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Dry Eye Clinics

Many people suffer a range of symptoms ranging from mild grittiness or blurred vision to severe discomfort linked with various types and degrees of dry eye. At one extreme is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a serious medical condition which will almost certainly require the referral to an ophthalmologist, but most people suffering discomfort have what is often called marginal dry eye. This can be linked with age, gender, health and contact lens wear, and can be affected by your occupation, and the environment in which you live and work. Improved research and new treatments arriving in recent years have enabled us to investigate and manage dry eye in a much more satisfactory and successful way. If you are suffering from problems that you feel may be related to dry eye, we would recommend that you attend one of our dry eye clinics.

The Dry Eye Clinic Appointment:

When you make the appointment you will be sent a questionnaire, which helps us to assess the degree of dry eye, and give us clues as to the type and pattern of your symptoms.
If you wear contact lenses, please leave them out for the appointment, but bring them with you, as we may need to assess the fitting.  If you feel your dryness is directly related to contact lens wear, we would advise that you see your contact lens practitioner for a full checkup before attending the dry eye clinic.
As many symptoms that may be linked with dry eye can be brought on by other eye problems, our dry eye clinic will always start with a comprehensive eye examination including retinal imaging, and a range of other tests to eliminate other optometric issues that may be causing your symptoms. We will then move on to an assessment of the tear film, and the front surface of your eyes to determine the type and severity of the dryness, and from this we can determine the most appropriate system of management.

Treatment of Dry Eye:

If you are looking for instant relief from your dry eyes, you are probably going to be disappointed. We feel it is better to look upon the process as management of the condition, rather than looking for a fast cure. Often the remedies are quite simple, ranging from changes in diet, attention to temperature and humidity and so on, use of the EyeBag, to specialised eye drops, sprays or dietary supplements.

Questions:

How many visits will I need to make?
We aim to find a satisfactory treatment regime at your first visit, though in some cases we may need to try alternatives, so a follow up appointment may be required.
Are treatments available on the NHS?
We cannot prescribe any of the treatments that we use via the NHS, though you may be able to persuade your GP to prescribe something you find effective if it is available via the NHS. Of course if you pay prescription charges this may work out more expensive. If you have not had a “sight test” as defined by the NHS in the last two years, and you qualify for a NHS “sight test” we may be able to claim a small proportion of the costs from the NHS but in most cases the fees are entirely private.
How does it work if I am referred by another Optometrist?
If you have had a comprehensive eye examination at one of our branches within the previous six months then we will not have to repeat this part of the clinic, and you can book a shorter appointment at a reduced fee. We accept referrals from other optometrists but in most cases we would expect to book a full clinic appointment.
How much does it cost?
The fee is £65.  If you have had a comprehensive eye examination at one of our branches within the previous six months, the fee is reduced to £35, please mention this when booking. Follow up appointments are £35 within twelve months.  After twelve months we would recommend a full re-assessment.
Does it hurt?
No, the worst thing we're likely to do to you is put some eyedrops or tear stains into your eye, which could sting a little, and none of the drops we are likely to use will affect your vision. The use of stains means that we do not normally recommend wearing contact lenses on the day of the assessment.
How do I book in?
Contact our Banbury branch on 01295 262501 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and ask for a Dry Eye Clinic appointment with Mr Hayward. We will send you a questionnaire by post or email. Please complete this and send back, or bring in on the day of your appointment.


On the day of your appointment you will need:

  1. Your completed questionnaire.
  2. If you wear contact lenses, bring them with you, but do not wear them on the day.
  3. Bring your spectacles, if worn.
  4. A full list of any medication you are taking.
  5. A list of other products you may be using in or near your eyes, e.g. Contact lens solutions or hayfever treatments
  6. Wear any eye makeup as you would normally, and bring it with you, in case it needs “repair” afterwards.