Products & Services Overview

Eye Examination

NHS sight examinations are available to people who fall into the following categories:

Children under 16 yrs of age
Students aged 16-18 who receive full time education.
People aged 60 and over
Personal history of Diabetes or Glaucoma
People aged 40 and over who have a close family member with Glaucoma
Those receiving Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance and certain categories of Pension Credit and Tax Credit
People advised by an Ophthalmologist that they are at risk of developing Glaucoma
People who are partially sighted or registered blind
Those who are entitled to a complex voucher in view of their high prescription
Those who have applied for and been granted an HC2 exemption certificate

Private sight examinations of 30 mins. duration are available on request.

Eye examinations are an important way of monitoring your general health and maintaining your eyes at their optimum focus. We recommend sight examinations on a 2 yearly basis, exceptions being children, contact lens wearers and people with certain medical conditions who should be seen annually.

After noting any history or eye symptoms you may have, our Optometrists will carry out detailed examinations to determine your refractive error and the general health of your eyes and surrounding tissues. Supplementary examinations may be carried out if necessary.

Spectacles

Hodd Barnes & Dickins have followed the development of spectacle frames with interest over the past century. From the real shell and horn rim spectacles of the 20’s and 30’s, through the introduction of National Health Spectacles in the 1950’s, designing and manufacturing our own range of frames in the 60’s and 70’s to the modern era where spectacle frames are looked upon as a fashion accessory as much as a functional item.

The modern diversity of styles made from so many varied materials means that frame design has now moved to another level. Frames are sourced from as far afield as Spain to Japan. Our current frame selection reflects this. We are able to offer complete pairs of spectacles from as little as £49.00 to our top of the range lines at £1,300.00.

Our staff are instructed that under no circumstances should a Patient feel pressurised into purchasing expensive frames or lenses. Indeed, should you prefer to use your existing frames for your new prescription, every care will be taken to ensure the job is completed successfully but work will be carried out at your own risk.

Contact Lenses

With our extensive fitting bank of soft lenses and access to all the major contact lens suppliers, we are able to fit all types of gas permeable (rigid) lenses, soft lenses and silicone hydrogel lenses. Irregular or non-standard corneas can be fitted with hand-made lenses by utilising our corneal topographer – a specially adapted camera that sends a 3D corneal contour map direct to the contact lens laboratory.

Patients who are new to Hodd Barnes and Dickins, or are commencing contact lens wear for the first time, will require a full eye examination prior to contact lens fitting.

Diabetic Monitoring

In 1997, Hodd Barnes and Dickins became one of the approved Diabetic Screening centres for local residents under the existing Health Authority boundaries. We continue to expand on the experience gained through the scheme to monitor many Patients with Diabetes. Use of a digital retinal camera (see below) to obtain detailed images of the retina, enables us to assess and monitor any diabetic changes that may be present. A comprehensive retinal report with accompanying retinal photographs is subsequently sent to the Patient’s GP.

Glaucoma Assessment

Assessing the optic nerve for early signs of Glaucoma requires a high level of instrumentation and skill. Through his involvement with the shared care Glaucoma monitoring scheme provided by the London and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals, Mr Robert Owen is able to lead his colleagues in all aspects of Glaucoma assessment, including disc assessment, visual field examination, corneal thickness measurement and photography of the central retina.

Retinal Photography

This has become increasingly important in the early assessment and long term monitoring of retinal conditions. Using a high definition digital retinal camera linked to our computer software, we are able to photograph and investigate retinal structures to a high level of definition. This information can be stored for future reference and/or forwarded to Hospitals or GP’s if further investigation is needed. Copies of the photographs are available on request for a small fee.

Company VDU Sight Tests

Since 1992/1993 Companies have been responsible for the health and safety, and specifically the eye comfort, of all habitual Display Screen users. Due to the exacting nature of their work, many City Companies make use of our established VDU screening service for their staff. We also accept Eyecare Vouchers and Eyecare Plan vouchers from Companies who operate from more than one centre. Following any VDU Sight Test, a report form is returned to the Company indicating the visual standard of the employee and whether any VDU specific eye correction is required.

Orthokeratology

An alternative to laser refractive surgery for the removal of short sightedness but not involving surgery. Overnight wear of a specially designed contact lens re-shapes the front surface of the cornea to provide lens free distance vision that lasts for the following day. Continued use of the contact lens maintains the cornea in its new shape. The process is completely reversible if the contact lens is not worn, returning to its pre-treatment shape in approx 1 week.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a part of modern life - whether participating in your favourite sport or simply soaking up the sun - they offer all the protection you need. Between our two Branches we carry all the major brands of fashion and sports sunglasses.

Hodds Barnes & Dickins