Specsavers Home Visits

For many people with PTSD or Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), the prospect of attending an optician’s appointment can evoke significant anxiety. The experience of waiting in a crowded waiting room can be distressing for many people, but for those with PTSD or C-PTSD, the quiet, dimly lit space and the close proximity to the optician during eye examinations can be overwhelming. Moreover, the added vulnerability of removing glasses or contact lenses during the test, leaving individuals unable to see clearly, can intensify feelings of anxiety and create a situation thats insurmountable.

We are pleased to announce that Specsavers now offers home eye tests for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who may find it difficult to leave their house or attend an appointment at the opticians.

To be eligible for a home visit, people may:

• Have a condition that prevents them from leaving their home unaccompanied due to poor health.
• Live with a diagnosed mental health condition that necessitates assistance from another person to leave their home.
• Be housebound or bedbound due to a physical disability.

PTSD UK has confirmed directly with Specsavers that people with PTSD and C-PTSD qualify for a home visit, whether it’s due to the inability to leave their home or if they feel unable to have their eye test in-store as a result of their condition.

What are the Home Visits like?

The Specsavers home eye tests closely resemble in-store examinations, with slight adjustments and specialised equipment to accommodate the home environment. The visiting opticians are experienced in conducting eye tests in homes, ensuring that individuals and their loved ones receive the same level of care and attention they are accustomed to. Safety remains a priority, and Specsavers adheres to the guidelines provided by the College of Optometrists and NHS England regarding personal protective equipment (PPE).

The typical home eye test begins with the optician visiting the person’s home on a pre-arranged day, often preceded by a courtesy call to confirm the appointment’s convenience. During the visit, the optician will inquire about the individual’s eye health history, any current issues or symptoms, and proceed with the eye test using specialised equipment suitable for the home setting. Below, you can find an overview of the procedure and the types of tests conducted.

Before the test:

• The optometrist’s name will be provided in advance to ensure familiarity upon arrival. In some cases, an optical assistant may accompany the optometrist.
• The optometrist will determine the best area within the home for the test, ensuring the individual’s comfort. The space may require minimal adjustments, and for those with mobility challenges or who are bedbound, the test can be conducted wherever they feel most at ease. Specsavers possesses specialised equipment to adapt to different environments.

During the test:

The optometrist will perform various tests to assess vision and examine the overall health of the eyes, including:

• Checking intraocular pressure using a handheld tonometer to evaluate the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Conducting a visual field test to assess peripheral vision and identify potential signs of glaucoma.
• Examining the inside of the eyes, which may involve using eye drops to dilate the pupils for better visibility. This is especially beneficial in monitoring conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems.
• Assessing eye movement and coordination to ensure proper functioning and identify any strain or double vision.
• Conducting vision tests, including using a retinoscope to measure refractive error without requiring subjective responses, making it helpful for individuals with difficulty providing accurate feedback.

Further tests may be conducted depending on the individual’s ability, such as reading from a letter chart to assess visual acuity or wearing a trial frame to test vision with different lens strengths.

Selecting glasses:

After completing the eye test, the optometrist will determine whether the individual needs to wear glasses or update their current prescription. They will guide them through the available range of frames and lens options, assisting in selecting the perfect pair of glasses and exploring any applicable offers.

Glasses delivery:

The new glasses will typically be ready within 14 days. Once ready, a suitable date will be scheduled for the delivery and fitting of the glasses. The same process observed during the home eye test will be followed, ensuring that the glasses are adjusted for optimal comfort and satisfaction.

Specsavers’ commitment to providing home eye tests for people with PTSD or C-PTSD ensures they receive the necessary eyecare while prioritising their comfort and well-being – we’re very grateful for their support in this way. By offering accessible and tailored optometry services, Specsavers supports those affected by PTSD or C-PTSD in managing their eye health with ease and convenience.

Find out more about Specsavers Home Tests here.