Care Homes

Our eyesight naturally changes as we get older. So much so that almost all of us will need to wear glasses or contact lenses by the time we are 65 years of age. Research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) shows that 1.7 million people over the age of 65 are living with significant sight loss. This can have a negative impact on older people, such as being more susceptible to falls as well as losing their independence and confidence.

By having regular eye tests, wearing the correct lenses and generally looking after our eyes, we not only improve balance, co-ordination and mobility, but will increase our chances of our sight remaining clearer for longer.

Our eye examination procedure in a care home setting is essentially the same procedure as your resident would get by visiting any well known high street optician. The difference is that as a domiciliary optician, we come to you at your convenience. We use smaller, portable equipment to examine the eyes and carry out tests for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye conditions and diseases that can affect us all in later life.

Eye Examination Procedure

You will be asked questions to review your health and family medical history, such as current health issues or medication that you are taking.

[2] As part of the examination, an ophthalmoscope will be used to shine a light into your eye, allowing your optometrist to examine the health of the eye, inside and out.
A portable hand held slit lamp biomicroscope will also be used to provide a higher magnification of the eye.

[3] A retinoscope will be used, which will give an indication of what kind of prescription you may need.

[4] A tonometer will be used to measure the eye pressure (this is sometimes known as the ‘puff of air’ test and is used to assess for the presence of glaucoma (link to Glaucoma section of the ‘Eye diseases’ page).[/ultimate_heading]

To optimally test your vision a computerised Letter Chart test is used and your optometrist will show you a range of lenses, which will help determine the correct prescription for you.

*If during your examination you are found to have an eye condition that may need further investigation, this will be discussed with you, your family or carer and then with your consent, you may be referred to an eye specialist, who can confirm the diagnosis and plan your treatment. This is normally done via your own GP.

Personalised Eye Examination Report

As a primary health specialist, your optometrist is required (under NHS regulations) to sign and issue the ‘GOS 2 Patient’s optical prescription or statement’ form, at the end of every sight test. This form summarises all findings from the test for your records. However, at Eye Clinic at Home, we appreciate that the form is quite difficult for most people to interpret. Because of this, we have designed a simple to follow eye examination report.

Each personalised eye examination report allows care home staff and family members to easily see a summary of the level of vision and any dispensing recommendations there may be. Our reports are also a useful tool used by care homes to demonstrate to visiting relatives and inspectors that they are making efforts in eye care over and above the minimum requirements, for their residents.

We issue personalised eye examination reports alongside the required ‘GOS 2 Patient’s optical prescription or statement’ form for every person we sight test.

NHS Entitlement

In England, you qualify for a free NHS eye examination if you are:

  • 60 or over
  • Under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education
  • Registered blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired)
  • Diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • 40 or over and you are the close relative of someone with glaucoma, or you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of it
  • Eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher.

You are also entitled to a free NHS eye examination if:

  • You receive a means-tested benefit (specifically Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit)
  • You are entitled to, or named on, either a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).

Help with cost of spectacles:

Across the UK, you can get NHS vouchers that can be used towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses, if you:

  • Are aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education
  • Or are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (we will advise you about this)
  • Receive a means-tested benefit (specifically Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, or Universal Credit)
  • Are entitled to, or named on, either a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

Millions of people in the UK do not take advantage of free eye tests. Eye tests can identify eye conditions, which if left untreated may have detrimental impact on your health and independence. If you are unable to leave your home because of illness or disability, we will come to you so that you can have your free NHS eye test at home.

Should you have any questions about your NHS entitlement, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01484 301372. We will be happy to help.

Spectacle Dispensing

Following your residents’ eye examinations, if spectacles are required, we can help them determine which frames and lenses are most suitable. We have a wide selection of frames to choose from including low-priced glasses, modern lightweight frames and designer eyewear that we are able to offer at very affordable prices. If your residents glasses cost more than the NHS optical voucher is worth, your resident will be required to pay the difference.

We also have many corrective lens options, including bifocals, modern progressive power lenses (varifocals), photochromic (‘Transitions’ lenses that darken on exposure to specific types of light, such as UV), and ultra thin designs.

Spectacles will be made up to each individual resident’s specification and name labelled on the inner side of the arm, for identification purposes. They will then be delivered, adjusted and fitted correctly at no extra cost.

Staff Training

We provide free staff training on a quarterly basis for our care home clients. These sessions, which are arranged at a time that best suits care home staff, are designed to raise awareness about common eye conditions and diseases that may be affecting the quality of life of their residents. For example, loss of vision or discomfort can affect balance, co-ordination and mobility leading to falls and loss of confidence. Sight problems may also stop residents enjoying their hobbies, such as reading and playing dominoes or cards.

We carry out our interactive training sessions in a relaxed environment whereby care home staff can ask questions, try simulation spectacles on in order to give them a real life understanding of how certain conditions affect an individuals eye sight.

We bring along our own projector and presentation equipment and we provide certificates for staff once the session has been completed. If you think your staff would benefit from a training session, please call us on 01484 301372 to book a session.