West Hampstead, South Hampstead, Kilburn, London NW6, NW3 - Opticians, Optics, Optician Glasses, Sunglasses, Contact Lenses, Designer Glasses, Sunglasses, Designer frames, Digital Retinal Imaging, Same day exams, Computerised Eye Testing, Eye Testing, Eye tests, Contact Lens care, Qualified Optometrists
The Eye Cube is a modern, contemporary optometric practice that specialises in quality eye-care. Here at ‘The Eye Cube’ we believe that anyone that enters will experience what we are all about……
QUALITY SERVICE STYLE
At the eye cube we differentiate ourselves from others in the services we offer. Please ask in-store for details.
The two founders of the concept, both of whom are young, yet well experienced optometrists have worked at many different opticians prior to opening up this shop in West Hampstead. They are both registered practitioners with the General Optical Council and College of Optometrists. They both hold memberships to the Association of Optometrists and are on the appropriate PCT lists in order to carry out NHS sight tests.
SHOP
The shop is situated next to the Nandos on West End Lane and is between a 5 and 10 minute walk down from West Hampstead tube and rail station. Bus routes C11 and 139 stop outside the shop which also allows easy commute. There are parking locations available near the shop in allocated parking bays. If you are visiting the area for the first time, there are plenty of local cafes, bars and restaurants on the high street for lively evening entertainment.
The shop is fully air-conditioned and temperature controlled to enable you to achieve maximum comfort. Disabled people should also find there to be no barriers to access any of the services available.
FACILITIES
The store has many facilities, including an on-site laboratory that enables flexibility with time-scales on completion of spectacles being made. There are dispensing aids all across the shop that enables you to make the right choice when it comes to choosing your spectacles. We have incorporated into some of our software a program that enables you to decide on the types of lenses that are being offered and just how they will look in your frame. We are holding a large selection of designer frames in the practice that will be available at affordable prices. We also hold a vast array of classic and modern sunglasses that can be made to your prescription.
Our optometrists, have decided to have a very high-tech and modern consulting room that uses the latest computerised testing systems which are highly accurate and repeatable. There is also a close affiliation between the optometrists and local ophthalmologists and GPs that enables you to be in the best of hands at all times.
PROMOTIONS
There will be various promotions and offers run throughout the year at ‘The Eye Cube’ please ask in store for the details and we will be more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have. There will be special offers run for our contact lens patients throughout the year including special discounts on spectacles and reduced contact lens prices in return for your loyal custom to us.
CONTACT US
Both partners run the business in a highly ethical manner and are always happy to listen to any queries or concerns about any operational matter. Please follow the contact us link if you would like to have your comments read. We expect our customers to be 100% satisfied with our service and commitment to caring for their eye needs. In the event that the products or services offered do not live up to your expectations, we will always be on hand to rectify any problems you may have experienced.
We hope that you enjoy your experience in ‘The Eye Cube’ and visit us again soon.
THE EYE EXAMINATION
Here at ‘The Eye Cube’ we pride ourselves on performing thorough and informative eye examinations lasting about 30 minutes. Throughout the test, most of the following procedures may be undertaken:
History and symptoms
This is simply used to ascertain the primary reason(s) for your visit and discuss the concerns you may have. During the course of our conversation you will be asked a little about your general health and what medications you may be taking. These questions allow us to determine if you are likely to have any eye-related complications, in which case you will be fully informed.
During the initial discussion there will be questions directed towards previous eye problems that you may have suffered from and if there is any family history of any health conditions. In addition to this, we will look at your previous spectacles (if you have a pair) and advise you of its current condition and how they can be cared for.
You may also be asked about any recreational activities and occupation(s) to enable us to make an informed decision about your eye-care needs. This may range from in the form of contact lenses to extra tough polycarbonate spectacle lenses.
Any of your concerns will be dealt with by our highly professional team of optometrists in an astute manner. If you need to contact one of them please follow links to the contact us page.
Examining the eyes
Your eyes will be looked at, in intricate detail both exteriorly and interiorly to examine the health of the eyes. During which you will be kept fully informed of any underlying health problems and whether any treatment or remedy is required.
