At Thompson Opticians we provide a full and extensive range NHS and Private services and always accept new NHS patients.
Private Sight Tests
We offer a private sight tests to those that do not qualify for NHS care or who chose to have a test privatly. A private sight test costs £25.00.
Contact Lens Fitting and Aftercares
Most people can wear contact lenses and we can fit lenses from all major manufacturers as well as teaching you how to wear and handle them sucsefssfully.
Contact lenses can be worn occationally or for full time wear with options for daily disposable, two weekly and monthly. If you are wearing hard lenses we can do your check upand and order you new lenses as well.
Contact lenses can be made to correct your vision for long distance or even for distance and reading. Contact lens check-ups and fittings are not coveredby the NHS and these appointments cost £25.00 but if you qualify for an optical voucher you can use this towards a supply of contact lenses (see the help with costs section below)
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Sight Tests |
Certain groups of people are entitled to an NHS funded Sight Test. This can be carried out at any of our branches and if you qualify there is no charge to you.
You qualify for a free NHS funded sight test if you are:
- aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education
- aged 60 or over
- registered blind or partially sighted
- diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- aged 40 or over and you are the parent, brother, sister, son or daughter of a person diagnosed with glaucoma
- if you have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma
- eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher
You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if:
- you receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution based)
- you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- you receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- you are named on 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.
HC2/3 certificates are means tested exemption forms for people that do not automatically qualify for NHS help. For more information and to apply online for an HC2/3 certificate click here
Help with Glasses or Contact Lenses
You may get help with 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 (your optician will advise you on your entitlement)
You may also get an NHS optical voucher if:
- You receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution-based)
- You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
- You receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.
- You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
- You are named on 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.
HC2/3 certificates are means tested exemption forms for people that do not automatically qualify for NHS help. For more information and to apply online for an HC2/3 certificate click here
You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to optical vouchers to the optician or a member of their staff.
There are currently eight voucher values. The values are dependent on the strength of your prescription. The stronger your prescription the higher your voucher value.
If you receive an NHS optical voucher, you are free to take it to any supplier of your choice, providing they accept NHS optical vouchers. If your glasses or contact lenses cost more than your voucher value, you will have to pay the difference.
Full information about NHS sight test and voucher eligibility can be found here
Domiciliary Service
For those people who are housebound and unable to access a practice we carry out a domiciliary home visit service. Thompson Opticians also offer this Domiciliary Service throughout Northumberland and Newcastle.
We have been providing a friendly, informed and efficient service for over twenty-five years, to sheltered accommodation, nursing and residential homes.
We use the latest portable equipment to carry out a full standard eye examination, including screening for glaucoma and diabetes.
We aim to satisfy the needs of all patients' and offer a full after care service. A training programme is available to help care staff understand their residents needs.
For further information about our homevisiting services please contact us on: 0191 4386324
