EYE EXAMINATION
How much does an eye examination cost?
Some eye examinations are free if you are eligible for an NHS eye examination. Whether you are tested privately or on the NHS you can expect to receive the same high quality eye examination.
To see whether you are eligible for a free eye examination on the NHS click here.
The fee for private eye examinations is £32.00.
Eye examinations for children are free if they are under 16.
Teenagers under the age of 19 are entitled to a free eye examination if they are in full time education.
How long does the eye examination take?
For an adult eye examination the appointment with your Optometrist will last approximately 30 minutes.
If you are a new patient with us we like to take a little extra time to get to know you so the eye examination will last approximately 45 minutes.
Eye examinations for children and teenagers can take between 15 and 30 minutes.
At the end of the eye examination you will be advised whether you need to see one of our dispensing team for advice about your glasses. The time you will be with our dispensing team will vary depending on your individual needs.
Parking in Northampton close to our practice is usually free for the first two hours on weekdays and free all day on Saturdays. For more information please click here.
How old does my child have to be to have an eye examination?
There is no minimum age limit on when a child can have their eyes examined. We frequently see babies, toddlers, children and teenagers of all ages.
Children do not need to be able to read or identify letters for us to examine their eyes.
We strongly encourage all children and young people to have their eyes tested regularly, usually every year.
Eye examinations for children is free if they are under 16.
Teenagers under the age of 19 are entitled to a free eye examination if they are in full time education.
For more information about children’s eye care click here.
To book an appointment for your child click here, call us on 01604 62 61 61 or visit the practice and our friendly, professional team will be very happy to help you.
What happens during the eye examination?
At the start of the appointment your Optometrist will ask you a few simple questions about your eyes and eyesight. From this we can tailor the eye examination to meet your personal needs.
We will always check your vision and confirm your prescription. We aim to keep this part of the consultation as simple and easy as possible so that you can relax knowing that we use a variety of techniques to obtain the most accurate results possible.
An examination of the health of your eyes is essential to screen for various eye and general health conditions. This is done by shining various lights into your eyes. The experience is completely painless and will not affect your vision.
To assess your eye health more thoroughly we recommend that all of our patients have the EyeMap ultra-wide field digital retinal scan completed regularly.
Sometimes your Optometrist may recommend additional procedures for example visual field testing, tonometry or colorimetry either to be completed straight away or at another visit. If any extra tests are needed this will be fully explained to you during your eye examination.
At the end of the examination your Optometrist will discuss the results of the tests completed, including a recommendation on whether you would benefit from new glasses. They will also be very happy to answer any questions you may have.
After your eye examination our dispensing team will be delighted to help you as you choose new glasses. We are very proud of our fantastic range of frame and lens choices which aim to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. For more information about our frames click here.
Children’s Eyecare
How old does my child have to be for an eye examination?
Regular eye examinations are essential for children of all ages.
Even babies can have an eye test!
Children do not have to be able to read letters to have an eye examination.
The eyes grow and develop throughout childhood, therefore it is important for children to have an eye examination when they are as young as possible and then regularly thereafter.
How do I know if my child needs an eye examination?
We recommend that all children have regular eye examinations.
Even if you think your child’s eyes are developing normally it is really important to have them checked from a young age.
What is involved during my child’s eye examination?
We always make the eye examination fun, easy and interesting.
Every child is different so we tailor each eye examination specifically to your child’s needs.
All examinations will include looking at the back of the eye to make sure their eyes are healthy and a check to see if glasses are required to improve their eyesight. Children do not even need to talk to us or be able to read to get an accurate result.
How much does a child’s eye examination cost?
Eye examinations are free for children under the age of 16 and free for students under the age of 19 as long as they are in full time education.
If glasses are required a voucher from the NHS is issued towards the cost of the spectacle lenses.
EyeMap
How much does it cost?
A standard EyeMap retinal scan is £10.00.
A superior EyeMap retinal scan is £20.00.
Your Optometrist can advise you on which retinal scan is recommended.
The EyeMap retinal scan is not available under the NHS.
How long does the scan take?
