DVLA testing

The gold standard visual field test for driving is the Esterman. This is done with both eyes open and concentrates mainly on your horizontal visual field. (This is different to the Glaucoma Visual field test which is done with one eye covered and measures the whole of your visual field).

The DVLA request certain people (including those with Glaucoma) to have regular Esterman Visual Field tests (usually every 3 years).

Unfortunately, rather than allowing a patient to have this done in a small local practice, the DVLA have recently awarded the national contract for these tests to a large optical company. At Norman Prince Opticians we can still perform this test for you privately for peace of mind.

Emergency investigations

Some eye conditions need to be investigated quickly and others are not so urgent. Our practice staff can usually advise you how quickly you need to be seen and an optometrist can usually talk to you over the phone to discuss your symptoms.

We will try to see you on the same day if you have a sharp drop in vision, flashes and floaters or a painful eye.

See more about Sight Conditions here.

Our Eye Exam fees are here.

ishiharaplate6

Occupational Colour Vision Testing

Most colour deficiencies are hereditary, but some can occur in certain eye diseases or as a side-effect of medication.

As part of our comprehensive eye exam we carry out colour vision screening using an Ishihara Test. This will detect the most usual form of Red/Green deficiency.

We can also carry out a City University Colour test to detect the rarer forms of colour deficiency, e.g. Blue/Yellow.

 

ishiharaplate6
An example plate from an Ishihara colour test

Dry Eye Assessment

At a dry eye assessment, we will carry out a complete assessment of your dry eye problems to identify the cause and formulate a treatment plan. The assessment includes:

  • A detailed history of your symptoms
  • Observation of eyelid and anterior eye health
  • Evaluation of tear quality
  • Specialist techniques to assess corneal and conjunctival dryness
  • Discussion and formulation of a management plan

Depending on the management plan initiated, we will usually arrange a follow-up appointment with you to assess the effectiveness of any treatment.

Our optometrists and reception team would be happy to answer any of your questions or arrange your appointment.

More about Dry Eyes >>

Our Eye Exam fees are here.

Independent Prescribing

One of our optometrists, Yvonne Nutt, has qualified in Independent Prescribing, which means that she can prescribe eye drops privately for eye infections, allergies, dry eye and minor eye injuries – meaning that you can avoid lengthy waits at A&E or GP surgeries.

She can also perform specialist Dry Eye Assessments and further investigations for severe Dry or Watery eyes.

OCT_scan_image_980

Optical Coherence Tomography

As well as Retinal Photography, at all Norman Prince Opticians practices we now have 3D OCT scanning available. This scans your eye in just a few seconds and gives us a 3D cross-sectional image of the deeper layers of your eyes. This helps us detect the early signs of many eye conditions including Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.

OCT_scan_image_980
An example scan from OCT, showing a cross-section of the back of the eye

More on OCT here.

Laser Surgery

We work with Advanced Vision Care (AVC) in Harley Street, London, and can carry out assessment and referral for a number of refractive surgery options, including laser surgery and clear lens extraction. AVC also offer advanced surgery for the treatment of diseases of the eye such as Keratoconus.