Comprehensive
Eye Examinations
Your Vision Deserves Expert Care
At Unia Opticians, we believe that healthy eyes are the foundation of a vibrant life. Our comprehensive eye examinations go far beyond a simple vision test, providing a thorough assessment of your eye health and visual performance.
Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and clinical expertise, we take the time to understand your visual needs, lifestyle requirements, and any concerns you may have. Every appointment is designed to give you complete peace of mind about your eye health.
Book Your Eye Examination Today.
Please complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
What Happens During Your Examination
Your comprehensive eye examination with us is a complete health check for your eyes. We begin by discussing your medical history, current vision, and any specific concerns you might have. Our optometrists then perform a series of tests to assess your visual acuity, eye coordination, and focusing ability.
We examine the internal and external structures of your eyes using advanced technology, checking for signs of eye disease or other health conditions. The entire process typically takes 40 to 50 minutes, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
We invest in the latest optical technology to ensure every examination is precise and thorough. Our testing methods detect even the smallest changes in your vision and eye health, allowing us to provide early intervention when needed.
This includes digital retinal imaging, pressure testing for glaucoma, and detailed assessments of your eye’s optical system. These advanced tools help us identify potential problems before they affect your daily life, protecting your vision for the future.
Personalised Care and Recommendations
Following your examination, we’ll discuss our findings with you in clear, straightforward terms. We believe in taking time to explain what we’ve discovered and what it means for your vision and eye health.
Whether you need new glasses, contact lenses, or specialist treatment, we’ll recommend solutions tailored specifically to your individual needs and preferences. Our recommendations always consider your lifestyle, budget, and personal style, ensuring you leave feeling confident and well cared for.
Regular Eye Care Protects Your Future
Many eye conditions develop gradually without obvious symptoms, which is why regular comprehensive examinations are essential. We recommend annual check-ups for most patients, though some may benefit from more frequent visits depending on age, health conditions, or family history. Consistent monitoring allows us to track changes over time and intervene early if needed. Your vision is precious, and we’re committed to protecting it throughout every stage of your life.
Take the first step towards optimal eye health. Contact our friendly team to arrange your comprehensive eye examination at a time that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Advanced Eye Examination at Unia Opticians entail?
An Advanced Eye Examination at Unia Opticians in St James’s Park, London is a comprehensive assessment that goes beyond a standard sight test. The examination begins with a detailed review of your medical history and symptoms, followed by a precise prescription assessment and thorough health evaluation of your eyes.Our Advanced Eye Exam includes hospital-grade diagnostic technology, most notably Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanning. This advanced imaging technique uses light waves similar to ultrasound but with light instead of sound to create detailed cross-sectional images of your retina and optic nerve.The examination also incorporates digital retinal imaging (fundus photography), visual field testing, and slit lamp biomicroscopy.
These tests work together to detect eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. We can also identify signs of systemic diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure through changes visible in the eye.The comprehensive nature of our Advanced Eye Exam allows for early detection of eye diseases, often before symptoms appear.
Even in healthy eyes, the scans provide invaluable baseline images that enable us to monitor any changes over time with precision.
How much does an Advanced Eye Exam cost at Unia Opticians?
For specific pricing information regarding Advanced Eye Examinations at Unia Opticians, we recommend contacting the practice directly. Pricing can vary depending on which diagnostic tests are included and your individual needs. It’s important to note that advanced diagnostic imaging, such as OCT scanning, goes beyond what is included in a standard sight test and is offered as a private service.
Many patients find the investment worthwhile given the hospital-grade technology used and the comprehensive nature of the examination. The early detection capabilities of OCT and retinal imaging can identify serious eye conditions years before they would be detected through standard testing alone.
If you have private medical insurance, some policies may cover advanced eye examinations. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and contacting Unia Opticians to discuss payment options and whether your policy is accepted.
What's the difference between a standard eye test and an Advanced Eye Exam?
The key difference lies in the depth of diagnostic imaging and disease detection capabilities.
