Stirling Opticians — FAQ

We get asked the same questions a lot — which is fine, because they're good ones. Here are the answers. If yours isn't here, call us on 01536 511605 or drop us a message and we'll sort you out.

Eye Tests

Do I need an appointment for an eye test? Yes — it means we can give you the time you actually need rather than rushing. That said, if something's come up suddenly or you're worried about your eyes, call us. We'll do our best to fit you in the same day.

How often should I have my eyes tested? Every two years for most adults, but that's a minimum rather than a rule. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, a strong prescription, or you're over 70, we'd usually want to see you more often. If you're not sure, just ask us — we'll tell you what makes sense for your eyes.

Am I entitled to a free NHS eye test? Quite possibly. NHS-funded sight tests are available for children under 16, full-time students under 19, anyone aged 60 or over, and people receiving certain benefits or with specific medical conditions. Not sure if you qualify? Call before you book and we'll tell you straight away.

Can I have a private eye test? Yes. Our Private Standard appointment is £45 (30 minutes) and our Private Enhanced is £75 (1 hour, includes a full OCT scan). The Enhanced gives us a much more detailed picture of your eye health — it's the one we'd recommend if you haven't had an OCT before, or if there's any family history of eye disease.

Varifocals and Lens Options

What are varifocal lenses? Varifocals let you see clearly at all distances — near, intermediate, and far — in one pair of glasses. No switching, no reading glasses left on the kitchen table. Most people start noticing they need them in their mid-40s when close-up work starts feeling like hard work. It's completely normal and very fixable.

Are expensive varifocals worth it? In our experience, yes — for most people. The difference between a budget varifocal and a premium one isn't just branding. It's the width of the zones you can actually see through clearly, and how much distortion you get at the edges. Budget varifocals often have a narrow reading area and a lot of "swim" — that's usually why people give up on them. Premium designs, particularly Hoya iD and Varilux XR, are significantly more comfortable to wear all day. The fitting matters just as much as the lens itself, which is why we measure every patient individually using our HOYA Smart Mirror rather than relying on standard estimates.

How long does it take to get used to varifocals? Most people adapt within a few days. Some take a couple of weeks. If you're still not getting on with them at that point, come back in — nine times out of ten it's a fitting issue rather than a lens issue, and it's fixable. We offer a minimum three-month adaptation period on all varifocals. We'll keep working with you until they're right.

Contact Lenses

Can I try contact lenses? Yes. We do a proper assessment first — checking the health of your eyes and finding the right lens for your prescription and lifestyle. Most people are surprised by how comfortable modern lenses are, including people who assumed they'd never get on with them.

Do you provide contact lens check-ups? Yes, and they matter more than most people think. Prescriptions change, and what worked two years ago might not be the best option now. Regular aftercare appointments let us check everything's still performing well and your eyes are staying healthy.

Can I order my contact lenses through you? Yes. Once you've had your assessment and fitting with us, we can supply your lenses on an ongoing basis. Just get in touch and we'll sort it.

Reglazing and Repairs

Can you put new lenses into my existing frames? Yes. If you've got a frame you love and just need a new prescription, bring them in. As long as the frame is in good condition there's usually no reason to replace it.

Do you repair broken glasses? We can repair or replace most parts — nose pads, screws, side arms. If repair isn't possible we'll tell you honestly, and help you find something similar rather than just pushing the nearest option on the board.

Finance and Pricing

Do you offer interest-free finance on glasses? Yes. We offer interest-free payment options so you can spread the cost. Ask in practice or call us on 01536 511605 and we'll run through the options with you.

Do you accept NHS optical vouchers? Yes. We accept all valid NHS optical vouchers and Hospital vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Do you have offers on frames or lenses? We run promotions from time to time. Best way to stay in the loop is to follow us on Instagram (@stirlingopt) or just ask when you're in.

Location, Parking and Accessibility

Where is Stirling Opticians located? 16–18 Gold Street, Kettering, NN16 8JB — in the town centre.

Is there parking nearby? Yes. Short-stay and long-stay car parks are within a few minutes' walk.

Is the practice accessible for wheelchair users? Our ground floor is fully accessible. Eye testing rooms are on the first floor, but if stairs are a problem we offer free home visiting eye tests — just let us know when you book and we'll arrange it.

Appointments and Contact

How can I book an appointment? Three ways:

Do you accept walk-ins? We do our best. If you can book ahead it'll save you waiting, but if you're passing and need something sorting, come in and we'll see what we can do. We're open Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm and later in the evenings (by appointment).

What should I bring to my appointment? Your current glasses, contact lenses if you wear them, and any NHS or benefit documentation if you're claiming an NHS-funded test. If it's your first visit, it's also helpful to know if there's any family history of eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Still got a question? Call us on 01536 511605, send us a message on Instagram, or come in — we're always happy to help.