Optical Centre

17/07/2025

04/07/2025

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can have a profound impact on eye health—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Here’s a breakdown of the key eye conditions linked to UV exposure:

• Cataracts: UV radiation, especially UVB, can accelerate the clouding of the eye’s lens. It’s estimated that up to 20% of cataract cases may be caused or worsened by UV exposure.
• Macular Degeneration: Long-term UV exposure can damage the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
• Photokeratitis: Often called “sunburn of the eye,” this painful condition results from intense UV exposure, such as from sunlight reflected off snow or water. Symptoms include redness, tearing, and temporary vision loss.
• Pterygium and Pinguecula: These are growths on the eye’s surface, often seen in people who spend a lot of time outdoors. They can cause irritation and, in some cases, affect vision if they grow over the cornea.
• Eye Cancers: Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of rare but serious eye cancers, including melanoma of the eye.

The good news? Most of these risks are preventable. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, along with a wide-brimmed hat, can significantly reduce your exposure. And yes—even on cloudy days or in winter, UV rays are still a threat.
Want to explore how different types of lenses protect against UV or how to choose the best sunglasses for your lifestyle? Call into one of our practices where our friendly staff will be happy to help.

02/07/2025

Sunglasses do a lot more than just make you look cool—they’re like tiny bodyguards for your eyes. Here are some of the top benefits:

• UV Protection: Quality sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, which helps prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes2.
• Reduced Eye Strain: Bright sunlight can make you squint and tire your eyes. Sunglasses ease that strain, especially during long drives or outdoor activities3.
• Glare Reduction: Polarized lenses cut down on glare from water, snow, and roads, improving visibility and comfort2.
• Prevention of Eye Conditions: They help guard against photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), pterygium (a growth on the eye), and other sun-related issues.
• Protection from Wind and Debris: Sunglasses also shield your eyes from dust, wind, and flying particles—great for cyclists, hikers, or beachgoers2.
• Fewer Wrinkles: Less squinting means fewer fine lines around your eyes over time. A little vanity bonus never hurts.
• Year-Round Use: UV rays don’t take a holiday. Even on cloudy days or in winter, your eyes are still exposed.

If you’re shopping for a pair, look for a UV400 label or CE mark to ensure full protection. Want help picking a style or learning about lens types? Call into one of our practices where our friendly staff will happily help you.

30/06/2025

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement for kids—they’re a smart and essential part of protecting their growing eyes. Here’s why:

• UV Protection: Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays because their lenses are clearer, allowing more harmful rays to reach the retina. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection help prevent long-term damage like cataracts and macular degeneration2.
• Reduced Risk of Eye Conditions: Regular exposure to sunlight without protection can lead to painful conditions like photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye), growths on the eye, and even rare eye cancers. Sunglasses act as a barrier against these risks.
• Comfort and Visual Clarity: Sunglasses reduce glare, which helps prevent eye strain and makes outdoor play more comfortable—especially around water, snow, or sand.
• Healthy Habits for Life: Getting kids used to wearing sunglasses early encourages lifelong eye care habits. It’s like sunscreen for their eyes—just as important, and just as easy to forget4.
• Year-Round Protection: UV rays don’t take a break in winter or on cloudy days. Snow can reflect even more UV light than water, so sunglasses are a must in all seasons.

If you’re picking out a pair, look for ones labelled with 100% UV protection, and make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.

Bonus points if your child helps choose the style—they’re more likely to wear them! Want help finding the right pair or tips on getting kids to keep them on? Call into one of our practices where our friendly staff will be happy to help with any questions you may have.

31/05/2025

Final day to get any applications in, we are open today until 4:30 in Merthyr, Mountain Ash and Ebbw Vale but are closed in Rhymney

⭐️ WE ARE HIRING! ⭐️

Our Optical Assistants are a key part of our Optical Centre team and play a crucial role in giving our patients the best customer service experience.

We are looking to recruit a full time Optical Assistant. You should have excellent customer service and communication skills and a real passion to work within healthcare. Working as part of our team is an enjoyable and rewarding experience and may be exactly what you are looking for.

How to apply: By collecting an application form from one of our practices.

Position advertised: Optical Assistant (no experience necessary as training will be provided).

Job description: Optical Assistants perform Reception duties and pre-test assessments for patients (a more detailed job description is supplied with every application form).

Hours: Position is full-time and includes Saturdays

Wages: Above minimum/living wage

Closing Date: 31st May 2025

Location: Must be prepared to work in any of our four practices - the role will mainly be in Merthyr but will include other practices if required.

Start Date: 1st July 2025

27/05/2025

Last few days to apply 🤓

⭐️ WE ARE HIRING! ⭐️

Our Optical Assistants are a key part of our Optical Centre team and play a crucial role in giving our patients the best customer service experience.

We are looking to recruit a full time Optical Assistant. You should have excellent customer service and communication skills and a real passion to work within healthcare. Working as part of our team is an enjoyable and rewarding experience and may be exactly what you are looking for.

How to apply: By collecting an application form from one of our practices.

Position advertised: Optical Assistant (no experience necessary as training will be provided).

Job description: Optical Assistants perform Reception duties and pre-test assessments for patients (a more detailed job description is supplied with every application form).

Hours: Position is full-time and includes Saturdays

Wages: Above minimum/living wage

Closing Date: 31st May 2025

Location: Must be prepared to work in any of our four practices - the role will mainly be in Merthyr but will include other practices if required.

Start Date: 1st July 2025

09/05/2025

⭐️ WE ARE HIRING! ⭐️

Our Optical Assistants are a key part of our Optical Centre team and play a crucial role in giving our patients the best customer service experience.

We are looking to recruit a full time Optical Assistant. You should have excellent customer service and communication skills and a real passion to work within healthcare. Working as part of our team is an enjoyable and rewarding experience and may be exactly what you are looking for.

How to apply: By collecting an application form from one of our practices.

Position advertised: Optical Assistant (no experience necessary as training will be provided).

Job description: Optical Assistants perform Reception duties and pre-test assessments for patients (a more detailed job description is supplied with every application form).

Hours: Position is full-time and includes Saturdays

Wages: Above minimum/living wage

Closing Date: 31st May 2025

Location: Must be prepared to work in any of our four practices - the role will mainly be in Merthyr but will include other practices if required.

Start Date: 1st July 2025

29/04/2025

🏃🏅 W E L L D O N E 🏅🏃

Congratulations on completing your first London Marathon and raising £2,488.00 for

We are all so proud of you 🥰.

15/04/2025

🐣🐥 EASTER OPENING HOURS 🐥🐣

Here are our opening hours for all four Practices during the Easter break, all Practices will be open as usual on Tuesday 22nd April.

Have a wonderful Easter everyone 🐥🐣🐰.

14/04/2025

👀 DID YOU KNOW 👀

You do not need to register before making an appointment with us.

Telephone or call into any one of our four practices where our friendly staff will be happy to assist.

Merthyr Optical Centre - T: 01685 388384
Mountain Ash Optical Centre - T: 01443 473760
Rhymney Optical Centre - T: 01685 843077
Ebbw Vale Optical Centre - T: 01495 306496

Alternatively you can request an appointment with us via our website www.optical-centre.co.uk

10/03/2025

🤧 H A Y F E V E R 🤧

The College of Optometrists have some tips to help if you are a hay fever sufferer.

If you have any concerns about their eye health, give us a call to book an appointment with one of our optometrists.