…and How We Do It
(and other stuff you may not know we do!)
There’s more to an eye examination than reading a chart!
Here’s a bit more detail about what you can expect when you choose us:
What We Do Differently…
We take the time to examine every aspect of your vision and eye health. We will advise if your eyes have changed and demonstrate and discuss potential improvement options. We always take the time to explain what we recommend and why, meaning you leave feeling listened to, fully informed and reassured your eyes are taken care of.
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Examination
Time
At Patrick & Menzies we do things a bit differently from your average opticians! We allow longer for our eye examinations, so your optometrist can spend as much time as you both need to assess all aspects of your vision and eye health. It may be a routine check-up or perhaps you have a specific concern or symptom that’s bothering you. Taking more time means we can listen, make sure we understand, answer any questions and give you a proper explanation of any changes, often using state of the art scanning equipment.
Why Eye Checks are Important
Even if you’re seeing well it’s important to get regular check-ups – an effective eye examination is actually a health assessment and checking how far down the test chart you can read is a relatively small part of the process. Many medical conditions can be detected in an eye examination and many are symptomless in their early stages. For this reason, we examine in detail the fine structures of your eyes, like the delicate light-sensitive retina, the fine blood vessels at the back of your eyes and the clarity and condition of your corneas and lenses. Your eye health, general health and vision are intrinsically linked, so we aim to leave no stone unturned.
What We Can Tell About Your Vision
Your vision enables you to live life to the fullest: It is a jigsaw of different inputs from memory, balance receptors and most importantly, our eyes. Our eyes produce two, upside down pictures of the world which our brain combines to make one of everything the right way up! An optician’s job is to ensure your eyes produce the best images they can, so that you experience the best possible vision for you. So, if that’s not the case when you come and see us, we will work out exactly why your vision is not as good as it might be and find a way to help.
Ancilliary Services
An eye examination does not always end in the purchase of spectacles or contact lenses. Sometimes what’s needed is just a little advice, sometimes it may be a referral to a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist. However, because we are also part of a referral refinement service and minor eye conditions service we can often deal with problems that would have normally resulted in a referral to hospital. Increasingly we see people with problems that need ongoing management such as dry eyes. Sometimes just the reassurance that everything is as it should be is enough: Whatever your requirements, we’ve got you covered.
How to Book
You are welcome to book online, where you’ll find descriptions of the different appointments available. If you’re unsure or have any queries you can call us or visit one of our practices where we’ll be happy to discuss things and book you an appropriate appointment. All of our contact details are here. We can access your records and book appointments from any of our branches but be sure to specify where you’d like to be seen.
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Dispensing
It’s All in the Fit…
These days you can buy glasses and contacts lenses in all sorts of places including online and in outlet stores. But the General Optical Council’s advice is that it is always best to buy from the prescribing optician. This is because a large part of how well a pair of glasses work is down to how well they fit. A badly fitted and poorly dispensed pair of spectacles can not only be uncomfortable, even downright painful to wear, but they may also detract from your quality of vision. Your glasses should be as unique as you are, so we make sure we are not only accurate with your measurements, but that we really understand what you need your glasses to do for you. We will always be on hand to resolve any issues, or even better, prevent them from happening in the first place!
..and the Choice!
You may be lucky enough to have your perfect frame jump out at you straight away from the many products we have on offer, but often it’s a decision that takes a little more time. After all, this is something you will wear almost every day! It’s not simply a question of sartorial choices, however there may have been a change in your prescription or requirements that preclude certain types of frame. In that case we’ll talk lenses with you first before we look at frames. Sometimes things are more straightforward, and we can go straight to the fun part of finding your perfect pair! We’ll give you advice on the fit, comfort, longevity and suitability for your lenses, but also – how they look! Whether you want to find a ‘statement’ look, a pair that’s barely there or something in-between, we can help.
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Collecting Your Glasses
Collection – (and some fine tuning!)
Once you have chosen your new glasses and they have been made, checked (and double checked!), we’ll let you know that they are ready to be collected. We will be with you again when you pick them up to do any fine tuning on the fit and adjustment, check your vision is spot on and generally make sure you are completely happy with them. This is especially important if you’ve had a big change in prescription or are trying out a new type of lens for the first time – our clients tell us it really helps.
Read More (Coming Soon)
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On-going Care
On-Going Care…
If your glasses should become uncomfortable or slip, we will always be happy to adjust or refit them. We’ll also give you the correct solution to clean your glasses with (and a refill when it runs out!) plus the right cloth. But there’s a lot you can also do to prolong the life of your glasses. (Remember, even scratch-resistant coatings don’t guarantee your lenses are ‘scratch-proof’!)
- DO run your glasses under the cold tap to wash any dust or grit off the lenses. That way you won’t rub it in and scratch the lenses while cleaning them.
- DO always use the cleaning solution we give you – anything else may contain traces of solvents which some lenses are sensitive to.
- ALWAYS polish your lenses with the cloth provided, rather than your jumper or tie!
- Even tissues and kitchen roll are too abrasive, and their use means after a time fine scratches will build up and make the lenses look cloudy.
- DO keep your glasses in the case, not in your pocket or loose in your handbag.
- DON’T put them on top of your head! It may look dashing, but it knocks the sides out of shape. (Yes! Even with sprung sides!)
- DON’T leave your specs anywhere where they can get particularly hot, like your dashboard on a sunny day or above a radiator. Heat can damage any coatings or cause a plastic frame to lose its shape.
..and Repairs!
If the worst does happen then don’t worry – we can more than likely fix it. Most repairs can be done while you wait and if you got your glasses from us we won’t charge you for something straightforward like new screws or nose-pads. If it’s something more serious then we can send your glasses to our repairers who will do the best possible job they can to get your glasses functional again, but we’ve seen it all over the years – specs run over, put through the wash, even chewed by a horse! If all hope is lost we’ll advise you on your options and help you order a new pair as soon as possible.
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Contact Lenses
Why Expert Care…?
Unlike glasses, contact lenses are classed as a medical device. Made mostly of water they work in harmony with the thin layer of tears to correct your vision. Because of the interaction between the lens and your eye, it is vital that the health of your eyes is monitored more closely if you are a contact lens wearer. Therefore, we recommend a contact lens check at least every 12 months, and a regular eye examination every 2 years.
Contact lenses reduce the overall amount of oxygen your cornea can absorb, so we make sure we prescribe lenses that maintain healthy eyes and excellent vision. As long as your lenses are looked after properly, they are perfectly safe and can really make a difference in your look and your life.
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Booking
How to Book
You are welcome to book online, where you’ll find descriptions of the different appointments available. If you’re unsure or have any queries you can call us or visit one of our practices where we’ll be happy to discuss things and book you an appropriate appointment. We can access your records and book appointments from any of our branches but be sure to specify where you’d like to be seen.
Book With Us In Your Time, In Your Way
Online
Click on the book appointment button and follow the on-screen instructions. You will need an email address.
By Phone
If you’d rather speak to one of the team give us a ring!
In Person
We’d be very happy to see you at any of our branches. Pop in and see us in Brightlingsea, Braintree or West Mersea. Our addresses and opening hours are here.
Payment Plans available
More Information...
