Appointment Types

Take a moment to consider why you may want an examination. Is it simply to upgrade your spectacles or contact lenses, or is there a more specific visual disturbance or a medical/health problem you wish to have investigated?

There are many things which an Optometrist looks out for during an examination – not just your prescription requirements – and each examination is tailored to every patient. Reasons such as glaucoma, diabetes and headaches all require something different from the exam and may even need additional testing beyond the main exam. Here we have a few reasons which may call for tailored examinations and what we include in the test.

Exam Type

Traditional Examination

Historically, the purpose of a ‘Sight Test’ was simply to test sight and prescribe spectacle correction if necessary.

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The routine involved in delivering an NHS or private ‘Sight Test’ reflects this very limited scope of practice and has remained fundamentally unchanged for decades.

If, during a routine ‘Sight Test’, a problem is detected warranting more in depth investigation, a ’Medical Upgrade’ may be recommended.

General eye health check and vision testing

30 minute appointment 

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Exam Type

Medical Examination

Specific presenting problems require more tailored assessments, often requiring more time, skill levels on the part of the clinician and specific tests targeting the presenting symptoms.

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Follow the tabs to investigate the clinical recommendations of a range of medical, ocular and visual conditions.

Charges apply for some of these services as the NHS can only fund a rudimentary ‘sight test’. Even privately, across the board fees are inappropriate as the tailored needs for one patient are unlikely to be identical to others.

In depth examination and eye health check carried out by a medically qualified optometrist with additional testing

Longer appointments, minimum 45 minutes, which ensure more time to investigate further 

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Exam Type

Emergency - Out of schedule

Aarons should be the first stop for all emergency eye infections and inflammations. With three full time, long term, Medical Optometrists.

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Aarons is the only practice in Northumberland able to offer a continuous and immediate access to medical optometry care in the community. Unfortunately, Northumberland has not yet funded these services, and charges apply.

We also have our own ‘in-practice’ dispensary, allowing the practitioner to dispense the most appropriate medication immediately.

NOTE: Unscheduled contact lens complications are covered via our ‘Clarity’ professional service, while all types of unscheduled checks are covered on ‘Insight’

Please call 01670 813185

Some A’s to your Q’s

Answering some of the questions you may have.

Are eye exams shorter for under 16s?

No. Children and young people need the same consideration we give adults. A clinically thorough Eye Exam must include TIME to explain. Parents should be fully informed of all our procedures and why they are carried out. Time must be spent to clarify any concerns you have about your child’s sight.

My child has broken their spectacles, what should I do?

Don't panic. Under 16s are covered by the NHS for repairs and replacements. Between scheduled checks, if a child’s glasses are broken or lost, repair vouchers can be issued. These can cover a repair or be a totally new pair if the spectacles are lost or beyond repair. These repair vouchers can be issued as often as required. If your child has selected a frame from our 'Included' range we will more than likely have the correct parts needed to fix the frame while you wait.

At what age can someone start wearing contact lenses?

Regardless of age, active people can find spectacles inconvenient for sports. Some young people may have worries about wearing spectacles, no matter how trendy glasses have become. Time should be taken to find out what each person requires to fulfil their lifestyle needs, and, simply as a courtesy, all options need to be mentioned.