Appointments include checking for eye conditions that might reduce one’s sight later in life – “an important part of our work” says David, and one that should be made as precise yet easy as possible. Our mission, to maximise, preserve and maintain sight, would not be complete without thorough attention to any possible special features of the sight.

It is important to review previous work too. Often a person has been told that they have an eye condition without it being explained, or without suitable help being offered. Sometimes the supposed problem does not even exist! – or is not as serious as was thought. With many years’ experience in teaching, training and setting standards, David has become a specialist in myth-busting and in offering clear, evidence-based advice.

Common Eye Conditions

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one such condition, affecting about 2% of people. If glaucoma is discovered or suspected early in its course, before a person even realises that the eyes might be affected, treatment can keep the sight clear more successfully.

The traditional test for glaucoma involved a puff of air that some people find startling. David prefers a newer electromagnetic sensor that is more reliable and comfortable and he can make the measurement with hospital standard equipment if required.

Cataracts

Many people worry about cataracts. If you have been told that you have a cataract (or know someone who has) and feel that things could be clearer in any way, please book an appointment. Then everything can be clearly explained for each individual and the pros and cons of any further attention discussed. On the other hand, we find that some people, who have been told that they have cataracts, in fact do not have them.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is the biggest cause of loss of detailed sight in the UK. Macular Degeneration can make distinguishing any detail difficult but does not stop a person from getting around.

It affects particularly the elderly, especially those who smoke or have a relative with the condition. Some forms are treatable if discovered early such as at a routine appointment here. Others require special optical help, also available here.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is another area of special interest at David Hillel Optometrists. It is an eye condition affecting only one person in about 2000, often starting with a slightly blurry eye in the teens. Some people with keratoconus just wear special specs to see normally but many need something more effective. For them, contact lenses specially fitted for keratoconus simply save their sight.

This has been done ever since the earliest days of contact lenses, which have been successfully fitted since 1888 and continue to improve with innovation. David has a higher contact lens qualification and has enjoyed the challenges of hospital contact lens work to relieve eye conditions such as keratoconus.

Kids

It is most important to have children’s eyes checked here if they appear at all abnormal. Vision defects can come to light, to improve the sight for life, if seen at an early age. The NHS pays for the checkup which concludes with discussion of the results, and most children think it’s great fun.

Myopia

Short-sightedness often starts in childhood or soon after. It is inconvenient and can increase gradually to become a serious concern. New techniques to control this myopia have been successful at David Hillel. The NHS contributes towards the monitoring and management of myopia.

Neurological Conditions such as Dyslexia

Some difficulties with perception arise a little further back than the eyes. These include dyslexia, occasionally migraine, and some less-common neurological conditions. They may have an underlying information-processing characteristic known as Visual Stress and some can be relieved with Precision-Tinted Lenses (PTLs). If you suspect this might be the case please book an appointment as we have facilities for identifying Visual Stress and prescribing and supplying PTLs.