The true value of an advanced eye exam vs a ‘free’ eye test
88% of people ranked sight as their most valued sense, well above hearing (second) and balance (third), with touch, taste, and smell trailing behind.
Your eyesight isn’t just another sense - it’s how you connect with the world, stay independent, and enjoy everyday life. Protecting it properly should be a priority.
If you’re looking for an eye test in Bristol, you’ll see plenty of offers for a free NHS sight test. At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, we do provide NHS eye tests for those who are eligible, but we also offer something far more detailed: our Advanced Eye Examination. Here’s why choosing the advanced option could make all the difference for your future vision.
What’s included in a free NHS eye test?
An NHS eye test is designed to make sure everyone can access basic eye care. It usually covers:
- A check of your vision (how clearly you can see letters on a chart).
- A basic assessment of the health of your eyes.
- Simple pressure checks (for some patients).
It’s an excellent starting point and ensures your prescription is updated and any major eye conditions can be flagged. However, it doesn’t include the in-depth scans and predictive tools that can spot problems years in advance.
What makes an advanced eye examination different?
Here at Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, our Advanced Eye Examination is designed for patients who have the vision to invest in preventative eye care. It includes everything from a standard test, plus:
- OCT Scan (Optical Coherence Tomography) – a hospital-grade 3D scan that reveals hidden changes in the retina, optic nerve, and macula, often years before symptoms appear.
- Personalised Risk Assessment – considering family history, lifestyle, and clinical findings to predict future risks.
- The ARC Report – a clearly written summary of your Advice, Recommendations, and Clinical findings, so you understand exactly what’s happening with your eyes.
This is more than just an eye test - it’s a tailored health check for your vision today and your eye health tomorrow.
How to choose the right eye test
If you’re looking for an eye test in Bristol, ask yourself what you really want from it. If you simply need an up-to-date prescription and meet the criteria, the NHS test is a great option, and we’re proud to offer it.
But if you want a more complete picture of your eye health and reassurance about the future, our Advanced Eye Examination gives you exactly that.
Choosing the right optometrist in Bristol
Not all eye tests are the same. The difference lies in the time, technology, and expertise invested. At Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, our team combines the most advanced instrumentation with years of award-winning experience and specialist training in both health and styling.
Because when 88% of people say sight is the most important sense, we believe it deserves the very best care available.