Comprehensive Eye Examinations in Bridge of Allan
Eye Examinations
Expert Eyecare for Bridge of Allan, Stirling and the Forth Valley
An eye test is about much more than just a new pair of glasses. It is a vital window into your overall health. Our independent practice on Henderson Street combines clinical expertise with the latest diagnostic technology to provide the most thorough eye examination Bridge of Allan has to offer.
Why Regular Eye Tests Are Essential
Your vision is precious, yet many eye conditions develop without any early symptoms. Regular check-ups at Blink are essential to:
Detect Eye Disease Early: We screen for sight-threatening conditions such as Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Macular Degeneration.
Monitor General Health: A detailed eye exam can identify early signs of systemic health issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Our eye tests are tailored for all ages, from children’s vision to complex adult prescriptions, we adapt our examinations to suit the specific needs and abilities of every patient.
What Happens During Your Eye Exam at Blink?
As a leading Stirling optometrist, our comprehensive assessment covers every aspect of your ocular health:
History and Symptoms - we take the time to listen carefully to your needs, paying attention to previous ocular history, general health and any other concerns you may have
Visual acuity – precise measurement of your vision using the latest computerised charts
Refraction – a detailed check to determine if you need spectacles/contact lenses or if your existing prescription has changed
Pressure check – measures the pressure inside your eyes, an important health check
Eye muscle balance – assesses how well the eyes are working together
Slit lamp assessment – examines the anterior eye
While your NHS eye test is free in Scotland, we strongly advise including our advanced imaging suite as part of your assessment for a truly preventative health check.
3D OCT scanning - similar to ultrasound, this allows us to see beneath the surface of the retina to detect issues years before they are visible to the naked eye.
Optomap Ultra-widefield Imaging - captures 82% of your retina in one panoramic image - far more than a standard camera.
These specialised scans are not covered by the NHS, but are the best way to ensure early diagnosis and prevention of vision loss. Your Optometrist can talk you through these at your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In Scotland, the standard clinical eye examination is funded by the NHS and is free for all UK residents. At Blink, we complement this with an Advanced Imaging Suite (including Optomap and OCT), which is a private professional service. This allows us to see deeper into the health of your eyes than a standard test, providing a more comprehensive health check.
Optomap and OCT scans combined costs £40 while individaully they cost £25 each.
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A typical appointment at our Bridge of Allan practice lasts around 45 minutes. This gives us ample time to perform your clinical tests, capture high-resolution images of your retina, and discuss our findings with you in detail.
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To ensure the most accurate assessment, please bring:
Your current spectacles (and your contact lens details if you wear them).
A list of any current medications.
Your CHI number (if known, though we can usually find this for you).
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We recommend children have their first eye examination around the age of 3 or 4, before they start school. You don't need to wait until your child can read; we use specialised charts and shapes to assess their vision and ensure their visual development is on track. Find out more on our Children’s Eyecare page.
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For most adults, the NHS recommends an eye examination every two years. However, we may recommend annual checks if you are over 60, have a family history of glaucoma, are diabetic, or if our optometrists feel your clinical profile requires closer monitoring.