Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, patients that wear contact lenses can opt to add the cost of their contact lenses to the monthly direct debit payment. Alternatively members can order and pay for lenses ad-hoc. The same lens discounts are applied whether the lenses are paid for on an ad-hoc basis or via direct debit.

Yes. Access to eye examinations and contact lens aftercare appointments and discounts on products/services begin immediately upon joining. Complimentary contact lens fitting and dry eye assessments are available after 3 months of visionplan membership.

There are no restrictions on how often Visionplan members can use their discounts. Discounts can only be used by the member and can not be transferred to others.

Varifocal, multifocal, and progressive lenses all refer to the same type of lens designed to correct vision at multiple distances. These lenses provide a seamless transition from distance to intermediate to near vision without visible lines, making them a popular choice for those who need help seeing clearly at various ranges. Unlike bifocal or trifocal lenses, which have distinct sections, varifocal or progressive lenses allow for a smooth, gradual change in focus, offering a more natural visual experience.

Yes, as experts in all aspects of myopia management we regularly dispense myopia management lens designs.

Myopia management lenses are specially designed lenses that help slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children and young adults. These lenses work by altering how light focuses on the peripheral retina and reduces the excessive eye growth that is associated with progressing myopia.

Enhanced reading glasses are lenses designed to provide clear vision at both close-up and intermediate distances, such as for computer work or tasks around a room. Unlike traditional reading glasses, which focus only on nearby objects, enhanced reading lenses (also called occupational, office, or room lenses) offer a broader range of focus. This makes them ideal for those who need sharp vision at multiple distances, reducing eye strain and enhancing comfort for daily activities like reading, computer use, or office interactions.

Distance Plus lenses, also known as antifatigue or boost lenses, are designed to reduce eye strain for those who spend a lot of time on close tasks, like reading or screen work. These lenses provide a slight increase in positive power at the lower portion, easing near tasks without impacting distance vision. Ideal for those who don’t need full reading glasses but experience eye fatigue, Distance Plus lenses offer a gentle boost to help the eyes relax and stay comfortable throughout the day.

Yes. For the those eligible the NHS provide vouchers towards the cost of eyewear. These vouchers can be used towards the cost of your glasses. We offer a range of glasses and lenses that are entirely covered by the voucher value.

Yes, we do provide blue control lenses, which are designed to reduce the amount of blue light reaching the eyes, often from screens and artificial lighting. However, it’s important to note that, according to current research, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that blue control lenses provide enhanced eye health or prevent eye strain in a clinically significant way. Despite this, some people report feeling more comfortable with blue control lenses and, after trying them, choose to include them in future orders for added visual comfort.

A comprehensive Dry Eye Assessment involves several key tests to accurately diagnose and understand the underlying causes of dry eye symptoms:

• Detailed Patient History – the optometrist reviews your general health, medication use, and lifestyle factors to identify any potential contributors to your symptoms.
• Tear Analysis – using advanced tools like the Medmont Topographer, we conduct a non-invasive tear evaporation test, along with the Schirmer test, to measure your eye’s natural tear production.
• Eyelid Health and Meibum Quality – the optometrist assesses the condition of your eyelids, the quality of the meibum (oil) they produce, and your blinking habits, as these are crucial to eye moisture.
• Meibography Imaging – this imaging technique helps us check for any shortening or loss (atrophy) of the glands responsible for tear production.
• Tear Dye Test – a safe diagnostic dye is used to detect and grade the severity of dryness on the eye’s surface, providing additional insight into your condition.

Each of these assessments enables the optometrist to tailor a targeted treatment plan for optimal relief of your dry eye symptoms.

No, IPL and LLLT treatments do not cause pain. You will however feel a warming sensation during treatment. After the application of the IPL and LLLT treatment the optometrist will gently express your glands. Some people find these experience mildly uncomfortable. For this reason the optometrist will use a mild anaesthetic drop to make the gland expression treatment comfortable.

Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture on the eye’s surface. By blocking tear drainage, they increase eye hydration, providing relief for those with dry eye symptoms. They are safe, reversible, and can be a valuable option for managing chronic dryness. Punctal plug fitting costs £200 per pair.

An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool widely used within the Hospital Eye Service to assess and monitor eye health, particularly the macula and optic nerve. Similar to an X-ray at the dentist, OCT captures detailed, three-dimensional images of eye structures, enabling your optometrist to see beneath the surface. This non-invasive, safe and painless scan aids in detecting and managing conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and more – often before symptoms appear.

Optos Ultra-wide Retinal Imaging, also known as Optomap® imaging, is an advanced eye imaging technology which provides a comprehensive view of your retina. Unlike traditional methods, which only reveal 10-15% of the retina at a time, Optomap® captures over 80% in a single, non-invasive  and painless photograph. This ultra-wide view helps detect early signs of eye disease and allows for closer monitoring between visits. The device also performs autofluorescence imagery which helps highlight early retinal stress and potential disease before symptoms arise.

Measuring eye pressure is vital when assessing a patient for glaucoma. If the pressure inside the eye gets too high the optic nerve can become damaged in a process termed glaucoma. Many patients dread the ‘air puff pressure test’ which we why we use alternative methods to record eye pressure. The gentle techniques we use are preferred by most of our patients and are also used within the hospital eye service.

