J C Bird Opticians

Some employers are members of schemes such as Eye Care Paln or Eye Care Vouchers, which cover the cost of your eye test and may help towards the cost of glasses. Some employers have their own scheme and will pay for your eye test if you spend a large number of hours on the computer. top

3) How much do you charge for an eye test?

£22.00

4) How long does an eye test take?

Approximately 25 minutes, if you are over 40 we do also perform a peripheral field’s test that takes around 10 minutes. Eye tests with diabetic screens take around 45 minutes.

5) Do I need to bring anything with me for my eye test?

To comply with the NHS rules, you need to bring with you some evidence of benefits you receive or your national insurance number. If you have not been to us before it is helpful to have a copy of your last prescription or the glasses you are currently using.

6) I wear contact lenses, how long should I take them out before having my eyes tested?

If you wear soft contact lenses please take them out 10 minutes before or bring your container and some solution to the appointment so they can be removed.

If you wear gas permeable lenses please take them out the night before your eye test. top

7) How often do I need to have an eye test?

Children under 16 can have a NHS eye test once a year.
If you are 16-19 in FTE you can have an eye test every two years.
Adults16 – 69 require an eye test every two years. If you pay privately your prescription is valid for two years but you can come each year if you prefer.
Adults over 70 are entitled to a NHS eye test each year.
Diabetic and glaucoma patients require a yearly eye test.

8) What if I forget ……..

We have a reminder system and will send you a reminder when you are due for an eye test as long as your address details are up to date.

9) Do you do diabetic screens?

Yes, you can have a diabetic screen only or an eye examination and screening at the same time. top

10) I’m registered with a different optician; can I still come to you for a screen?

Yes, you can have a screen with us and have your eyes examined with your registered optician. top

11) Can I have my eye test at the same time as my diabetic screen?

Yes, the drops are put in after your visions been tested and take around 15 – 20 minutes to take affect and then it is a quick process to take the photos.

12) How old does my child have to be to have an eye exam?

We can test children from any age; ideally it would be best for them to have an eye test before starting school. Generally any eye problems in babies are picked up during post natal checks and are dealt with by the hospital. top

13) Can I cancel or change my appointment?

Yes, though we do require you to notify us in time, preferably the day before your test or if due to illness on the day of your test.

14) What are your opening times?

Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

Saturdays 8.55am – 4pm.

15) Do you test on Saturdays?

Yes, our first appointment is 8.55am and our last appointment is 1.30pm. top

16) What time is your earliest appointment on a weekday?

9.00am.

17) What time is your latest appointment?

4.15pm

18) Do I need an appointment to choose glasses?

No, but if you are requiring advice and assistance from our qualified dispensers, please be advised our busy times are lunchtimes and Saturdays. top

19) Do I need an appointment to collect my glasses?

No, but glasses do need to be fitted and may need adjusting to suit you; please allow up to 15 minutes for this.

20) Do I qualify for a NHS voucher help towards my glasses?

Yes, if you are on;

pension credit guaranteed credit,
income support or job seekers allowance,
are prescribed complex lenses,
working family tax credit,
under 16,
under 19 and in full time education,
named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate.

21) How much help does the voucher provide?

The NHS voucher helps towards the cost of your lenses only and depends on your prescription and ranges from around £35 - £100.

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22) I’m on a low income/am a student; do I qualify for help with my glasses?

We can provide a HC1 form for you to fill in and send off to the NHS in a prepaid envelope, they will calculate how much help you are entitled to; this process can take around 2 weeks.

23) Do you have student discount?

Yes, students receive a 10% discount

24) Do you do a discount if I buy more than one pair of glasses?

Yes, if you buy a second pair of glasses within a year of buying your first pair we offer a 10% discount.

25) Do you stock designer frames?

Yes, we stock a number of designers and pride ourselves on having a wide range of frames. Please see our list of main ranges. If you don’t see a designer you like we may be able to order the frame in for you on approval. top

26) Do you stock budget frames?

Yes; our frames range from £10 upwards. We also stock a complete package of frame and lenses that may be covered by your voucher entitlement.

27) Do you sell children’s glasses?

Yes, we stock a number of ranges that include adidas, whiz kids and many more.

28) How much are children’s glasses?

Every child under 16 will receive a free eye test and voucher that helps towards the cost of glasses, which usually covers the cost of a standard pair of glasses. A payment can be made privately if you wish to upgrade the style of frame. top

29) Can you put new lenses in my old frame?

Yes, if the frame is in good condition.

30) Can you put my old lenses into a new frame?

This is rare, as lenses are made up to your prescription and the shape, curve and thickness of your lenses are part of this. We are always willing to try, but it would be necessary to find a frame the same shape and size as your lenses if it is possible.

31) The lens has come out of my glasses, can you repair it?

Sometimes the thread can go in a screw causing the lens to fall out; with a semi rimless or supra, the cord may snap or loosen. As long as the lens is undamaged we can replace the screw and fit the lens back in while you wait. A cord replacement may take a little longer and it is often better to drop your glasses off before you shop and collect them later.
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32) The nose pads have come off my glasses can you replace them?

Yes, this is a relatively quick job and can be done while you wait.

33) How long will it take to repair my glasses?

Some repairs can be done on site, but it may be necessary to order in a part or to send the frame away to be repaired. Therefore it is recommended to have a second back up pair of glasses in case you cannot drive or read without them.

34) My lenses are scratched can you buff/polish out the scratches?

Unfortunately not, as lenses are made up to your prescription and the shape, curve and thickness of your lenses are part of this. top
35) Can I have lenses put into a frame I’ve bought elsewhere?

Yes, though in order to combat theft, we do require proof of purchase.

36) If I order frames do I have to buy them?

With the majority of frames we can order them on approval for set period of time before you order and if you decide they are not suitable we can return them. Some brands do not allow approval requests such as Oakley sunglasses.
Approval is for frames only; once you have chosen a frame and ordered lenses for that frame you have entered a contract to buy them.

37) I like this frame but not the colour; does it come in other colours?

It may be possible that a frame comes in a range of colours and we have catalogues and access to the internet to show you the different colours available. top

38) I’ve seen a frame I like in a magazine or my friends got a pair; do you stock it?

We will need the designer make, model number and preferably colour code found on the arm or bridge of the frame to identify it; magazine advertisements should have the model number and colour code written somewhere. top