses
We can recommend lens options based on your prescription and lifestyle, including lenses for everyday wear, reading, driving, screen use or more specialist visual needs.
Contact Lenses
If you are interested in contact lenses, our team can advise on suitable options and help you understand whether they could be right for your eyes and routine.