Robert Linsky Optometrists offer a wide range of specialist services alongside standard sight tests
Tests include:
- Coloured overlay testing
- Low vision
- Extended visual fields
- Goldmann tonometry
- Prism-bar and other eye exercises
- Binocular vision
- Blepharitis and dry eyes
Coloured Overlay Testing
Coloured Overlays are specially designed sheets of translucent or transparent coloured plastic that have been shown to increase visual comfort when reading for some people who suffer from Visual Stress, otherwise known as Mearles-Irlen Syndrome or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome.
People with this condition often have reading difficulties and may suffer from light sensitivity and headaches from exposure to certain visual patterns which are common in the modern world, such as striped black on white text. It can be responsible for visual distortion and lack of clarity, as well as irritation and rapid fatigue when reading, especially over prolonged periods. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person, and can occur despite normal vision.
We offer coloured overlay assessments, which measure the extent to which coloured overlays increase your visual comfort when reading. In order to help decide whether certain colours are beneficial, we measure your rate of reading with and without your chosen overlay. We also fill in a questionnaire before and after assessment, and discuss our conclusions with you.
Are coloured overlays an effective treatment?
The use of coloured overlays is controversial and they will certainly not help everyone. However, a recent review found that they can help about 20% of children with reading difficulties.
There is evidence that they are beneficial to some people with:
- Dyslexia
- Migraines
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Photosensitive Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke victims
Low Vision
In our low vision assessments we help patients with visual impairment make the most of their eyesight – we understand that sometimes spectacles alone are not enough to correct vision. As well as having a range of magnifiers, including for distance and hands-free reading tasks, with and without lights; we can supply information on local organisations, certification and registration. Our optometrists are specially trained to help patients with visual impairment, and have picked up many useful tips over the years.
Extended Visual Fields testing and analysis
Visual Fields give clinicians information about what you can see out-to-the-side (peripheral vision), which may be affected by conditions such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa, as well as giving information about the pathway from the front of your eyes to the back of the brain, which may be affected by conditions including stroke and tumours. Our optometrists are trained to assess your visual fields and to look for particular patterns, which we are happy to discuss with you.
Contact Tonometry
Pressure in the eye, a major risk factor for glaucoma, is usually measured with a non-contact tonometer (the puff test). However, the gold standard way to assess intra-ocular pressure is with an anaesthetised probe placed on the eye itself. Our optometrists are trained to take this measurement speedily and accurately.
Prism-Bar and Eye Exercise Training
The muscles around the eyes can become weak which can cause discomfort, eye strain and even double vision. As with any other muscle, you can strengthen them through tailored exercises to help treat or reduce symptoms. Our optometrists are specially trained to assess and help people with muscle weaknesses.
Blepharitis and Dry Eye Assessments
If you suffer from uncomfortable, irritable, dry, burning, scratchy, gritty or itchy eyes, or an increased awareness of your contact lenses, we should be able to help.
We offer many treatments at the practice, tailored to your individual needs, including heat application, lid hygiene and massage techniques, non-preservative drops as well as advice on lifestyle and diet.
