NHS eye examinations are free for everyone who lives in Scotland. Please call for more details.
FAQs
Do I qualify for a free eye test?
Anyone ordinarily resident in the UK is entitled to a Free NHS Primary Eye Examination every two years. The optician may request a shorter interval, which will be noted on your previous prescription. If you have any doubts, please feel free to call for advice.
If I do not qualify for a free test, how much is an eye check at Spectacles Outlet?
In the event that you are not eligible for a Free NHS Primary Eye Examination then the consultation fee is £25.
What is involved in an eye test?
Regular eye tests are important as not only can these ensure your prescription is correct but also act as a vital health check for your eyes. Eye tests can pick up early signs of eye conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms – many of which can be treated if found early enough.
A sight test will show if you need to:
- get glasses for the first time
- change your current glasses
A sight test will also include a general health check that can pick up early signs of eye disease before you’re aware of any symptoms. Some health conditions can affect the eyes such as:
- Diabetes
- Macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- An eye test is not painful and no discomfort is involved. Our friendly opticians will explain each step of the process as you are having your test.
Do I need to bring anything along for my eye test?
Please bring your previous prescription if you still have it or your current glasses. If you were tested previously at Spectacles Outlet we will have your full details on record.
Can I get contact lenses through Spectacles Outlet?
We do not currently offer this product.
Can I arrange hearing tests through Spectacles Outlet?
We do not currently offer this service.
How can I book an eye test?
Please call your preferred practice or use the website form to contact Spectacles Outlet to set up an appointment.
Can I bring a prescription from another optician?
Yes, your NHS prescription belongs to you and must be handed to you at the end of your eye examination under the Opticians Act. The prescription should be less than 2 years old otherwise it is advisable to book a Free NHS Primary Eye Examination with us.
How often should I get a new prescription?
Typically a prescription should be valid for 2 years unless advised otherwise by your optician.
Can I reuse my existing frames?
Yes, we are happy to re-glaze your own frame if this is your preference. Normally this does not present any problems but occasionally older frames can become unsuitable for lens replacement. We cannot take any responsibility for damage to frames that we have not supplied and your frames will therefore be re-glazed at your own risk.
What are the benefits of different lens coatings?
Coatings on lenses offer clearer vision and protection for your eyes against such as UV or overexposure to harmful Blue and Violet light.
You can also get Photochromic lenses that go dark in the sun or sunglasses with full, gradual or polarized tints.
Hard coatings are also available to help protect your lenses against scratching.
Our team at Spectacles Outlet will be pleased to offer advice on the options available and what is best for you.
What are the benefits of varifocal lenses?
Current varifocals offer vision at different ranges- distance, close work or computer length activities. Newly designed lenses are much more accommodating that the older designs and it is very rarely that our patients do not enjoy the full lifestyle benefits from wearing these lenses.
In the extremely rare event that a patient does not get on with a particular design of lens, they enjoy a full, ‘no-quibble’, money back guarantee or other options can be discussed.
About Spectacles Outlet
Know-how
Our optical consultants have been providing advisory-led customer care for over a decade. We never rush our customers. It’s important to us that you take all the time you need to choose the glasses that are perfect for you.
Visit our independent and family owned Edinburgh or Musselburgh outlets and expect no hard sell, no hurry, no pressure. And FREE parking too, so there’s no need to worry about the meter!
In-house manufacturing
We make our own lenses. And, because we have our own factory, we offer a super fast turnaround. On prescription lenses. On specialist coatings. On repairs and adjustments. We can even reglaze your favourite, pre-loved frames, saving you time and money.
Our range includes our own, high quality, freeform varifocal lenses. Choose from our balanced freeform or lifestyle range which includes drive, sport and workspace. More about lenses.
Eyecare
Eye health
Your eye health is important so you’ll be pleased to know that we take visual health seriously. Our Optometrists provide full eye health examinations not only to give you an accurate lens prescription but also to identity any potential eye conditions at an early stage. We highly recommend regular eye testing for everyone and, for children, at least every 2 years from pre-school. Eye Testing at Spectacles Outlet.
Great designer brands too
We stock a selection of 'current' designer frames, at outlet prices, to make you feel right at home in Beverley Hills! Great frames from great names including Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Oakley, PRADA and Ray-Ban. We've also just introduced 4 new premium brands to add to our collection - Prada Linea Rossa, Polo, Ralph and Tiffany.
All designer frames, including single vision prescription lenses, are priced 10% below RRP (including sunglasses!). Non-prescription, off-the-shelf, designer sunglasses are priced with a further 10% off RRP!
