NHS sight tests, treatment and specialist support
What eye care services are available?
A range of NHS eye care services are available across Essex.
These are provided through:
- Local opticians (optometry practices)
- Community eye care clinics
- NHS hospital eye departments
Most people start by being seen at a local optician before being referred to specialist care if needed.
Primary eye care: your local optician
Opticians (also known as optometry practices) are usually your first point of contact for eye health concerns.
They can help with:
- Routine sight tests
- Changes in vision
- Eye discomfort, redness, or blurred vision
- Advice on glasses and contact lenses
- Identifying possible eye conditions
What does an optometrist do?
An optometrist is a trained healthcare professional who examines the structure and function of your eyes.
They can:
- Detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts
- Assess eye coordination, depth perception, and colour vision
- Prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and low-vision aids
- Prescribe certain medicines (if appropriately trained)
- Refer you to specialist services when needed
If further investigation is required, your optometrist will arrange a referral to your GP or a hospital eye clinic.
Sight tests and routine eye checks
Regular sight tests are an important part of maintaining good eye health.
Most people should have a sight test every two years.
Some people may need more frequent tests, including:
- Children and young people
- People aged 60 and over
- People with certain medical conditions
- People with a family history of eye disease
Many serious eye conditions have no early symptoms. Regular checks can help detect problems before they affect your sight.
NHS sight tests and help with costs
Many people are entitled to free NHS sight tests. Some may also be eligible for help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
Eligibility depends on age, income, health conditions, and personal circumstances.
[Find an NHS sight test]
What to expect at an optician appointment
During a sight test, your optometrist will usually:
- Ask about your vision and eye health
- Check how well you can see
- Examine the inside and outside of your eyes
- Assess eye pressure where appropriate
- Discuss any treatment or follow-up needed
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Specialist eye care services
Specialist eye care is provided for people who need further assessment, treatment, or ongoing support.
You may be referred by:
- Your optician
- Your GP
- Another healthcare professional
Specialist services support people with conditions such as:
- Eye injuries or trauma
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal conditions
- Other complex or long-term eye problems
Depending on your needs, care may be provided:
- In optometry practices offering extended NHS services
- In community eye care clinics
- In NHS hospitals
Your healthcare professional will explain where you are being referred, what will happen next, and expected waiting times.
When should I seek urgent eye care?
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe eye pain
- Serious eye injury
- Chemical exposure to the eye
- Sudden flashes of light or many new floaters
- A painful red eye with reduced vision
Contact NHS 111 for urgent advice, or attend A&E in an emergency.
Prompt treatment can help prevent permanent sight loss.
I am worried about my eyesight, what should I do?
If you are worried about your eyes or vision:
- Go to A&E for serious injuries or chemical exposure.
- Visit your local optician for advice or a sight test
- Contact your GP if you are unsure where to go
- Use NHS 111 for urgent guidance outside normal hours
Using the right service helps you get care more quickly and protects specialist services.