Your Questions Answered: The Care Optics Opticians FAQ

  • By proadAccountId-420323
  • 28 Apr, 2025

At Care Optics Opticians, we believe in clear vision and clear communication. We've compiled some of the most common questions we hear to help you understand more about your eye health and our services.

Eye Tests:
How often should I have an eye examination?
For most adults, we recommend an eye examination every two years. However, more frequent checks may be necessary if you have specific eye conditions, a family history of eye problems, or if you experience any changes in your vision. Your optometrist will advise on the best schedule for you.

What does a standard eye examination involve?
A comprehensive eye examination at Care Optics includes a thorough assessment of your vision, including tests for near and distance vision, colour vision, and depth perception. We also evaluate the health of your eyes, checking for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We'll discuss your lifestyle and visual needs to recommend the best solutions for you.

Do you offer free NHS eye examinations?
 Yes, at Care Optics, we are pleased to offer free NHS eye examinations to eligible individuals. This typically includes those over 60, children under 16 (or under 19 if in full-time education), people with diabetes or glaucoma, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those receiving certain benefits. Please contact us to confirm your eligibility.

How long does an eye examination take?
A standard eye examination at Care Optics usually takes around 30-45 minutes. This allows us enough time to conduct all the necessary tests and discuss your results and any recommendations with you.

Should I bring anything with me to my eye examination?
Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses (including the packaging or prescription if you have it), a list of any medications you are currently taking, and your NHS number if you are eligible for a free NHS eye examination. It's also helpful to bring details of any eye problems that run in your family.


Eyewear:

How long will it take to get my new glasses?
The turnaround time for your new glasses depends on the complexity of your prescription and the type of lenses you choose. In most cases, single-vision glasses are ready within a week to ten days. More complex prescriptions or lens coatings may take a little longer. We will give you an estimated collection date during your dispensing appointment.

Do you offer different types of lenses?
Yes, we offer a wide range of high-quality lenses to suit various needs and lifestyles. This includes single vision, bifocal, varifocal (progressive) lenses, as well as lenses with coatings to reduce glare, resist scratches, and offer UV protection. Our experienced dispensing opticians will help you choose the best lenses for your visual requirements and budget.

Can you reglaze my existing frames?
 In many cases, yes, we can reglaze your existing frames with new lenses. However, the suitability of your frames will need to be assessed by our dispensing opticians to ensure they are in good condition and can accommodate new lenses safely.

Do you offer a warranty on your frames and lenses?
Yes, all our frames and lenses come with a manufacturer's warranty against defects. The duration of the warranty may vary depending on the brand and product. Please ask our team for specific details.


Contact Lenses:

Do you offer contact lens fittings?
Yes, we provide comprehensive contact lens fittings. Our optometrists will assess your vision, eye health, and lifestyle to determine the most suitable type of contact lenses for you. We offer various types, including daily disposables, monthly lenses, and multifocal options.

How long does a contact lens fitting appointment take?
A contact lens fitting appointment usually takes around 45-60 minutes. This includes the initial assessment, trial lens fitting, and teaching you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.

Can I try contact lenses before committing to a purchase?
 Yes, we typically offer trial lenses during your fitting appointment to ensure comfort and vision correction are satisfactory before you make a purchase.

Do I need regular aftercare appointments if I wear contact lenses?
 Yes, regular aftercare appointments are essential for contact lens wearers to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your lenses are still the best fit for you. We usually recommend annual contact lens aftercare checks.


Myopia Control:

What is myopia control and why is it important for children?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry. Myopia control refers to strategies and treatments aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia in children. This is important because higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy.

What myopia control options do you offer at Care Optics?
At Care Optics, we offer several evidence-based myopia control options, which may include:
  • MiYOSMART Lenses: These innovative spectacle lenses from HOYA use DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology to slow down myopia progression while providing clear distance vision.
  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow myopia progression.  
  • Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: In some cases, low-dose atropine eye drops may be recommended by our optometrist as a myopia control strategy. This is usually used in conjunction with other methods and requires careful monitoring.
  • Specialised Soft Contact Lenses: Certain soft contact lenses are specifically designed with peripheral defocus technology to help slow myopia progression.

How do I know if myopia control is right for my child?
If your child is diagnosed with myopia, or if you've noticed they are experiencing increasing short-sightedness, we recommend booking a myopia control consultation at Care Optics. Our experienced optometrists will conduct a thorough eye examination, discuss your child's lifestyle and visual needs, and advise on the most suitable myopia control options for them.

How effective is myopia control?
The effectiveness of myopia control treatments can vary depending on the individual child and the chosen method. However, studies have shown that these interventions can significantly slow down the progression of myopia compared to wearing standard single-vision glasses or contact lenses. Early intervention generally leads to better outcomes

What is the process for starting myopia control treatment?
The process typically involves a comprehensive eye examination and a dedicated myopia control consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss the available options, answer all your questions, and develop a personalised treatment plan for your child. This may involve a fitting process for MiYOSMART lenses or Ortho-K, or a discussion about the use of low-dose atropine. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.  


Hearing Tests:

Do you offer hearing tests at Care Optics?
Yes, at Care Optics in Enfield, we are pleased to offer comprehensive hearing tests. We understand that good hearing is just as important as good vision for your overall well-being. Our qualified audiologists use advanced equipment to assess your hearing ability accurately.

What does a hearing test involve?
A typical hearing test at Care Optics involves several stages. We'll start by discussing your hearing history and any concerns you may have. Then, we'll perform a physical examination of your ear canal and conduct a series of tests in a soundproof booth. These tests may include pure-tone audiometry (to measure the quietest sounds you can hear at different frequencies), speech audiometry (to assess your ability to understand spoken words), and tympanometry (to check the condition of your middle ear and eardrum).

How long does a hearing test take?
A standard hearing test at Care Optics usually takes around 45-60 minutes. This allows our audiologist to conduct all the necessary assessments and discuss the results with you in detail.

How often should I have a hearing test?
We generally recommend that adults have a hearing test every two years, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have noticed any changes in your hearing. If you have concerns about your hearing at any age, it's always best to get it checked sooner rather than later.

What happens after my hearing test?
After your hearing test, our audiologist will explain your results clearly and answer any questions you may have. If any hearing loss is detected, we will discuss the available options, which may include hearing aids or other management strategies. We offer a range of discreet and advanced hearing solutions to suit your individual needs and lifestyle. If further medical evaluation is required, we will refer you to a specialist.


If you have any other questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team at Care Optics Opticians in Enfield. We're always happy to help you with both your eye and hearing care needs!

Contact Us


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.


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.



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!

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