FAQ

Do you stock designer frames? Yes, our biggest sellers are our extensive range of Raybans. We also stock other brands such as Ana Hickmann, D&G, Barbour, Bench, Elle, Pineapple.

Is there parking nearby? At Sowerby Bridge, there is disabled parking and two 30 minute spaces outside the door with two nearby car parks – one behind the market and one adjacent to Roxys Venue on the same side of the road as Whitakers Opticians, a short walk away. At Elland there is a public car park immediately behind the building.

I cannot get in during normal working hours. We open Saturday mornings at both practices.

I would prefer to see a lady optometrist – is that possible? A lady optometrist works at both practices – please ring for availability.

Why should we come to you and not a national optician? 1) We do not have targets to meet so we can be honest – if your glasses prescription hasn’t changed and your glasses are in serviceable condition we will tell you. Your glasses may last for four years or even longer! 2) We use qualified dispensing opticians to advise on frame and lens selection. For example there are many different types of varifocal lenses which can be selected to match an individuals visual requirements. 3) We have a workshop on the premises so many repairs can be done while you wait and glasses can be made up quickly.

What does an eye test involve? It starts off with some questions about eye problems the client may be having, medication and family history of eye problems such as glaucoma. A measurement of vision by reading the letter chart is recorded and then both eyes are examined both externally and internally. The trial frame is then placed on the face and the spectacle prescription, however small, is measured. Depending on age and family history, extra tests are often carried out: 1) Tonometry which most people know as the puff test. This measures the pressure within the eye – a pressure which is too high can indicate the presence of glaucoma which if left untreated can lead to blindness, 2) Oculomotor tests which reveal squints or latent squints, 3) Retinal Imaging which allows a photograph to be taken of the retina. This can be examined in detail but more importantly can be kept on record so that it can be compared for any changes in the future, 4) Visual Field Test – this involves the use of a special machine to check the peripheral vision by counting flashing lights or pressing a button when they are seen.

What is the difference between bifocals and varifocals? Both types of lenses have the distance prescription at the top and the reading prescription at the bottom. Bifocals have a distinct line between the two and the vision is limited to the two distances. Varifocals have the area between mathematically blended so that in addition to distance and near vision, middle distance is also available. By altering the blend, varifocals can be designed to prioritise specific distances such as computer screens.

Why can I see my computer screen better with my old reading glasses than with my new ones? This is because reading glasses are set at the distance used for reading which is usually considerably closer than the computer screen. Thus the old weaker precription is better for the longer working distance.