Yes. The Linklater Warren Eye Examination is a comprehensive eye test enhanced with the latest technology to assess eye health and  costs £55 to those eligible to an NHS Sight Test. We also provide fully NHS funded Sight Tests at all our branches for those that are eligible and who would prefer not to upgrade.

The NHS recommends that Sight Tests should be performed every two years for most patients. Many of our patients, particularly visionplan members, chose to attend for an annual consultation for added piece of mind. At the end of your eye examination your Optometrist will inform you when a return visit is recommended.

No, the tests included within a the Linklater Warren Eye Examination are completely painless. Advanced imaging is non-invasive, quick, and doesn’t require any contact with the eye, so you can enjoy a thorough and comfortable eye health assessment.

Yes, our optometrists are experienced and adept at providing eye care crafted to meet the needs of all patients. All of our branches have ground floor consulting rooms with ramps available where necessary to make the practices fully accessible. We encourage patients  (or their carers) to get in contact to discuss how we can best meet their specific needs. We are determined to  ensure that all our service users have a truly wonderful eye care experience.

Research shows that how light hits the peripheral retina influences eye growth and myopia progression. In a normal eye, light focuses on the retina. In a myopic eye, light from the peripheral visual field focuses behind the retina, even when corrected with standard glasses or lenses. This drives eye growth and progression.

Children who spend more time outdoors in natural light are less likely to develop myopia, or if they do, their progression may be slower.  The exact reason for this protective effect isn’t fully understood.  Excessive time on near tasks (reading, screen use) may also increase myopia risk. We therefore recommend children spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily and limit time spent on near tasks. Genetics also play a role. Children with a myopic parent are at increased risk of becoming myopic, the risk increases further when both parents are myopic.

Myopia typically progresses through childhood and into early adulthood, with rates varying depending on individual risk factors. Extensive research has been carried out to look at the ‘natural progress’ of myopia when corrected with conventional glasses know how the condition tends to progress throughout childhood and how that is influenced by ethnicity, age at diagnosis, family history and other risk factors.  Myopic children are encouraged to book a Myopia Progression Assessment with one of our optometrists to find out more.

No, the Lenstar machine is an optical biometer meaning it does not touch the eye and uses light to measure the length of the eye. The measurements are non-invasive but require the child to look steadily at a small red light for several seconds at a time whilst the measurement is being taken.

Whilst the light emitted from screens does not ‘damage’ our eyes we do know that excessive time spent on near tasks is associated with an increased risk of myopia. Because of the immersive nature of mobile devices children (and adults) tend to spend much longer looking at near than past generations would have done. Excessive time spent on mobile devices may also have the knock on effect of reducing the time spent outside. These features are thought to be why myopia is becoming more common with each passing generation.

Certain people are eligible for an NHS Sight Test, these are:

• Patients aged 60 years or over.
• Patients aged less than 16 years.
• Patients aged 16, 17 or 18 years in full time education.
• Patients registered blind/partially sighted.
• Patients with diabetes.
• Patients with glaucoma.
• Patients considered at risk of glaucoma by an Ophthalmologist.
• Patients over 40 years with a parent, brother, sister or child with or that previously had glaucoma.
• Prisoners on leave from prison.
• Patients that have previously been prescribed complex lenses.
• Patients named on a valid HC2 certificate.
• Patient receiving certain government benefits.

People that are not eligible to an NHS Sight Test can access routine eye tests with us privately by booking a Linklater Warren Eye Examination.

Most patients with eligibility to NHS funded Sight Tests can access the service every two years. Children or those deemed by their optometrist as being at high risk of eye disease may be advised to return for more frequent sight tests. Those that are not due their routine sight test can always access a test early if advised to do so by their doctor or if they are experiencing symptoms that prompt an eye test.

No, children with hearing problems require investigation and care from both audiologists and specialist doctors. We therefore do not provide hearing services for children. Concerns about a child’s hearing, balance, or ear health should be directed to their doctor (GP) in the first instance.

Surprisingly, ear wax is beneficial for ear health, playing a vital role in preventing infection and removing debris from the ear canal. Produced naturally by glands in your ear canal, it varies in colour from yellow to dark brown. However, excessive buildup can cause complications.

Some people produce more wax or are more prone to build up over time due to factors like hairy, narrow, or S-shaped ear canals. The use of cotton buds, ear plugs, earphones, and hearing devices can also encourage wax to build up.

People prone to wax buildup and hearing aid users should have their ears checked annually to maintain ear health.

Excessive ear wax build up can cause a variety of symptoms including:

• Ears feeling itchy
• Earache
• Tinnitus – persistent ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears
• Loss of hearing
• Infection

Ear wax build up in hearing aid users can have additional negative impacts including:

• By causing damage to the hearing aid
• By increasing the frequency your hearing device needs cleaning
• By causing the hearing aid to emit a whistling noise
• By causing discomfort when wearing your hearing aid

As an independent provider we’re able to offer the most advanced digital hearing aid systems from world leading manufacturers such as Widex, Oticon, Phonak, Unitron, GN Sound and Starkey. Our audiologist always lay out all the options and recommend devices suited to your budget, hearing needs and lifestyle.

