Healthcare professionals

Optometrists

Experts in examining, diagnosing and caring for your eyes and vision.

Who we are

Optometrists help protect your sight and eye health

Optometrists (also know as Opticians) are trained professionals who examine your eyes and check your vision. They can detect signs of eye conditions and other health issues, sometimes before symptoms appear.

An eye test is more than checking whether you need glasses. It also includes a full assessment of your eye health, which can help pick up problems like glaucoma, cataracts or signs of diabetes.

In Wales, regular eye checks are free for many people through the NHS, including children, people over 60, and those at higher risk of eye disease. Local optometrists can offer care close to home and refer you to specialist services if needed.

How we can help

Professional care for your eyes and vision

Eye care is available on the high street from local optometrists. They’re trained to carry out detailed tests and offer advice that helps you look after your vision.

01.

Sight tests and prescriptions

Optometrists check your vision and eye health. They’ll let you know if you need glasses or a change to your prescription and can advise on visual strain or screen use.

02.

Diagnosing eye conditions

If something doesn’t seem right, optometrists can examine your eyes for signs of infection, injury or underlying problems. They may refer you to a hospital eye clinic if further treatment is needed.

03.

Emergency appointments

Under the service, local optometrists can provide same-day care for urgent problems like sudden vision loss, eye pain or flashing lights.

04.

Ongoing support and advice

They also help with dry eyes, contact lens care, and tips for managing eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

What we cover

Optometrists in Wales

Optometrists in Wales offer free urgent eye exams and vision aid support through the Welsh Eye Care Scheme, with some devices funded by the Welsh Government.

Optometrists can help with a range of eye conditions under the Welsh Eye Care Scheme

Some eye diseases can lead to blindness or some loss of vision, but if detected early enough, your vision can often be saved. If you have any concerns at all about your eyes, go to see your local Optometrist straightaway. An Optician will be able to tell you if you are eligible for a free eye health examination known as an Examination for Urgent Eye Problems and is available under the Wales General Ophthalmic Service.

As part of an examination, the optometrist will carefully examine your eyes to see if anything is wrong. The tests and equipment they use will depend on what you tell them and what they find. An eye examination for an urgent eye problem is more in-depth than, and different to, a routine vision test, so it may take longer. If the optometrist decides you need an examination for an urgent eye problem, it won’t cost you anything.

Low vision assessments

Low vision simply means not being able to see as well as most other people even when you’re wearing glasses or contact lenses. For example, you will probably have low vision if you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

If you already have a vision impairment or low vision, an optometrist can help you make the best use of the sight you have. They start by carrying out a low vision assessment. This assessment could, for instance, show that magnifiers or better lighting at home would help you. They can also advise you about other people and organisations who may be able to help you with transport, benefits or simple things to make life easier around the house.

Certain magnifiers and low vision aids (LVAs) are provided by the Wales General Opthalmic Service for Low Vision and paid for by the Welsh Government, so they won’t cost you a penny. You can, of course, buy low vision aids yourself if you prefer.

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