We offer a whole range of other services that go far beyond the eye examination alone. These services include:

• Glaucoma, Cataract & Diabetic Screening
• Driving & the Eye (DVLA visual fields test)
• Ortho-K
• Corneal Topography
• Pachymetry
• Dry Eye Assessment

Click on the images to the right for more information.

> Services > The Eye Examination

Glaucoma & Diabetic Screening

We routinely screen every patient over the age of 35 for glaucoma. We will also perform these tests if there are any pre-existing risk factors such as family history, race and high prescriptions, to name but a few. Additional screening tests involve field tests, intraocular pressures test, pacchymetry (corneal thickness measurement) and optic nerve assessment. We also run an early detection of glaucoma programme for our high risk patients using specialist equipment such as the HRT and HFA that are normally found only in hospitals.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a major cause of blindness. Screening enables early detection of the disease which greatly improves the success rate of treatment. Within Hillingdon Borough many patients are already on a screening programme under their doctors. For those of you who aren't or who chose to have screening done privately, our qualified optometrists can carry out the services for you here. This will involve dilation of your pupil in addition to the full eye examination, and a full report is then sent to your GP.

Driving and the Eye

Drivers are legally required to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. They must wear their corrective prescription eyewear at all times. Car Insurance will be invalid if you cannot meet this standard. The DVLA also requires a full visual field of vision and may on license renewal ask you to have an Estermann's visual field test, which we can do for you here. Night vision is compromised even in the healthiest of eyes. If you suffer from any eye problems you may be below the standards to drive at night. Please ask your optometrist for advice.

Ortho-K

A technique using special contact lenses that changes the curvature of your eyes, correcting short-sightedness as you sleep. It is great for those that wish to dispense with the need for spectacles or contact lenses. The effects last long enough to get you through the day, before the lenses are replaced again as you sleep. This procedure is fully reversible and is a great substitute for laser surgery. There is evidence to show that it can slow down the deterioration in vision in young people.

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography - also known as videokeratography or corneal mapping. Corneal mapping assists in early diagnosis of many corneal abnormalities and is useful in the aftercare of contact lens and post-surgical patients.

Pachymetry

The pachymeter is an instrument that measures the thickness of the cornea (the clear, front covering of the eye). It is useful:

> in predicting the development of glaucoma. Thinner corneas result in an underestimation of the true eye pressure. This can help reduce the chance of early glaucoma. The pachymeter allows us to screen for glaucoma with greater accuracy.

> in monitoring the progression of certain corneal disorders, eg. keratoconus, that cause the cornea to become thickened (or filled with water), resulting in a loss of vision.

> in determining whether the corneal thickness is enough to allow for procedures such as laser eye correction.

Dry Eye & Cataract Assessment

If you experience one or any combination of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from Dry Eye:

• Burning and stinging
• Gritty feeling when there is nothing in your eye
• Dryness
• Itching
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Mucous secretions in the eye

Our qualified practitioners can assess your tears and ocular health related to your tears and, in doing so, can diagnose dry eye and marginal dry eye.

Cataracts - One of the most common complaints in the over 60 age category is one of cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of part of your eye called the lens. If you have been told that you have a cataract do not be alarmed. This is a very common occurrence and the vast majority can be treated successfully. Common symptoms include blurry sight, dazzling by lights and colour fading. Your vision is affected because the cataract is like looking through frosted glass. When you are ready for a cataract extraction, your optometrist will refer you to your GP.