The appointment to have your EyeMap retinal scan will last approximately 10 minutes and you will see one of our specially trained and experienced clinical assistants. Usually the EyeMap retinal scan can be done on the same day as your eye examination.
The retinal scan will always be reviewed by an Optometrist on the same day.
Does it affect my vision?
No – your vision will not be affected by the EyeMap retinal scan as dilating drops are not usually required to obtain a good quality image.
The scan is completely painless.
COLORIMETRY
What do I do during the colorimetry?
The patient will look inside the Colorimeter at some text. They will then be shown a wide range of colour options and they will decide if any colour is of help. This process will accurately find the tint needed. The test can be done by patients of any age and is fully guided by our clinical assistants.
What next?
Many difficulties can be helped or alleviated with an accurate up to date spectacle prescription so you should start by booking a sight test with Sheinman Opticians and mention your interest in Colorimetry.
If your sight test is due and you are entitled to a free eye examination this would be covered by the N.H.S, e.g. student under 19, diabetic, over 60 or you receive benefits (a full list of eligible patients appears in this website).
If it appears that you may also benefit from Intuitive Colorimetry, this will be discussed during the sight test. The fee for the Colorimetry test is currently £65.00, and the results are reviewed with your optometrist afterwards, before any spectacles are dispensed.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you would like more information, or would like to book an appointment, please telephone Sheinman Opticians on 01604 626161, and our friendly professional team will be delighted to help you.
CONTACT LENS ADVANTAGE
What is the Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage?
The Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage is a payment plan that allows you to pay in advance for each order using a direct debit scheme. Upon joining, you will be required to pay for the first three months upfront, and your bank account will be debited on either the 1st or 25th of each month thereafter. Your contact lenses will be ordered and delivered automatically every three months, and you will make three payments towards each order.
How long does my payment plan last?
The Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage is intended to run for a minimum of twelve months. You may cancel at any time, however one months’ notice must be given prior to termination of the agreement. We reserve the right to alter the terms of the Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage, and if we do so, we will give you three months’ notice.
What happens if there is a mistake with my payment?
Under the terms of the Direct Debit Guarantee, an immediate refund can be requested by contacting your bank or building society directly, in the event that Sheinman Opticians or your bank or building society makes a mistake with your monthly direct debit payment. Please also contact Sheinman Opticians on 01604 626161 or email eyecare@sheinman.com.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If our request for your monthly direct debit payment is rejected by your bank or building society, then we will contact you to arrange payment of the outstanding monies. Please be aware that we will be unable to send your contact lenses until the full balance of your delivery is paid, and that any missed payments could lead to your delivery schedule being altered.
What happens with contact lens solutions on my payment plan?
If you need contact lens solutions for your contact lens type, the Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage will supply these free of charge. Both your contact lenses and solutions will be delivered to your chosen delivery address.
What happens if my prescription changes?
If your prescription changes whilst you are signed up to the Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage, then the direct debit arrangement will be updated with any changes, and any payment adjustments will be taken on your next payment date. Following significant prescription changes, lenses will be exchanged on the presentation of fresh, unopened packs of your former prescription. Minor prescription changes will be updated with the next regular delivery.
How often must I have a Contact Lens check?
We want to ensure that your eyes are as healthy as possible and that your lenses are comfortable, so we require that you attend a contact lens check at least once every twelve months. Your Optometrist will advise you if you need to be seen more frequently. Please be aware that if your contact lens check is overdue, your lenses will not be made available to you until you have attended your contact lens check. This check is a free service within the Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage, and we will inform you when these are due.
What happens if I lose or damage my lenses?
In the case of genuine accidental damage or loss, we are happy to offer you occasional free replacement contact lenses depending on the type of lens you wear. If you require any emergency replacement contact lenses, please contact Sheinman Opticians on 01604 626161 or email us at eyecare@sheinman.com.
Will I still need to attend a routine Sight Test?
You will still need to attend your routine sight test appointment at regular intervals. As part of the Sheinman Contact Lens Advantage, your sight test appointments are free of charge, along with any aftercare or emergency appointments that you may need. You will also be entitled to a free Eyemap retinal scan at the time you attend your sight test appointment.
