EYE EXAMINATIONS

More than a vision check. Care for long-term eye health.

Eye examinations do more than assess how clearly you can see. A comprehensive eye examination can help detect early signs of conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes.

At Bunker Opticians & Hearing Centre, our eye examinations are thorough, unhurried and tailored to you — giving us the time to understand both your vision and your wider eye health.

What’s involved in an eye examination?

Our eye examinations typically take 30–60 minutes, depending on your individual needs. For children, examinations are adapted to be age-appropriate, using picture charts where required.

A comprehensive eye examination may include:

• Visual acuity – assessing the clarity of your vision

• Refraction – determining whether vision correction is required, or if an existing prescription has changed

• Eye pressure measurement – assessing pressure within the eye

• Eye muscle function – checking eye movement, tracking and coordination

• Slit lamp examination – examining the front structures of the eye

• Retinal health assessment – using advanced imaging to assess the back of the eye

Each step is explained clearly, without jargon, so you understand what we are assessing and why.

Advanced retinal imaging

We offer both NHS and private eye examinations, and strongly recommend including advanced retinal imaging as part of your assessment.

Our 4D OCT and Optomap scans allow us to monitor eye health in greater detail and over time, helping to identify the earliest signs of eye disease or damage — often before symptoms are noticed.

These scans are not covered by the NHS, but provide valuable reassurance and support early diagnosis and prevention. They are also contact-free, allowing assessments to be carried out comfortably without close proximity.

Care Plan (Eye & Hearing)

For patients who value continuity and flexibility, our Care Plan (Eye & Hearing) provides ongoing eye and hearing care in one simple arrangement.

From £12 per month, the Care Plan supports regular eye examinations, access to advanced imaging and long-term monitoring — without being restricted by NHS examination intervals.

How often should you have an eye examination?

How often you should have an eye examination depends on your individual and clinical needs. Our optometrists will always advise you based on your eye health, age and risk factors.

As a general guide:

• Many people benefit from an eye examination every two years

• Children and higher-risk patients may require more frequent reviews

• Some individuals are advised to attend annually or more often

Where more frequent examinations are needed, private eye examinations or our Care Plan allow us to see you as often as clinically necessary.

Eye examination FAQs

What happens during an eye examination?

Your examination includes checks of both your vision and overall eye health. We assess changes in eyesight and screen for early signs of eye conditions, all in a calm and supportive environment.

I think I have an eye emergency — what should I do?

If you experience symptoms such as:

• Sudden or increasing floaters

• Flashing lights

• Sudden eye pain

• Sudden loss or change of vision

Please do not book online.

Instead, call us on 01491 412 020.

If this is outside opening hours, contact NHS 111.

We will arrange for one of our optometrists to speak with you and advise on the next steps.