Professional Eye Tests & Eye Examinations
An eye test is more than a vision check. At Carrick Eyecare, our professional eye examinations assess how well you see and the overall health of your eyes, helping to detect vision problems, eye disease, and wider health conditions early.
Whether you need a routine check-up, a prescription update, or an NHS eye test, our experienced optometrist provides thorough, friendly care for all ages.
Is my eye-test free? It may be free if you’re eligible for NHS funding, such as being under 16, over 60, or having certain medical conditions. If you’re unsure, please contact us.
Schedule Your Eye Test with Carrick Eyecare
At Carrick Eyecare, we’re committed to providing comprehensive eye tests, ensuring your vision stays sharp and your eye health is well looked after. Whether you need a routine check-up, a prescription update, or advice on maintaining good eye health, our expert optometrist Paul Campbell is here to help.
What Is an Eye Test?
An eye test (also called an eye examination or sight test) is a comprehensive assessment carried out by a qualified optometrist to:
- Measure your distance and near vision
- Determine whether you need glasses or contact lenses
- Check the health of the inside and outside of your eyes
- Detect early signs of eye disease or health conditions
Eye tests are an essential part of maintaining long-term eye health and clear, comfortable vision.
How an Eye Test Works
During your eye examination, our optometrist will perform a:
Vision Assessment
Your close and distance vision is measured using specialist charts and symbols. Lenses are then used to optimise your vision at all distances and determine whether visual correction is needed for everyday tasks such as reading, screen use, or driving.
Eye Health Examination
Your optometrist examines both the front and back of your eyes to check for signs of disease or injury. In some cases, eye drops may be used to allow a more detailed examination of the retina (the back of the eye).
An additional assessment can be recommended to include eye pressure testing, visual field testing or in-depth retinal scans. These help detect conditions such as glaucoma or retinal disease at an early stage.
Eye Tests for Children, Adults & Seniors
We provide eye examinations tailored to different life stages:
- Children’s eye tests – gentle, child-friendly checks to support development
- Adult eye tests – vision correction and eye health monitoring
- Over-60s eye tests – focused on age-related eye health
NHS eye tests are available for eligible patients, including children under 16 and adults over 60.
What Can an Eye Test Detect?
As well as identifying vision problems, a comprehensive eye test can help detect:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- Signs of high blood pressure or diabetes
Early detection allows for prompt treatment or referral to a specialist when required.
Who Should Have Regular Eye Tests?
Eye tests are important for everyone, but especially for:
- Adults who want to maintain clear, comfortable vision
- Children, to support healthy visual development
- People over 60, where age-related eye conditions are more common
- Those with a family history of eye disease
- Anyone experiencing changes in vision, headaches, or eye strain
How Often Should You Have an Eye Test?
- Every 2 years for most adults with no issues
- Every year for children, people over 70, or those with a family history of glaucoma
NHS Eye Tests & Eligibility
Many patients are entitled to a free NHS eye test, including those who are:
- Under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education)
- Over 60
- Living with conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma
- Receiving certain benefits
If you are unsure about eligibility, our team can advise you.