Frequently asked questions about your vision care

Please take a look at our most frequently asked questions below. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to contact any store here.

Absolutely you do! We must keep our eyes healthy. Our optometrists can identify early warning signs of serious conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, not just vision problems. We can also use eye exams, along with other tests, to check for neurological issues and glaucoma, which can cause blindness if left untreated. Early detection is key to successfully treating these diseases. Even if you have healthy eyes and good vision, regular eye exams are important. We recommend getting checked every two years. Book today if you've never had a sight exam or if you're overdue!

It can be very helpful to bring certain things along to your appointment - but what to bring depends on what type of visit you have booked. Please see our 'Preparing for your visit' page for a more detailed answer!

No, but you are entitled to free prescriptions from your doctor and free dental treatment. Please read more about pregnancy benefits on the NHS website.

Those aged under 16 or over 60, aged under 19 in full-time education, with diabetes or glaucoma, aged 40+ with an immediate family history of glaucoma, registered blind or partially sighted, if you are named on a valid HC2 Certificate, or if you or your partner receive jobseeker's allowance, working tax credit, income support or certain pension credits. Read more about NHS eligibility here.

Yes, we do! We have now launched our Value iPlan, which gives you the peace of mind knowing that your eye care is covered, plus you also receive a host of additional discounts on eyewear, sunwear, accessories and eye supplements, plus extra ViP member benefits! Read more about our Value iPlan here.

Myopia means short-sightedness, where you can focus on nearer objects much easier than those further away. There are now ways to help prevent or slow down myopia if it is tackled early enough. This is through the use of specialist spectacle lenses or contact lenses. Being able to have your child's myopia diagnosed early not only corrects their vision now, but can help to slow down the progression of myopia and preserve their vision and eye health for the future. You can find out more here.

Yes, we supply EyeDream Ortho-K lenses. Please visit our EyeDream page to read full details on the benefits and pricing of this popular alternative to laser surgery.

If you wish to book an appointment via MySight, simply visit www.barracloughs.uk/book and you can create an account at the same time as booking your visit.

If you're not looking to book an appointment but would like to access your details via MySight, please drop us an email at mysight@barracloughs.net and we will email you a special link to setup up your account.

You can read more about MySight here.

Pay 50% deposit on any payments of £250 and above, and you can spread the remaining balance across three interest-free payments!

If you are a member of our Value iPlan (ViP) you can pay just 50% up front and spread the remaining balance over up to ten months, interest free!

We do! We partner with The Hearing Care Partnership to provide audiology clinics at all stores. Visit our contact page to book your free hearing assessment today!

No, but any additional pairs of spectacles bought within one month of buying your first pair will be half price and any additonal pairs bought within two to three months of buying your first pair will include a 25% discount. If you're a ViP member, you have three months to enjoy our half price offer! Read more about our extra pairs offer here.

We do provide coloured overlays where required. Please read more about coloured overlays here.

We can offer frame collections specifically designed to fit the facial features often associated with Down's syndrome, such as a low nose bridge, small ears and close-set eyes. All of these features can have a huge effect on how well-fitted the spectacles are.

It would be in your best interests to have your spectacles dispensed where you have your eyes examined. It is often more difficult to resolve any problems you may have with your spectacles or contact lenses, where prescribing and supply are separated.

Usually a child's first sight examination would be pre-school unless you notice any problems, e.g. squinting, excessive blinking, bumping into objects or peering closely at books or television. You can read more on vision care for children here.

Our spectacles are guaranteed against defects due to faulty materials, workmanship or design reported within 12 months of collection. Minor repairs and adjustments will also be free of charge within this period. Some frame manufacturers also offer a 2 year guarantee.

All of our stores are wheelchair accessible and have consulting rooms which can allow for your sight test to be carried out whilst you're in your wheelchair.

We no longer offer home visits for sight tests, but we recommend The Outside Clinic who offer this service. See www.outsideclinic.co.uk

Yes you can! At the bottom of every email or SMS we send you, you'll see a contact preferences link where you can choose how we contact you. Please see here for more details or to request a contact preferences link.

If you have a MySight account you can also update your contact preferences from there.

If your child is rubbing their eyes, squinting, bumping into things or struggling to read or see the board at school, they may have poor vision. These are just a few examples - sometimes there are no obvious symptoms which is why we recommend they have their vision checked before starting school.

Any other questions? Contact us here!