Question 1

There is a history of glaucoma in my family, how often should I get my eyes tested?

Accepted Answer

A first degree relative with glaucoma makes you at much higher risk of developing glaucoma, which is a sight-threatening condition.  Since many forms of glaucoma do not have symptoms in the early stages, a regular eye test is the best way to detect the early signs.  The NHS recommends you have an eye test every 2 years if you are under 60, or every year if you are over 60.  Your optometrist may wish to monitor you sooner than this if you have any suspicious signs, and this will be covered by the NHS if you are eligible.

One of our optometrists, Dr Joel Somerville, has a special glaucoma qualification, and you may wish to see him for an eye test if you are concerned about your risk of losing sight from glaucoma.

Question 2

Why should I choose Goskirk Pettinger?

Accepted Answer

We have 3 words we think sum us up:

Expert:  We have some of the most qualified and influential optometrists in Scotland working across our practices, from pioneers in independent prescribing to internationally published clinicians.  Each of our optometrists are highly qualified and experts in both eye testing and clinical management.

Individual:  We believe that your optometrist should know you like the back of your eyes!  We value building relationships with our patients and look forward to seeing you year after year.  We believe you should be given the time you need for you eye test to full explore your concerns and deliver tailor-made solutions

Local:  We are proud to be your local eye care providers.  Our owners and staff live locally and care about their communities.  We are not a large national chain and we think this is one of our strengths- we know the Highlands and what is important to health care here.  Being a small company we can curate our selection of frames from eye fairs across Europe so you are sure to find something unique.

Question 3

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to book is to call your preferred branch.  Alternatively you can send a booking request via our booking page.

Question 4

Can I have my eyes tested at any of your branches?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We have a centralised computer system so we can access your records and add to them at any branch.  For example if you normally have your eyes tested in Golspie, you can still come to Inverness for an eye test.

Question 5

Am I eligible for an NHS eye test?

Accepted Answer

If you are an ordinary resident of the UK, you are entitled to an NHS eye test in Scotland.  You can also receive an NHS eye test in Scotland if you are a refugee, asylum seeker or an eligible overseas visitor.  To find out more about eligibility see the NHS Scotland website

Question 6

How often can I receive an NHS funded eye test?

Accepted Answer

Patients who are eligible for NHS eye tests can receive them at the following intervals:

Aged 60 or older		Annually
Diabetic				Annually
Sight impaired			Annually
Under 16 years old		Annually

Between 16-59 years old	Every 2 years

If you experience any problems outwith this interval you can still attend for an NHS-funded supplementary eye test, provided you are experiencing a new problem or your optometrist has requested to see you in order to monitor a condition

See NHS inform website

Question 7

I am not due my NHS eye test, can I still come for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  If you are experiencing a new problem (e.g. a change in vision or an eye infection), or your optometrist has requested to see you in order to monitor a condition, you can attend for an NHS-funded supplementary eye test.

You are also welcome to attend for a private eye test at any time for peace of mind.

Question 8

How much does a private eye test cost?

Accepted Answer

A private eye test costs £75 and includes a thorough assessment of your prescription, the health of your eyes and includes a specialist scan of the macula and optic nerve.  Please see our full price list for other specialist services

Question 9

What happens at an eye test?

Accepted Answer

You will enter the examination room with the optometrist and you are welcome to bring a chaperone if you wish.  After asking you about any problems you are experiencing and your medical history, the optometrist will conduct a series of tests.  These include checking your vision and prescription (usually by reading an eye chart), assessing your binocular vision (how well your eyes work together), and the health of your eyes.  This part of the assessment can involve bright lights but these are kept to a minimum for your comfort.  If you choose to receive a specialist OCT scan of your eye, this is a simple test that uses lights to scan the back of your eyes and take a photograph.  There are other tests your optometrist may recommend to you and these will be fully explained.

Any relevant findings from your eye exam will be explained to you and we can write this down if necessary.  You will receive a copy of your spectacle prescription at the end of the test for you to keep.  If the optometrist has recommended that you would benefit from new glasses, they will pass to you a knowledgeable member of staff who can explain your frame and lens options that would be suitable for your prescription.

Question 10

Do you offer myopia control?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We offer specialist appointments for myopia control where your child's vision will be assessed using a specialist scan that measures the length of the eye.  An assessment of the risk of myopia progression will be made before recommending any management options.  management options include special glasses and contact lenses.  See our price list for specialist appointment pricing.

Read more about myopia control here

Question 11

Do you have independent prescribing (IP) optometrists at your practices?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Colin Pettinger, Dr Joel Somerville and Anna Macsween are all independent prescribing optometrists.  They are qualified to write NHS and private prescriptions for eye medications.

Question 12

Can your optometrists write NHS prescriptions for eye medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Colin Pettinger, Dr Joel Somerville and Anna Macsween are independent prescribing (IP) optometrists who are qualified to write NHS prescriptions for eye medications.

Question 13

I have glaucoma, can I get my eyes tested with you?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Your glaucoma may be monitored at the eye clinic but it is important to still have your general eye health check.  All of our optometrists are highly trained to help patients with glaucoma and understand how this may affect your eye test.
One of our optometrists, Dr Joel Somerville, has a special glaucoma qualification, and the hospital may ask you to be monitored at his practice.  He is also available for routine sight tests if you are worried about glaucoma.

Question 14

Do you offer emergency appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do.  If you are experiencing any new symptoms, we would be happy to see you for an appointment even if it is outwith your normal recall.  We try our best to keep some diary slots free for these situations but there may be times where we may need to direct you to another of our branches or elsewhere.

If you are experiencing new symptoms, please call us rather than using the online booking request form so that we can ensure timely care.  Please be aware if you call with an acute problem, one of our trained staff will fill out a form asking for details of the problem.  This form will be triaged by one of our optometrists who will decide how urgently you need to be seen.

If you are eligible for NHS eye tests, emergency appointments will be covered by the NHS.  We are also happy to see private patients for emergency care.

If you experience an acute emergency when we are closed e.g. a Sunday.  It is best to call NHS 24 or to attend your local A&E department.  Advice about eye emergencies can be found on the NHS website

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs