McElholms provides private and NHS eye tests.
At McElholms we take great pride in using modern techniques and having the most up to date technology to cater for all patients. CHILDREN, under 16, are eligible to have a FREE eye test provided by the NHS, and if spectacles are required, the NHS helps pay towards the cost of these too. TEENAGERS under the age of 18 can also have a FREE eye test if they are in full time education and at McElholms there are a fantastic selection of spectacles as well as contact lenses for most prescriptions. As an ADULT it is important to have regular checks on your eye health - there can be changes within the eye without noticing any signs or symptoms. The NHS provide FREE eye tests to those who are Diabetic and those who are aged 40+ and have/have a family history of Glaucoma. OVER 60's receive a free NHS eye test every two years and OVER 70's, annually. 'Older' eyes are at risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other retinal problems, so it is important to have regular eye tests - as early detection can be vital to your long term prognosis.
Eye scanning using an Ocular Coherence Tomographer (OCT)
In 2015, we made a major investment in our patients’ eye care by introducing an OCT to our Downpatrick practice. Already we have had many cases for which we have been able to refer our patients for conditions and treatment that would otherwise not have been detectable with our previous traditional practice. This equipment enables us to detect eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and corneal conditions at a much earlier stage than is possible with traditional methods of practice. This means that our patients treatments can be started much earlier with much less chance of permanent vision loss for those patients’ unfortunate enough to have these conditions. We are currently, outside of the hospital, the only local practice to have this form of scanning.
We recommend an OCT scan if:
- There is a family history of macular disease
- You are over 40 and short sighted
- You are diabetic
- You have high blood pressure
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You are anxious in any way about your eyes and wish to have the ultimate eye examination
Conditions detectable by OCT:
- Dry macular degeneration
- Wet macular degeneration
- Macular holes
- Vitreous detachment
