Horsham Opticians FAQ2017-10-29T20:49:19+00:00
Louise Sloan Opticians FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your privacy policy?2018-06-02T12:42:58+00:00

Your privacy is extremely important to us at Louise Sloan Opticians.

Our Privacy Policy lets you know how we collect, store and process your personal information and is regularly reviewed to ensure it complies with the latest data protection law, including the new GDPR regulations introduced from the 25 May 2018.

Click here to view our Privacy Policy, or ask us to post you a copy or pick one up at any of our branches.

Is there parking near the shop?2017-10-15T11:58:13+00:00

Yes, there is a car park located at Piries place which has easy access to the shop. There are also several other town centre car parks close by.

Do you have wheelchair access?2017-09-12T13:56:20+00:00

The shop is all on a level from the street. There are no steps or obstacles to the consulting room. The testing chair is moveable for ease of access.

What if I have an emergency eye problem?2017-09-12T13:52:03+00:00

We will try to accommodate you with an appointment same day if possible, or within 24 – 48 hours.
Louise is registered as the local MECS practitioner for emergency referrals for minor eye conditions.

For any serious concerns, the nearest hospital eye department is at East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill RH1 5RH, telephone number 01737 768551.

Do you offer colour overlay assessments for dyslexia?2017-09-12T13:50:28+00:00

Yes. Please call us for more details.

What services do you have for children?2017-09-12T13:48:23+00:00

The good news is that all children under 16, and those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to a free NHS test. If required a voucher will be issued to cover full or partial cost of the glasses.

It’s very important for children to have their eyes checked at regular intervals. Our eyes and visual system develop rapidly from birth to the age of seven or eight. During this critical period any imbalance or weakness in children’s vision should be corrected to ensure normal development.

If there are eye conditions in the family then early tests are even more essential.

At Louise Sloan Opticians our test room has been designed to be child friendly. For example, we have a chart to show pictures and shapes in decreasing size if your child is unsure of their letters or is too young to have learned them. We also carry out a test known as retinoscopy that allows Louise to tell if your child is short or long-sighted or has astigmatism.

We carry out tests to assess your child’s eye muscles, depth perception and colour vision.

We have a selection of good quality and colourful glasses for children if they are required. Our qualified dispensing opticians can get your child’s measurements and recommend the correct lenses.

Do you have free glasses for children?2017-09-12T13:46:37+00:00

We have a range of free glasses for children. A voucher can be issued to cover the full cost of the glasses selected from this range.

What is the starting point for the cost of a pair of glasses?2017-09-12T13:46:00+00:00

For single vision lenses and a choice of frame from a selected range, the starting point is £99* for a new pair of glasses. * Terms and conditions apply

How much is a private eye test?2020-05-03T13:41:05+00:00

A private eye test at Louse Sloan Opticians will cost £38. This includes the retinal photography.

What lens choices do I have?2017-09-12T14:31:58+00:00

New lens designs are being released all the time. We keep pace with the latest developments through our excellent relationship with suppliers such as Essilor, Zeiss and Nikon.

Our qualified dispensers will give you professional, personalised advice to find the lens that meets your needs.

We offer all the main types of spectacle lenses:

  • Single vision lenses

    These lenses have the same power across the whole lens. They are good for for distance viewing, for reading or for intermediate use. They can correct long sightedness, short sight and astigmatism.

  • Bifocals

    Bifocals can correct distance and reading using one lens. There is a line across the lens. When you are looking straight ahead you have clear distance sight and when you cast your eye below the dividing line the focus changes to reading.

  • Varifocals

    These lenses give you correction for distance, reading and intermediate vision as well. There is no dividing line. They work by a change of power across the lens to give you clear distance vision looking straight ahead and as you look down through the lens the power changes to give you intermediate and near focus too.

  • Occupational lenses

    This is a group of lenses specifically designed for people who use a computer and would like to read print simultaneously. If you use a computer a lot at home or at work, it can put a strain on your eyes.

    The occupational lens is designed to give clear middle vision, which we tailor to the position of your computer/lap top. In the straight ahead position the screen is clear, meaning you no longer have to lift your head to find sharp vision on the screen. As you look down the keyboard and small print is clear using a reading zone in the lower part of the lens.

  • Other options:

    Thinner lenses.

    It is possible to provide you with thinner, lighter lenses by making them from a denser optical material. They are great for higher powers to make lenses with a cosmetically improved appearance and avoid the need for heavy glasses.

  • Coatings

    • Hard coating

      This helps to reduce wear and tear on the lens and is especially useful if the glasses get heavy use.

    • Anti reflective coating

      This is a thin coating on the lens, which helps to reduce reflections from the front and back surfaces of the lens. It can reduce glare from the computer screen and help with night driving.

    • UV

      This coating helps to protect your eyes from ultra violet light, which can otherwise have a damaging effect on your eyes.

  • Tints

    We can offer a wide range of tints in different colours and density to help you see in bright sunlight. We can show you samples on request.

    Our very experienced dispensing opticians can give you further advice on all lenses and coatings as required.

Am I eligible for an NHS eye examination?2017-09-15T11:12:38+00:00

Some people can get free eye care. You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:

  • you’re aged under 16
  • you’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
  • you’re aged 60 or over
  • you’re registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
  • you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • you’re a prisoner on leave from prison
  • you’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement.

You’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

  • receive Income Support
  • receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • on a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate.

You may get help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you:

  • are aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education or
  • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher (your optician will advise you on your entitlement).

You may also get an NHS optical voucher if:

  • You receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution-based)
  • You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • You receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • You are awarded Universal Credit
  • You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • You are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
  • You will be asked to show proof of your entitlement to optical vouchers to the optician or a member of their staff.
What should I bring to my appointment?2017-09-12T13:11:54+00:00

We recommend you bring in any glasses that you currently wear.

If this is your first visit to Louise Sloan, a copy of your current prescription will help us check if your eyes have changed (if you can’t find it, don’t worry).

Please also bring a list of any medications you take, if possible.

Lastly if you wear soft contact lenses please bring in the packaging and a case to store them in whilst we test your eyes.

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