The anterior of the eye will be investigated using an instrument called a slit lamp, used to assess the suitability for potential contact lens wear. This instrument is also useful in monitoring various eye conditions that may include cataracts and corneal dystrophies.
The posterior of the eye is usually examined using an ophthalmoscope. This instrument allows visualisation of the retina and the optic nerve head. It plays a key-role to an eye exam as it allows your optometrist to check for various eye conditions. The eye is very unique in that it is the only way to directly visualise the blood vessels of the human body by non-evasive means, as a result it also facilitates the optometrist in detecting changes in general health that may not be causing any symptoms e.g. diabetes, increased cholesterol and high blood pressure.
You will also have performed a test to measure the intra-ocular pressure of the eye (usually in the form of a gentle puff of air on the eye), to screen for those at risk of developing conditions like glaucoma and retinal vein occlusions. Glaucoma is a common eye condition that affects between 1% & 2% of the population over 40. It is defined by most people as progressive disease of the optic nerve, due to the death of retinal nerve fibres that causes progressive loss of peripheral vision in its early stages. If left untreated it can lead to permanent loss of sight. This is why it is so important to have regular eye tests, as these conditions generally have no symptoms.
During your eye test depending on what the optometrist deems necessary, you may have a visual field examination performed. This is used in most people that may suffer from headaches and is used to help the optometrist decide what the presenting symptoms may be a result of.
Refraction
During your eye test the optometrist will be the using the latest and most accurate equipment available to work out the prescription for your eyes. This may include the use of an auto-refractor, which is used to give an automated reading of individual’s eyes. These instruments have become much more accurate in recent years and do fair very well with the end results determined. Your optometrist may also shine a light from about an arms length away from yourself to confirm whether this is an accurate reading for the prescription of your eyes.
The next part of the eye-test is the best recognised part of the test. It involves a high level of subjective input (meaning it requires your input); we usually adjust the determined prescription from the above procedures to one that you will feel most comfortable with (except in very young children). The commonly asked questions include
Do the numbers/rings look clearer on the red or the green?
This will help the optometrist determine an end point to your prescription as it will enable him/her to know where the focal point for your eyes lies (can be either in front, behind or on the retina).
Do the dots/rings look clearer on with picture 1 or 2?
This is used to determine whether there is any astigmatism in your eyes and whether it will help to improve the vision if it is corrected. Astigmatism is commonly explained as being due to the shape of the eye (cornea) resembling that of a rugby ball as compared with the ‘ideal’ football.
Having determined the most comfortable prescription for your eyes from the mentioned techniques, the optometrist will also check using the equipment at his/her disposal the eyes muscle balance in both eyes.
You have a pair of eyes that are specifically balanced and co-ordinated; each eye has 6 exterior muscles allowing for movement. Having an optical prescription can affect the co-ordination of the two eyes which is why it is so important to have the eyes checked by an optometrist, who will be able to advise you on strategies to overcome possible future eye-strain and headaches. He/She will also be able to adjust the prescription so that if spectacles are required to be worn, there will be minimal problems with adaptation.
Your optometrist may then recommend any further tests that may be required and advise you of what they are used for.
Conclusions
At the end of the examination your optometrist will discuss with you the eye health.
He/she will then go on to explain whether spectacles are required and what they should be worn for. The optometrists are also kept well informed and up-to-date with the latest eye-care developments and spectacle lens technology. So they will make some recommendations on the most suitable lenses for your lifestyle.
If you are interested in contact lens wear then the optometrist will ask that a contact lens consultation be carried out. This is a procedure that carefully allows the most suitable contact lens to be selected and fitted correctly. It will also enable us to determine how long you will be able to wear them and how often. Please see link on contact lenses for more information
Also at the end of the examination we will recommend when you should next have your eyes checked and how you will receive a reminder (normally in the post). So PLEASE keep us informed of your address if you move homes, so that way your eyes will be kept in trusted hands.
If you have any queries about the information above, please feel free to contact us