Bowden and Lowe

We recommend that everyone should have their eyes examined on a regular basis, even if you feel your eyes are fine and your vision is perfect. Some ocular conditions have very few symptoms and the vision can change so gradually you do not notice that things are not as sharp as they used to be. Eye examinations can also be a very useful check on the health of the whole system, and not just the eyes.

Optos retinal screening is included in the advanced eye examination, or can be added to the standard examination or NHS vision check as an additional extra

Our advanced eye examination (£40.00) includes the use of the latest diagnostic equipment to ensure the ongoing health of your eyes. The optomap with its twin scanning lasers allows a much larger area of the retina, the light sensitive film at the back of the eye, to be imaged. This is achieved without the use of eye drops to dilate the pupil so you can carry on your life without any interruptions. Why look through a key hole when we can open the door! See the optomap page for more details.

A standard private eye exam (£20.00) without the optomap screening is also available

Free NHS vision tests are also available (see below if you are eligible) and can be upgraded to include the optomap with an extra fee of £20.00.

Unlimited eye examinations are included in some of the various membership levels of Eyeplan, a very affordable way to care for your eyes. See the Eyeplan page to see how these plans can benefit you and your family.

We recommend children have an eye examination prior to starting school, and at regular intervals thereafter, possibly every six to twelve months, as prescriptions can change quite quickly when children are growing. It is not necessary for them to be able to read for an eye examination to be completed.

We accept eye care vouchers for VDU examinations and eye examination fees can also be claimed from the HSA and other Friendly Associations. We also offer the Eyeplan Reward scheme to give you peace of mind regarding the costs of eye care and eye wear.

Children under 16 years of age

People under 19 years of age and still in full time education

People over the age of 60

People diagnosed with Diabetes, glaucoma, or if you are a close blood relation to someone diagnosed with glaucoma, and aged 40 or over

People with a "complex optical prescription" as defined by the Department of Health

People Registered Blind or partially-sighted

People who receive certain benefits:

Income Support
Income-based Job-Seekers Allowance
Pension Credit, Guarantee Credit, or receiving Tax Credits and meeting qualifying conditions
On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (Full Help) or HC3 (Partial Help) form

We have copies of the HC1 to apply for help in the case of low income