Author: Andy Willmott

Which Frames Are Right For Me?

Here at R Woodfall we put our customers’ comfort above all. We believe in high quality eye care services and products. This is why our range of frames are of the finest quality and all come with a one year warranty. 

All glasses-wearers know the importance of good frames. Frames quite literally frame your face, and you wear them everyday, so it’s vital that you’re happy with them. This is why we have an extensive selection of frames to suit everyone’s taste.

Complementing your face shape

Frames should complement the shape of your face. Did you know that it’s suggested that you match your frames to your face shape?

There are 7 face shapes that everyone falls into. The first step to finding your perfect lenses is identifying which face shape you have. Below we have the recommended frame shapes to complement your own face shape. Whether you have a round, square, heart, or oval shape, we have the right frames to suit you.

Round: A pair of square or rectangle frames work well on round faces. This is because the square-ness creates a nice contrast.

Square: Small and round frames are a great choice for those with square faces. Round frames balance the angular features of a square face shape, complementing it well.

Oval: If you have an oval face then a wide variety of frames suit your shape well. Larger square frames are an excellent choice, but rounder ones also work. This is due to the natural symmetry of oval faces. 

Heart: Having a heart shaped face means you’re most likely to suit oval and rounder frames. This is because the curves contrast nicely to the angular shape of a heart shaped face. 

Diamond: Cat-eye frames work exceptionally well with diamond shaped faces. This is because the angular upswept look of cat-eye frames compliments the pointy features of those with diamond faces.

Pear: Like having a heart shaped face, there’s also a wide variety of frames that suit pear shaped faces. These include: cat-eye, round, rectangle, and square frames. These frames work well with wider jaws.

Oblong: Wider and larger frames look best with an oblong face. This is because narrow frames may make your face appear longer, so opting for wide lenses is a better choice.

Match your skin tone

Your frames should be seen in a similar way to jewellery. As jewellery should compliment your features and your skin tone. Everyone has skin undertones that certain colours match better with. For example, those with warm yellow undertones often wear gold jewellery as the tones complement each other well. 

When looking for frames you should use this logic. For example, those with cool pink undertones would suit silver, grey, and blue frames. Whereas those with warm tones would match well with red, brown, and gold coloured frames. 
We stock a range of well known brands and some lesser known ones to offer a full variety of high quality frames for you. For more information about our frames, contact  our friendly team today.

Switching to Contact Lenses: a Guide 

Many people who rely on corrective lenses to see clearly wear glasses to see clearly. Glasses tend to be the more common option as they’re very practical. Wearing glasses is the simple choice, but contact lenses come with a wide range of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked either. If you’re thinking of switching to contact lenses then this blog post is for you. 

At R Woodfall, we believe that both glasses and contact lenses are excellent options to treat common eye conditions such as myopia (near-sightedness). But for those who want the option of contact lenses as well as glasses, we’re here to guide you through making the change.

The benefits of contact lenses 

Contact lenses offer a variety of benefits that can make your life easier. Below are a few of the main advantages to wearing contact lenses and why you should consider them if you haven’t already. 

Excellent for sports 

When it comes to sports and activities, glasses definitely get in the way. The last thing you want when playing sports is to be worried about your glasses falling off and becoming damaged. But you also shouldn’t compromise on your vision by going without. This is why contact lenses are the best solution for this, as they do not get in your way, and they provide the same clarity of vision as glasses do. This makes them a fantastic alternative for those who regularly play sports.

Adopt the curvature of your eye 

Contact lenses allow for a full range of vision as they bend to the curvature of your eye. As contacts move with your eye, it allows the wearer to see naturally. Contacts do not obstruct your vision in any way or steam up like glasses do. This is very convenient for many people. 

It’s like they aren’t there

Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to wearing glasses as they are much less noticeable. This is great for those who are always busy moving and participating in sports or activities. Also, some people do not like how their face looks when wearing glasses, so contacts are a great solution to this. With contact lenses, you never have to sacrifice your vision clarity for looking the way you want to.

If you’re considering making the switch from glasses to contacts then get in touch with your local optician. They will start the process for you. If you’re in need of a professional optician in South East England, contact R Woodfall today.

The Different Kinds of Eye Care Services Explained

Here at R Woodfall, we offer a wide range of eye care services across our South East clinics. We believe taking good care of your eyes throughout your life is essential for good eye health. The best way you can look after your eyes is by visiting your local optician every couple of years. This way, professional eye care experts like ourselves can properly assess your eyes and give you the eye care you need. 

