EYE TESTS IN DURHAM
At Costspex, we can carry out a comprehensive range of eye tests at our Durham practice. If your eye test is due, give us a call to arrange an appointment today and our friendly team will be happy to help you. We offer NHS eye tests for those who are eligible, and we also accept NHS optical vouchers.
Comprehensive Eye Tests in Durham
At Costspex, our highly experienced and qualified team of opticians have a range of diagnostic equipment at their disposal, including an O.C.T (optical coherence tomography) scanner allowing early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Retinal Detachments and much more. There is an additional charge for this, so please ask when booking your appointment and we can discuss this option with you.
This advanced scan builds a detailed, cross-sectional image of the back of your eye, helping us to spot subtle changes long before they would otherwise become apparent, which can make a real difference to the long-term health of your eyes. Naturally, the equipment we use for eye tests is always applied in conjunction with the expertise and personal attention of our team, so you are never just a number. Every test is carried out carefully and thoroughly, with time taken to explain what we find and what it means for you.
If you have a copy of your last prescription, please bring it with you.
If you have glasses, please bring them with you to your appointment.
Please remove your contact lenses before your appointment. We won't be able to test your eyes otherwise!
The eye test usually takes 20 to 25 minutes, but is tailored to each patient depending on our findings, for both single vision and multifocal.
Cared For by an Experienced Team
Our experienced and highly qualified opticians will discuss and outline your concerns and requirements before arriving at your final prescription. We have a team with vast experience in the optical sector to ensure your eyes get the best care possible. With over 100 years of combined optical experience between us, you can feel confident that your eyes are in safe and capable hands from the moment you arrive.
We take the time to listen, because understanding how you use your eyes day to day, whether for driving, reading, screen work or hobbies, helps us tailor your prescription to suit your real needs rather than simply handing you a result. There is no rush and no hard sell, just genuine, friendly care and clear advice you can trust. It is this combination of expertise and personal attention that keeps so many of our patients coming back to us year after year.
Eye Examinations in Durham
Regular eye examinations are crucial in maintaining your continued optical health, longevity and comfort. It’s recommended that most people should get their eyes tested every 2 years, though some people may be advised to come in more frequently depending on their age, health or any existing conditions. The primary purpose of a consultation is to ensure your prescription meets the specific requirements of your everyday life.
Beyond checking your vision, a thorough eye examination can also reveal early signs of wider health issues, which is why keeping up with regular tests is so worthwhile. Our experienced and highly skilled team provides an outstanding level of service from the moment you step through our door. We aim to put you completely at ease at our warm and welcoming practice, based in Durham, so that every visit feels relaxed and unhurried rather than clinical.
Why Choose Costspex for Your Eye Test
At Costspex, we combine advanced diagnostic equipment with over 100 years of combined optical experience to give you an eye test that is thorough, unhurried and genuinely personal. As a family-run, independent practice established in Durham since 2004, we are not part of a chain, which means every patient receives the full attention of a highly experienced and qualified team rather than being rushed through an appointment.
We offer NHS eye tests for those who are eligible and accept NHS optical vouchers, so high-quality eye care is accessible to as many people as possible. Our OCT scanner allows early detection and monitoring of conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal detachments, giving you a level of diagnostic detail that goes well beyond a standard sight test. There is no hard sell here, just warm, friendly care and clear, honest advice. Our team aims to put you completely at ease from the moment you walk through the door.
Local Durham Clinic
Conveniently based at Unit 41 Dragonville, right in the heart of Durham.
Personalised Service
We offer a personal, caring approach with no hard sell, taking the time to understand your needs.
Over a Century of Experience
Our team brings more than 100 years of combined optical experience to every appointment.
Rated 4.7 on Google
We are proud of our 4.7-star rating across 44 Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to great service.
Book Your Eye Test at Costspex Today
Keeping up with regular eye tests is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health, and at Costspex we make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible. Our highly experienced and qualified team carries out comprehensive eye tests at our warm and welcoming Durham practice, using advanced diagnostic equipment including an OCT scanner for early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal detachments.
We offer NHS eye tests for those who are eligible, and we also accept NHS optical vouchers, so access to quality eye care has never been easier. Whether you are coming in for a routine check, an updated prescription or a specific concern, our team will take the time to listen, explain and advise, with no rush and no hard sell. Appointments are arranged around your schedule, so get in touch with us today to book at a time that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often about eye tests at our Durham practice. If there is anything else you would like to know, our team is always happy to help.
It is generally recommended that most people have an eye test every two years, though some people may need to come in more frequently depending on their age, health or any existing conditions. Children and older adults are often advised to have more regular checks. If you notice any changes to your vision between appointments, it is always worth booking a test sooner rather than waiting. Our team will advise you on how frequently you should be coming in based on what we find during your examination.
Yes. We offer NHS eye tests for those who are eligible, and we also accept NHS optical vouchers. Eligibility for a free NHS eye test covers a range of groups including children, people over 60, those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma, and those who are at risk of glaucoma. If you are unsure whether you qualify, get in touch with us and we will be happy to help you find out.
An OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan uses advanced imaging to build a detailed, cross-sectional picture of the back of your eye. At Costspex, our diagnostic equipment includes an OCT scanner, which allows early detection, diagnosis and monitoring of conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and retinal detachments. There is an additional charge for this scan, so please ask when booking your appointment and our team will be happy to discuss whether it is right for you.
If you have a copy of your last prescription, please bring it with you. If you wear glasses, bring those along too. If you wear contact lenses, please remove them before your appointment as we will not be able to test your eyes with them in. Having your previous prescription to hand helps our team understand how your vision has changed since your last test.
The eye test usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, though this is tailored to each patient depending on what our team finds during the examination. This applies to both single vision and multifocal prescriptions. We never rush an appointment, so if more time is needed to discuss your results or explore your options, we will always take it.
Once your eye test is complete, our team will walk you through your results and discuss the best options for your vision and lifestyle. If you need new glasses, you can browse our full range of prescription glasses and designer frames, with complete single vision pairs starting from just £30. If you would like to understand more about the lens options available to suit your prescription, including varifocals, bifocals and lens upgrades, our lenses page covers everything in detail. Alternatively, if you already have frames you are happy with, our reglaze service lets you keep them while we fit new lenses to your updated prescription, starting from just £35. Whatever you need following your eye test, our team will always take the time to guide you through the options clearly and honestly, with no pressure and no hard sell.