Standard Eye Test includes:
- Medical history and symptom assessment
- Prescription determination for glasses or contact lenses
- Basic eye health checks
- Visual acuity testing
- External eye examination
Advanced Eye Exam at Unia Opticians includes all of the above, plus:
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Hospital-grade 3D imaging of retinal layers and optic nerve, enabling detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy in their earliest stages
- Digital Retinal Imaging: High-resolution photographs of the back of your eye, creating a permanent record for comparison over time
- Visual Field Testing: Comprehensive mapping of your central and peripheral vision to detect blind spots and optic nerve abnormalities
- Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy: Detailed microscopic examination of all eye structures from front to back
The Advanced Eye Exam provides baseline data even in healthy eyes, allowing for precise monitoring of any changes. This is particularly valuable for early detection, as many serious eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
A standard eye test is appropriate for routine vision checks, while an Advanced Eye Exam is recommended for those over 40, anyone with a family history of eye disease, diabetics, those with high blood pressure, or anyone wanting the most comprehensive assessment available.
What eye conditions can be detected during an Advanced Eye Exam?
The Advanced Eye Examination at Unia Opticians in St James’s Park can detect a wide range of eye conditions and diseases, including:
Primary Eye Conditions:
- Glaucoma: Detected through OCT imaging of the optic nerve, visual field testing, and pressure measurements
- Macular Degeneration: Identified via OCT scans showing retinal layer changes and digital retinal imaging
- Cataracts: Observed through slit lamp biomicroscopy examination of the lens
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Detected through retinal imaging and OCT, showing blood vessel changes and retinal swelling
- Retinal Detachment: Early signs visible on OCT and retinal imaging
- Macular Holes: Precisely identified through OCT cross-sectional imaging
- Optic Nerve Abnormalities: Detected through OCT and visual field testing
Other Conditions:
- Corneal diseases and infections (via slit lamp examination)
- Inflammation and infection of various eye structures
- Eyelid conditions
- Dry eye disease
Systemic Diseases Detected Through Eye Examination:
- Diabetes: Changes in retinal blood vessels are often visible before other symptoms
- High Blood Pressure: Visible through characteristic changes in retinal blood vessels
- Other vascular and neurological conditions that manifest in the eye
The comprehensive nature of our testing equipment particularly the OCT and digital retinal imaging means we can often detect these conditions years before symptoms develop, when treatment is most effective. Even in healthy eyes, the baseline data we collect allows for precise monitoring of any future changes.
How often should I have an Advanced Eye Examination?
The recommended frequency for Advanced Eye Examinations depends on several factors including your age, risk factors, and eye health status.
General Guidelines:
Ages 18-40 with no risk factors: Every 2 years for standard eye tests; consider an Advanced Eye Exam to establish baseline OCT and retinal imaging data
Ages 40-60: Every 2 years, with Advanced Eye Exam recommended as glaucoma and other age-related conditions become more common
Ages 60+: Annually, with Advanced Eye Exam strongly recommended as risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts increases significantly
You should have more frequent Advanced Eye Exams if you:
- Have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases
- Are diabetic (annual Advanced Eye Exams essential for diabetic retinopathy monitoring)
- Have high blood pressure
- Are highly myopic (short-sighted)
- Have been diagnosed with an eye condition requiring monitoring
- Notice any changes in your vision
- Take medications that can affect the eyes
Is the Advanced Eye Exam painful or uncomfortable?
No, our Advanced Eye Examination is completely painless and non-invasive. All the advanced diagnostic tests are designed for patient comfort.
What to expect:
OCT Scanning:
- Completely non-invasive with no contact with your eye
- You simply rest your chin on a support and look at a target light
- Takes only a few minutes per eye
- Painless (you won’t feel anything)
- No radiation is used
Digital Retinal Imaging:
- Non-invasive and safe
- A brief flash of light as the photograph is taken (similar to a camera flash)
- No contact with your eye
- Takes just seconds
Visual Field Testing:
- You’ll look into a device and press a button when you see lights appear
- Completely non-invasive
- Requires concentration but is not uncomfortable
Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy:
- The optometrist uses a microscope with light to examine your eye
- You rest your chin and forehead on supports
- A bright light is used, but it’s not painful
- No contact with the eye in most cases
Eye Drops: In some cases, eye drops may be used to dilate your pupils for a more detailed examination of the back of the eye. If used, these can cause temporary stinging for a few seconds, and your vision may be blurry for a few hours afterward. You may also be more sensitive to light temporarily. The practice will advise you if dilation is necessary and what to expect.
The entire examination is designed to be as comfortable as possible while providing the most comprehensive assessment of your eye health.
Book Your Appointment
Take the first step towards optimal eye health. Contact our friendly team to arrange your comprehensive eye examination at a time that suits you.
