Can I Arrange an Eye Test on Behalf of My Elderly Parent or Relative?
Yes, you can arrange a home eye test on behalf of your elderly parent or relative. Whether you're a son, daughter, grandchild or carer, you can contact Home Eyecare using one of the methods listed below.
You can also find more information about arranging home eye care for a relative on our Next of Kin page.
Your parent or relative will normally need to agree to the eye test and give their consent. If they're unable to make this decision themselves, our optician will follow the appropriate procedures.
Can my Elderly Parent or Relative Get a Free NHS Eye Test at Home?
One of the first things we will ask you is why your elderly parent or relative cannot get to an optician.
We ask this question to see whether they meet the NHS criteria for a free home eye test. Although someone may qualify for a free NHS eye test, this doesn't automatically mean they qualify for an eye test at home.
You can find further details on our NHS Eligibility page.
How Can I Contact Home Eyecare to Arrange an Appointment?
We've tried to make it as easy as possible for people of all ages to get in touch with Home Eyecare.
The simplest way to contact us is by calling 01527 529010 or emailing contact@home-eyecare.co.uk.
We also have other ways you can contact us:
Website
On our Home Eyecare website, you'll find our clickable telephone number, email address and a contact form that sends your message directly to our team.
You'll also find our WhatsApp number and WhatApp icon if you prefer to contact us through WhatsApp.
Facebook Page
If you use Facebook, you can find us on our Home Eyecare Facebook page, where you'll see our telephone number, email address and website.
You can also send us a message through Facebook Messenger. Do feel free to say hello on our Facebook page.
What Information Will I Need When Booking?
Once you contact us, one of our friendly team members will speak to you over the telephone or reply to your message, depending on how you've contacted us.
We'll ask you a few questions about your parent or relative, such as:
- Their full name.
- Their home address.
- Their date of birth.
- Their GP details.
- Whether they're having any problems with their eyesight or simply need a routine eye test.
- Why they're unable to get to an optician.
We ask these questions so we can understand their needs and check whether they're eligible for a free NHS eye test at home.
We generally recommend an eye test every two years, although some people may need one sooner depending on their eye health and their optician's advice.
Once we've taken the necessary details and confirmed eligibility, we'll arrange an appointment at a time convenient for you.
We'll also give you a reminder call before the appointment.
What Should I Have Ready for My Parent or Relative's Home Eye Test?
There are a few things you can have ready before our optician arrives to carry out the home eye test.
If possible, please have the following available:
- Their current glasses: Any glasses your parent or relative currently uses, including reading and distance glasses.
- Medication list: A list of any medication they're currently taking.
- Eye or hospital letters: Any recent letters relating to their eyes or eyesight, particularly if they've been seen at a hospital eye department.
Having these things ready can help our optician understand your parent or relative's eye health and any problems they may be experiencing.
Don't worry if you don't have everything available. Our optician can still discuss their eye health and carry out the appropriate examination.
Can I Be There During My Parent or Relative's Eye Test?
Yes, you can be there when we conduct the home eye test. In fact, we prefer a relative or carer to be present where possible, as they can provide reassurance and help us understand any problems the patient may be having.
However, if you're unable to attend, that's not a problem. We can still carry out the home eye test, provided the appropriate consent and arrangements are in place.
Can I Receive an Update If I'm Not There During the Eye Test?
Yes, if you're unable to attend your parent or relative's home eye test, we can provide you with an update afterwards, provided we have the appropriate permission from the patient.
We understand that not everyone lives close to their elderly parent or relative, and work or family commitments may prevent you from being there.
If you'd like to receive an update, please let our team know when arranging the appointment so we can make the necessary arrangements.
What Happens During an Eye Test at Home?
Here's what you can normally expect when our optician visits your parent or relative at home.
- Medical history: We check the patient's medical history and ask whether they're having any problems with their eyes or eyesight.
- Checking their vision: We check how well they can see without glasses and, where appropriate, with their existing glasses.
- Refraction: The next stage is called refraction. This is where we try different lens powers to see whether they need glasses or whether the lenses in their existing glasses need changing to improve their vision.
- Checking the health of their eyes: We examine the eyes to look for signs of eye conditions or other problems.
- Checking eye pressure: We may check the pressure inside the eyes as part of the examination, depending on the patient's needs and the optician's assessment.
- Choosing glasses: Our optician carries over 200 frames, giving your parent or relative a variety of frames to choose from. We also discuss the different lens and coating options available if they need glasses.
- Glasses delivery: If your parent or relative needs new glasses, we can take care of everything from helping them choose their frames and lenses to arranging delivery of their new glasses directly to their home once they're ready. This means they won't need to make another trip to an optician.
What Happens After My Parent or Relative's Eye Test?
Once the eye test has been completed, our optician will discuss the findings with your parent or relative.
We'll explain whether there have been any changes to their eyesight and whether we've found any problems with their eye health.
If you've been given permission by your parent or relative, we can also discuss the findings with you, even if you weren't present during the eye test.
What If My Parent Doesn't Think They Need an Eye Test?
Some elderly parents or relatives may refuse an eye test because they don't want to become a burden on their loved ones. Others may be worried about losing their independence or simply have a fear of change.
As a son, daughter, grandchild or carer, one thing you can do is reassure them that an eye test is a routine health check. It doesn't just check how well they can see; it also checks the health of their eyes and looks for signs of eye conditions.
You can explain that the eye test takes place in the comfort of their own home, so they don't have to worry about travelling to an optician.
It's also important to listen to their concerns and involve them in the decision rather than making it for them.
Arrange a Home Eye Test for Your Parent or Relative
If you're concerned about your elderly parent or relative and would like to arrange a free NHS home eye test, please get in touch with Home Eyecare.
You can call us on 01527 529010, email contact@home-eyecare.co.uk or use our contact form.
Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you arrange an appointment if your parent or relative is eligible.