No, our hearing aids are purchased privately.

Yes, our optometrists are experienced and adept at providing eye care crafted to meet the needs of all patients. All of our branches have ground floor consulting rooms with ramps available where necessary to make the practices fully accessible. We encourage patients  (or their carers) to get in contact to discuss how we can best meet their specific needs. We are determined to  ensure that all our service users have a truly wonderful eye care experience.

Yes, of course. Unlike some practices we never turn away young children and happily provide NHS funded sight tests for all children from birth to 18 years old.

Absolutely. Our highly qualified optometrists, with over 100 years of combined experience, are well-equipped to support patients with complex eye conditions. Known locally for excellence, we receive frequent referrals from GPs and ophthalmologists, reflecting the trust placed in our expertise. We maintain close relationships with the local hospital eye clinic, and several of our optometrists bring extensive experience from their work within the hospital eye service. Many of our team members have also pursued postgraduate qualifications, including ocular therapeutics, allowing them to serve as independent prescribers of ocular medications.

Yes. Alongside routine eye examinations, we offer short-notice appointments to assess and manage issues such as soreness, pain, redness, and light sensitivity. This service is available privately, ensuring patients receive prompt, expert care for urgent eye concerns.

Yes, our optometrists can assist patients experiencing flashes or floaters. We offer thorough evaluations to investigate these symptoms and assess for potential retinal tears or detachments. Patients can access this specialised care privately, ensuring prompt attention to any urgent eye health concerns.

Absolutely. This is one of our areas of expertise. We understand that people with high prescriptions often need additional care and time to ensure their glasses provide clear and comfortable vision. We welcome patients with all types of vision conditions, including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).

Yes, our optometrists are experienced and adept at providing eye care crafted to meet the needs of all patients. All of our branches have ground floor consulting rooms with ramps available where necessary to make the practices fully accessible. We encourage patients  (or their carers) to get in contact to discuss how we can best meet their specific needs. We are determined to  ensure that all our service users have a truly wonderful eye care experience.

Yes, of course. Unlike some practices we never turn away young children and happily provide NHS funded sight tests for all children from birth to 18 years old.

Absolutely. Our highly qualified optometrists, with over 100 years of combined experience, are well-equipped to support patients with complex eye conditions. Known locally for excellence, we receive frequent referrals from GPs and ophthalmologists, reflecting the trust placed in our expertise. We maintain close relationships with the local hospital eye clinic, and several of our optometrists bring extensive experience from their work within the hospital eye service. Many of our team members have also pursued postgraduate qualifications, including ocular therapeutics, allowing them to serve as independent prescribers of ocular medications.

Yes. Alongside routine eye examinations, we offer short-notice appointments to assess and manage issues such as soreness, pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Our optometrists are accredited to provide NHS-funded urgent eye care through the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), allowing us to offer these appointments at no charge to patients with a GP in South East London.

Yes, our optometrists can assist patients experiencing flashes or floaters. We offer thorough evaluations under the NHS-funded Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) in South East London to investigate these symptoms and assess for potential retinal tears or detachments. This service provides prompt, specialised care to ensure any urgent eye health concerns are carefully managed.

Absolutely. This is one of our areas of expertise. We understand that people with high prescriptions often need additional care and time to ensure their glasses provide clear and comfortable vision. We welcome patients with all types of vision conditions, including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).

Yes, our optometrists are experienced and adept at providing eye care crafted to meet the needs of all patients. All of our branches have ground floor consulting rooms with ramps available where necessary to make the practices fully accessible. We encourage patients  (or their carers) to get in contact to discuss how we can best meet their specific needs. We are determined to  ensure that all our service users have a truly wonderful eye care experience.

Yes, of course. Unlike some practices we never turn away young children and happily provide NHS funded sight tests for all children from birth to 18 years old.

Absolutely. Our highly qualified optometrists, with over 100 years of combined experience, are well-equipped to support patients with complex eye conditions. Known locally for excellence, we receive frequent referrals from GPs and ophthalmologists, reflecting the trust placed in our expertise. We maintain close relationships with the local hospital eye clinic, and several of our optometrists bring extensive experience from their work within the hospital eye service. Many of our team members have also pursued postgraduate qualifications, including ocular therapeutics, allowing them to serve as independent prescribers of ocular medications.

Yes. Alongside routine eye examinations, we offer short-notice appointments to assess and manage issues such as soreness, pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Our optometrists are accredited to provide NHS-funded urgent eye care through the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), allowing us to offer these appointments at no charge to patients with a GP in South East London.

Yes, our optometrists can assist patients experiencing flashes or floaters. We offer thorough evaluations under the NHS-funded Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) in South East London to investigate these symptoms and assess for potential retinal tears or detachments. This service provides prompt, specialised care to ensure any urgent eye health concerns are carefully managed.

Absolutely. This is one of our areas of expertise. We understand that people with high prescriptions often need additional care and time to ensure their glasses provide clear and comfortable vision. We welcome patients with all types of vision conditions, including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses).