Don't Swerve a Sight Test

By Monica Coelho
•
10 Jan, 2023
•

With the clock going back an hour, you might notice that you are spending more time driving during night time. This brings some concern as during the dark hours, our vision is not as sharp as it is during day time, leading to more accidents on the road. It is estimated that during lockdown, 5 million routine eye tests have been missed, bringing even more concern about how safe are we when we drive.

According to a survey by the Association of Optometrists:

54% of optometrists have seen a patient in the last month whose vision is below the legal standard and is unable to meet the required standard using corrective lenses, who continues to drive;
22.2% believe that they are advising more patients not to drive than previously;
40.2% have had a conversation with a patient who has concerns about a family member's ability to drive due to their vision.

These results show us that drivers don't realise how important vision is while driving and the impact on the safety of others who also use the road. Driving especially at night can be tricky as the driver might come across trouble with oncoming headlines, difficulty seeing road markings and/or street sight, difficult with judging distance and speed. If this happens, you might want to have your eyes tested as there might be some visual concerns.

Standards of vision for driving

You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. Also, you need to meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye. An adequate field of vision test may also be needed in some cases - it it up to the optician to decide whether you need it or not.

What also happens with almost every driver (needing glasses or not) is the complains about the glare that they get from the traffic lights and other cars. For that you can get glasses, even without prescription, with a certain type of anti-reflective coating that will help reflect the lights and help to sharpen your vision at night. Any complains like theses should be addressed with your optician.

If you are suffering from any of the above complains, or if you just want to have your eyes tested, make sure to book an eye examination before you come in to the practice. You can do that over email or telephone and we will be very happy to help arrange that time for you.

Always keep in mind: At Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care

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Barking and Dagenham Business Awards: Proudly Celebrating with Our Community

By proadAccountId-420323 • June 20, 2025

We were honoured to once again be part of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Awards this year—a vibrant celebration of local enterprise, innovation, and community spirit. For the third time, we joined fellow businesses from across the borough to recognise the outstanding contributions being made to our local economy and community.

This year's event was particularly special for the Care Optics family. We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Green Business Award, a recognition that speaks to our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do.

The highlight of the evening was seeing our very own Director receive the prestigious Businessman of the Year award. This is an incredible honour and a powerful testament to his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to both our company and the community we serve.

A Legacy of Excellence

This year’s successes build on a proud history of recognition from the Chamber of Commerce. Our team’s dedication to excellence has been consistently acknowledged, and we are humbled by the commendations we've received over the years, including:

Business of the Year (Winner, 2023)
Employer of the Year (Winner, 2023)
Training, Developing and Supporting Education (Winner, 2023)
The Judges’ Award (2024)
Customer Service
Charity and Community Impact
Innovation through the Use of Digital Media

Each award and nomination is a reflection of our team's collective hard work and our mission to deliver exceptional care and service. We believe a strong business is built on a foundation of community support, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the evening. We are inspired to be in the company of such incredible local businesses and look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and celebration within Barking and Dagenham.

Myopia Control: What Every Parent Should Know to Protect Their Child’s Vision

By proadAccountId-420323 • June 5, 2025

As parents, we want to give our children every possible advantage—from a great education to a healthy diet and a safe environment. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their eye health. And when it comes to children’s vision, Myopia—commonly known as short-sightedness—is becoming more common than ever. At Care Optics, we specialise in Myopia Control, helping children maintain clearer vision and a brighter future.

Let’s explore what Myopia is, how to spot it in your child, and the amazing ways we can help manage and slow its progression.

Experience the future of eyewear with Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses

By proadAccountId-420323 • May 5, 2025

Here at Care Optics, with our friendly teams in both Woodford and Dagenham, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to bring to your eyewear experience. And let me tell you, we're absolutely buzzing to announce our newest arrival: the revolutionary Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses!

Imagine seamlessly blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. Well, stop imagining, because these incredible glasses are here, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them to you. Get ready to step into the future of eyewear!