HEARING ASSESSMENT FAQ’s
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE A HEARING ASSESSMENT?
Regular eye examinations are often accepted as the norm. Your hearing should be given the same level of care as part of managing your general health and wellbeing.
This is particularly relevant as we age due to the gradual deterioration of our hearing, however people can be affected by a loss of hearing at any stage in their life.
We therefore encourage everyone to consider having regular ear health checks and hearing assessments.
As a first step why not try our online hearing test. Please click here.
HOW MUCH DOES A HEARING ASSESSMENT COST?
At Sheinman we believe that along with your vision, your hearing is one of the most important senses we have for connecting us with others and to the outside world.
So everyone can experience our state-of-the-art audiology facilities we are now offering free hearing assessments!
We are committed to providing you with the same high standard of care for your hearing that our patients expect from us for their eyes.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE HEARING ASSESSMENT?
At the beginning of the appointment your Audiologist will complete a short medical history with you relating to ear and hearing health.
A detailed examination of the health of your outer ear is carried out first using a video otoscope, followed by a check of your middle ear function. Your Audiologist will then perform audiometric testing to determine your level of hearing.
At the end of the assessment your Audiologist will discuss your results and also provide any advice or recommendations, such as onward referral or suitable hearing technology.
Your Audiologist will also be very happy to answer any questions you may have.
HOW LONG DOES THE HEARING ASSESSMENT TAKE?
A hearing assessment with your Audiologist will last approximately one hour.
Parking is available close to our practice on Abington Street and also nearby in St Michael’s multi-storey car park. For more information please click here.
WHAT IF I NEED HEARING AIDS?
This choice will be guided by the nature and level of your hearing loss, as well as your lifestyle and personal requirements.
Adopting a hearing solution can often be a journey that involves acclimatisation over a few weeks or even months.
A thorough consultation and ongoing support with your Audiologist will help to guide you through this decision and process.
HOW MUCH DO HEARING AIDS COST?
The hearing aids we offer are available in a range of styles and prices, and all come with inclusive service for ongoing support.
We can also offer an interest free payment option and 60-day return period on all of our hearing care packages.
Your Audiologist will be able to guide you on the options available and help customise a hearing solution that is matched to your specific needs.
EAR WAX REMOVAL FAQ’s
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE EAR WAX REMOVAL?
A blocked ear can occur at any time, so having your ears checked regularly to assess their health and identify any build-up of ear wax or other concerns is good practice.
It is important that any sudden change of hearing in one or both ears is taken seriously. This could be due to something as simple as a blockage with ear wax, however in some cases urgent assessment and treatment may be required.
Please feel free to contact us if you need any ear and hearing care advice from our Audiologist.
HOW MUCH DOES EAR WAX REMOVAL COST?
The fee for ear wax removal is £49 for one or two ears.
Should the Audiologist find no problematic wax in your ears, there is a £25 consultation fee and we will provide you with an Ear Health Check, including taking high resolution photos of your ear drums.
DO I NEED TO APPLY OIL OR DROPS BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT?
Yes, olive oil drops can help soften the wax and make the removal of ear wax more comfortable. Microsuction is commonly regarded as the safest and most effective technique for removing ear wax.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EAR WAX REMOVAL APPOINTMENT?
At the beginning of the appointment your Audiologist will complete a short medical history with you relating to ear and hearing health.
We then inspect each ear using a video otoscope and display this on screen for you to view. This allows your Audiologist to assess your ear wax and select the best removal technique.
Ear wax can be removed using either microsuction or manual instrumentation. Microsuction is our standard procedure, however on some occasions a combination of techniques is required.
Your Audiologist will explain each procedure and ensure you are comfortable along the way.
At the end of the appointment we will inspect your ears again using the video otoscope to ensure they are clear and provide any ongoing ear and hearing health advice as needed.
Your Audiologist will also be very happy to answer any questions you may have.
HOW LONG DOES EAR WAX REMOVAL TAKE?
Your ear wax removal appointment can last up to 30 minutes, although it may take less time depending on the amount of ear wax and the procedures required.
Parking is available close to our practice on Abington Street and also nearby in St Michael’s multi-storey car park. For more information please click here.
