Kineton Optometrists

13/08/2025

As part of our joint work calling for mandatory sight tests for all drivers at licence application and each renewal, The College of Optometrists and The Association of Optometrists have published our core principles for implementing vision standards for drivers in the UK.

These five core principles outline the small changes required to existing legislation that would have a significant impact on making our roads safer for everyone.

1️⃣ Mandatory requirement for drivers to submit formal evidence of a recent sight test at application and every renewal

2️⃣ Strong emphasis on attending regular sight tests between renewals

3️⃣ Referral to following failure to meet the driving vision standard in the sight test

4️⃣ Continued public awareness and education about driver responsibility between renewals

5️⃣ Reinforce reporting guidance for primary eye care optometrists conducting the sight test on drivers

See the full details on the College website ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3JfsepO

11/08/2025

We are ready for the children to go back to school! Are you? We carry out full eye examinations for children under the NHS as well as eye exercises and some Behavioural Optometry techniques.

05/08/2025

For the month of August, Rodenstock are offering a free second pair of their Myopia control spectacle lenses with the purchase of the first pair.
So, if your child is shortsighted (Myopic), this is the perfect time to get a new pair of Spectacles and a spare pair in time for them to go back to school.
Ask in practice for details.

04/08/2025

Come and see our range of Spectacle Frames.

28/07/2025

Good eyesight is crucial in making sure a child develops to their full potential both at school and socially. Anyone can develop sight problems – but it is especially important to look after children’s eyes. The eye is still developing throughout early childhood so if problems are treated early, it can make a lasting difference.

How do I know if my child has an eye problem?
Some eye conditions do not display any signs or symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to take your child for a sight test. Signs which may show there is a problem with a child’s sight include:
- an eye appearing to drift inwards or outwards;
-difficulty concentrating;
- behavioural problems;
- headaches;
-sitting too close to the television; or
- rubbing their eyes a lot.
The condition ‘lazy eye’ can run in the family, so if someone in your family has either an eye turn (‘squint’) or suffers from reduced vision in one or both eyes (‘amblyopia’), it’s a good idea to take any related children for a sight test.

What is vision screening?
Some children have their vision screened at school – this is usually a basic test, designed to pick up children who have reduced vision in one or both eyes. If a problem is suspected, children will usually be referred to an optometrist for a full sight test. Parents may assume that their child has been screened at school, but this does not happen in all areas of the country. Even where this does happen, it is not usually until the age of four or five, so we recommend that all children visit their optometrist for a sight test around the age of three.

What is a sight test?
A sight test is a comprehensive check which can pick up many conditions, including colour vision defects, problems with the development of 3D vision and any need for glasses. Taking children for sight tests from an early age helps to build good eye health habits into adulthood. Optometrists can use a range of tests for young children, including pictures and even tests that do not need your child to give an actual response.

When should my child visit the optometrist?
Although the UK National Screening Committee recommends screening at age four to five years, there are many optometrists who will see children much younger than this for a sight test. We recommend that children have a sight test around the age of three, so that conditions are picked up and treated early. After the first test it is a good idea to return every two years, or as recommended by your optometrist. All children are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests and help with the cost of glasses Children under the age of 16 are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests and an optical voucher. An optical voucher entitles you to help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if they are needed

25/07/2025

24/07/2025

We are trying a new frame range for ladies who like a good quality spectacle frame with colour. Feel free to pop in the practice and have a look.

21/07/2025

As part of our service to look after all of our patients, we offer NHS funded eye examinations.
In England, you qualify for an NHS sight test if you:
- are aged 60 or over;
-are registered as partially sighted or blind;
- have diabetes;
- have glaucoma or been told by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma; or
- are 40 or over and have a parent, brother, sister, son or daughter who has been diagnosed with glaucoma.
- are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education;
- have been prescribed complex lenses and are eligible for a ‘complex lens voucher’ (your optometrist can tell you more about this);
- are on, or your partner is on, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone on, Income Support, income-based Employment and Support Allowance or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
- receive, or your partner receives, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone who receives Pension Credit Guarantee Credit;
- are, or your partner is, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependent of someone who has been awarded Universal Credit and meet the criteria on earnings limit;
- are a prisoner on leave from prison;
- are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate; or
- are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) (if you are named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3), you may also get help)
If you meet any of the above criteria, you are eligible for a free NHS Eye Examination, and we are happy to examine your eyes.
If you have any questions about NHS Eye Examinations, please contact the practice for more information.

14/07/2025

Occupational Entitlement to Eye Care.

Who should pay for what and why under the 1992 Health and Safety at work act.
If your work involves using a computer or a screen, read on.
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) regulations 1992, which came into effect in January 1993, it states that if you are a display screen equipment operator/user and you request an examination from your employer they are obliged to provide one. This can either be through an optician they have nominated, through a voucher scheme or they can reimburse you for your eye examination.

The act also states that if a “Special” corrective appliance is required for the viewing of a display screen then the company is to pay a reasonable amount to cover the cost of a basic pair of spectacles to fulfill the task. “Normal” spectacles are those for other tasks such as reading, and distance vision.

Symptoms of problems associated with VDU usage include
Shoulder and neck pains,
Dry, sore eyes,
Blurred vision
Double vision.
If you have any questions about your eyes and VDU usage, please contact the practice for more information.

07/07/2025

Half of sight loss is avoidable.

Failing to have regular eye examinations is probably the biggest threat to eye health. Yet almost 14 million of us don’t have regular eye examinations despite them being essential health checks.

Not only can an eye examination check your visual acuity (how well you can see), but they can also detect eye conditions, such as Glaucoma, years before you notice a change in your vision. They can also uncover signs of general health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure and early signs of heart disease. An eye examination should be part of your regular health care routine, just like going to the dentist.

Everyone should have an eye examination every 2 years, or more often if your optometrist recommends it.

So don’t forget the importance of an eye examination for you and your family. Your optometrist can do the following.
- Pick up any signs of eye disease – this is usually easier to deal with if found early.
- Check your sight and make it clearer or more comfortable to see.
- Check for signs of underlying general health conditions that sometimes show in the eyes.
- Answer questions and give advice about your eye health and vision.
- Keep you informed about new products or services that can help you.

03/07/2025

With the continuing Summer Sun, we all need to be wearing Sun Glasses. But why pay for 2 pairs of Spectacles when you can buy 1 pair that comes with its own dedicated magnetic Polaroid Sun Clip.
The elev8 range even come with a hard case to safely store the Clip on, perfect for keeping in the car, or in a bag for when you need it!
Come and have a look at our extremely popular selection of frames with their own Magnetic Polaroid Sun Clip.

23/06/2025

And more new spectacle frames to add to our collection.
This time it is Optical Services with a good variety of fashionable and traditional styles.
As always, please pop in to have a look at our stock of spectacle frames.