EYE TESTS AT YOUR INDEPENDENT DURHAM OPTICIANS
Eye Tests in Durham. Care That’s Personal.
Understand your vision and eye health with a personal eye examination at Costspex. Our experienced opticians listen to your concerns, explain your results and help you decide what comes next. NHS sight tests are available for eligible patients.
Request an Eye Test
Visit us at Unit 41 Dragonville, Durham, DH1 2XU.
Request Your Eye Test
Leave your details and tell us you’d like an eye test. Our Durham team will get in touch to arrange a suitable appointment.
This is an appointment request. Our team will contact you to confirm a date and time.
We’ll use your details to respond to your appointment enquiry.
ABOUT YOUR EYE EXAMINATION
Understand Your Vision and Eye Health.
An eye test is about more than reading letters on a chart. We assess your vision, check your eye health and talk through any changes you’ve noticed, with advice that fits your everyday needs.
Your Vision and Prescription
Whether reading has become harder, distance vision feels less clear or you’re due a routine check, we assess how well you see and whether your prescription needs updating.
Your Eye Health
Your examination also checks the health of your eyes. Tell your optician about any concerns or changes so they can tailor the examination and explain any further steps that may be needed.
Clear Results and Next Steps
We explain what we’ve found and what it means for you. If you need glasses or a change of prescription, our team can talk you through suitable options and answer your questions.
WHY CHOOSE COSTSPEX?
Experienced Opticians. Personal Eye Care.
Family-run since 2004, Costspex brings together a team with over 100 years of combined optical experience. You’ll find independent advice and a personal approach at our Durham practice.
A Team Who Listen
Your eyesight affects the things you do every day. Tell us about your work, reading, driving and any concerns, so your optician can understand what matters to you and tailor your examination.
Ask About an OCT Scan
OCT scanning provides detailed images of structures within the eye. It is an optional scan with an additional charge, rather than part of the standard eye test. Ask our team whether it would be suitable for you.
Advice You Can Understand
We’ll talk through your results in plain language and explain any recommended next steps. From understanding your prescription to discussing further checks, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
PLANNING YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your Eye Test, Made Simple
From your first enquiry to understanding your results, here’s what to expect when you arrange an eye test with our Durham team.
Request Your Eye Test
Use the form or call our team. We’ll discuss availability, confirm the current private test fee where applicable and help with any questions about NHS eligibility.
Come Prepared
Bring your current glasses and your last prescription if you have it. Your eye test usually takes around 20–25 minutes, with the examination tailored to your needs.
Understand Your Results
Your optician will explain the findings and any changes to your prescription. We’ll talk through the next steps, whether that’s advice, glasses or further checks.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Personal Service, in Our Patients’ Words
“I've been going to Costspex for years now. Always had great service especially with my last pair which were my first varifocals.”
Jean Colledge · 5-star Google review · Excerpt
Based on 53 Google reviews
Request an Eye TestA PERSONAL APPROACH TO YOUR EYE TEST
Your Prescription Is Only Part of the Conversation.
You might be booking a routine check, returning after a gap or noticing that your current glasses aren’t working as well for everyday tasks. At Costspex, your eye examination starts with understanding you: how you use your vision, what has changed and what you’d like help with.
Not Sure What to Ask?
You don’t need to know the technical terms. Bring your current glasses and describe what you’re finding difficult. Our team will help you explain your concerns and talk through the findings with you.
Tell Us About Your Day-to-Day Vision
Perhaps small print feels less clear, you’re changing how far away you hold a book or your glasses no longer feel right for computer work. These details give your optician useful context. We’ll discuss your concerns and requirements alongside the examination, so the advice relates to the things you actually do.
Understand the Checks and Your Results
Your appointment considers both your sight and the health of your eyes. Our experienced opticians use the examination findings to discuss your prescription and explain any recommended next steps. If you’re interested in a more detailed scan, ask about OCT when booking. It is an optional service with an additional charge, which our team can explain.
Leave Knowing What Comes Next
Whether your prescription has changed or you simply want to understand the results, we’ll talk you through what we’ve found. If glasses are recommended, you can discuss suitable frames and lenses with the team at the same practice. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and consider the options, with clear advice and no hard sell.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Your Eye Test Questions, Answered
A little preparation can make your visit easier. Here are the answers to common questions about eye tests, NHS eligibility and optional scans.
Have a Question Before Your Eye Test?
Ask our team about arranging your visit, NHS eligibility or an optional OCT scan.
Call 0191 386 3517How long does an eye test take?
An eye test usually takes around 20–25 minutes, with the examination tailored to you. Allow additional time if you are also having an optional scan or choosing glasses.
How much does an eye test cost?
Please contact our team for the current private eye test fee. NHS sight tests are available for eligible patients. Optional OCT scans carry an additional charge; ask about the cost when arranging your visit.
Do you offer NHS eye tests?
Yes, we offer NHS sight tests for eligible patients. We also accept NHS optical vouchers towards glasses. Eligibility for a free sight test and help with the cost of glasses are separate, so please ask if you’re unsure what you qualify for.
What is an OCT scan, and is it included?
An OCT scan produces detailed images of structures within the eye. It is an optional additional service and is not included in the standard eye test. Our team can explain the scan, its additional charge and whether it would be suitable for you.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your current glasses and your last prescription if you have it. If you wear contact lenses, ask our team about removing them before your appointment. Tell your optician about any changes in your vision or concerns you would like to discuss.
Where will my eye test take place?
Your appointment will take place at Costspex Opticians, Unit 41 Dragonville, Durham, DH1 2XU. Please use this Durham address when planning your journey from a surrounding town or village.
Is my appointment confirmed when I submit the form?
The form sends an appointment request. Our team will contact you to discuss availability and agree a suitable date and time. Your appointment is confirmed once we have contacted you.
Unsure what to book? Tell our team when you enquire and we’ll help.
EYE TESTS FOR DURHAM & NEARBY COMMUNITIES
Your Eye Test, Here in Durham.
Visit our independent practice at Dragonville for your eye examination. We welcome patients from Durham and the surrounding towns and villages shown below. All appointments take place at our Durham practice.
YOUR APPOINTMENT TAKES PLACE HERE
Durham
Costspex Opticians, Unit 41 Dragonville, Durham, DH1 2XU
Have a question before setting off? Call our team for help planning your visit.
0191 386 3517Welcoming Patients From
- Spennymoor
- Bowburn
- Coxhoe
- Meadowfield
- Chilton
- Newton Aycliffe
- Shildon
- Bishop Auckland
- Ushaw Moor
- Sherburn Village
- Sherburn Hill
All appointments are at our Durham practice. Live elsewhere nearby? You’re welcome to get in touch too.
Request an Eye Test