Services

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Private Eye Examinations

Our standard private eye examination is 45 minutes (much longer than the average), which allows us time to listen to any concerns you may have, perform a thorough examination of your eyes, explain our findings and advise you on all the options available. We don’t feel this is something that should be rushed.

An eye examination not only checks your vision to see if you need any correction, but also checks the health of your eyes and can even provide an insight into your general health. We can detect signs of health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Our extensive eye test costs just £55 and includes an OCT scan as standard

NHS Eye Examinations

You qualify for a free NHS-funded sight test if:

  • you’re aged under 16
  • you’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
  • you’re aged 60 or over
  • you’re registered as partially sighted (sight impaired) or blind (severely sight impaired)
  • you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
  • you’re 40 or over, and your mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter has been diagnosed with glaucoma
  • you’ve been advised by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) that you’re at risk of glaucoma
  • you’re a prisoner on leave from prison
  • you’re eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optometrist (optician) can advise you about your entitlement

You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if you:

  • receive Income Support
  • receive Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not Contribution-based)
  • receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • are awarded Universal Credit
  • are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
  • you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
  • People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
NHS patients can choose to have an enhanced scan called an OCT scan for just £30
a blue banner with the text NHS Support towards your eye care

Children’s Eye Examinations

Good eyesight is crucial for a child’s development, both at school and socially.

Eye Folk is very child – friendly and our optometrists are experienced at testing the eyes of children of all ages. 

They do not need to be able to read/write/communicate in order for their eyes to be tested as we have many ways to check.

All Children are eligible for an NHS funded examination and a voucher towards spectacles should they need them.

A toddler aged boy sits in a chair at the opticians wearing glasses

Minor Eye Conditions Service

Our Optometrists are accredited to offer a Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS). If you have a any concern with the health of your eyes, you can now refer yourself, with no need to see your doctor first.

This service is FREE for everyone (NHS funded)*. 

To make a MECS appointment call us on 01303 252345 to book.

*free for those registered with a GP in East Kent. For those not, there is a fee of £52

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Emergency Eye Care

If you have an emergency concern with your eyes, we will aim to see you within 24 hrs. We can then treat or refer onwards directly to the relevant person in secondary care, all without a visit to your GP.

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Dry Eye Management

Dry Eye is a common condition that affects many people. You may notice your eyes are

  • Itchy
  • Sore
  • Gritty
  • Red
  • Blurry
  • Watery

Our Optometrists can diagnose Dry Eye and give you a tailored management plan with follow up appointments.

 

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Contact Lenses

Nowadays, almost everyone can benefit from contact lens wear. Most eyesight problems can be corrected with contact lenses and advances in lens materials and solutions mean that wearing contact lenses is simpler, more convenient and more comfortable than ever before.

At Eye Folk we provide comprehensive contact lens advice, fitting and aftercare.

If you are or become a regular contact lens wearer then we have a Direct Debit Home Delivery Scheme for your convenience, which also includes all the costs of your eye health appointments.

If you are a new contact lens wearer we will guide you through the process of wearing lenses and can provide you with a free trial of lenses to take home once you are confident.

Our contact lens appointments are just £40

A close up photo of an eye with a contact lens

Community Glaucoma Network (CGN)

Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged.

It’s usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye.

Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it’s not diagnosed and treated early.

It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.

We are pleased to be joining the CGN, to offer appointments to those being managed for glaucoma or suspected of having Glaucoma.

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Home Visits (Private only)

If you cannot get to us without assistance, then one of our Optometrists can come to you to carry out a comprehensive eye test. 

If you need new glasses, then we can provide a large selection for you to choose from in the comfort of your own home.

This service costs £85 for CT19 and CT20 postcodes. For other postcodes please call for costs.

Please note we do not provide NHS services as a home visit. 

To discuss your needs and book an appointment please call 01303 252345 and ask to speak to Josh.

A man wearing opticians eye testing frames during an eye test appointment

OCT Scan – Optical Coherence Tomography

An OCT scan is included for all Private patients and is an optional extra for all NHS patients. 

An OCT scan allows your Optometrist to view the health of your eyes in greater detail. 

It is a simple and non invasive scan using light to take cross section images of your retina. 

 
 

Myopia

Whilst there is currently no cure for Myopia (short sightedness), clinical evidence has proven that a personalised eye care plan for children (also known as Myopia Management) can significantly reduce or even stop the progression of myopia.

Whilst there is no way to reverse the condition, by minimising myopia progression, the worst effects of high myopia can be decreased. We have options available at Eye Folk and you can discuss the options and suitability with our Optometrists and clinical team.

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Call Us

01303 252345

Reach Us

20 Guildhall Street, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1DZ

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 08.30 - 17.00 Sat 09.00 - 17:00