So what type of eye care services do opticians offer, and how does it benefit you? This blog post explores these questions and breaks down the different kinds of eye care you can expect to receive at an optician practice. 

Routine eye test 

A routine eye test is a basic examination that your optician will carry out to assess any changes to your vision. Think of it as a general check-up test, where your optician will ask you about your eye health and any vision problems you may be having. A routine eye exam then involves a series of eye tests to assess different aspects of your vision. These tests include testing things such as your pupil reflexes, visual fields, intraocular pressure, and more.

These tests do not hurt, and are very helpful in assessing your eye health. So it’s well worth going for a check-up to ensure your eyes are healthy. 

OCT scans 

A more advanced and detailed kind of test is called an optical coherence tomography scan (OCT) and is an excellent way for opticians to see what’s going on behind your eye. An OCT scan involves a machine taking 1000 pictures of your eye and optic nerve, and it layers these images together to create a detailed image of your eye that your optician can use to detect any abnormalities. 

Lens solutions 

If you’re someone that wears glasses or contact lenses, then you know how essential they are to everyday life. At R Woodfall, we are experts in providing lens solutions that massively improve your vision by allowing you to see clearly and sharply. Visiting your local optician means they will assess your current lenses and prescription, and adjust it if necessary. This allows you to have the best possible vision. 

Frames and eyewear 

As well as making sure your eye health and vision are the best they can be, we also offer a wide range of eyewear that allows you to look and feel your best. We have a variety of frames from different brands to choose from. We know how important it is to make sure your glasses suit your face shape, which is why we have a range of options to suit everyone.

If you’re looking for an optician located in South East London, Surrey, or Kent then contact R Woodfall today.

Your Guide to an OCT Examination

If you’ve been having some difficulty with your vision then you might be asked to have an OCT scan by your optician. An OCT scan is nothing to worry about, it’s an advanced eye examination that allows your optician to see every aspect of your eye. This means they can detect any potential problems with your eye health. 

Many eye care providers offer an OCT scan if need be, it’s an accurate and effective way of determining what problems you may have with your eyes.

How does it work?

An OCT works by taking around 1000 images of your eye, behind your eye, and your optic nerve. These images are then layered to present an incredibly detailed image of your eye. This allows your optician to detect any abnormalities that can lead to eye conditions, which can help prevent them from worsening. 

This advanced scan allows opticians a detailed look into the goings-on in your eye. If anything is detected then a tailored treatment plan will be mapped out for you by your optician. 

What does an OCT scan detect?

There’s a wide range of eye conditions and concerns that an OCT scan is able to pick up on. These include: glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. An OCT scan can even detect damage to the optic nerve too. 

This makes an OCT an incredible tool for opticians as they can see easily and clearly most optical problems with your eyes, and can then map out a treatment plan for you. 

Why you should have an OCT scan

If your optician recommends an OCT scan for you then you should have one. An OCT scan can detect any eye conditions you may have, and you can then be treated for them to improve your vision. As well as being treated for a condition you do have, an OCT scan can detect a developing condition, meaning your optician could prevent it if caught in time. 

An OCT scan is always within your best interest and is an effective way to detect eye conditions. 

If you’re worried about your eye health then visiting your local optician is the best optician for you. Your optician can identify any issues you may be having and treat them for you. If you live in these areas then why not visit one of our clinics here at R Woodfall. Our team of friendly professionals are here to help you.

How to Maintain Good Eye Health

It’s just as important to take care of your eyes like you would to the rest of your body. Your eyes are so important, they’re your way of processing information about the world around you. If you want to take better care of your eyes, but you’re not sure how, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we want to give you some of the best ways to maintain your eye health to help prevent the chances of visual impairments in the future.

The following is a list of ways you can help keep your eyes healthy. 

Wear your sunglasses 

Protecting your eyes from the sun is vital for maintaining good eye health. The sun emits harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage the eye if overexposed. If you send too much time in the sun without protecting your eyes then you’re at risk of developing photokeratitis, an eye condition that results in temporary discomfort and pain.

It’s been found that long term overexposure to the sun may also increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions such as cataracts, eye cancer, and macular degeneration. This is why it’s important to protect your eyes with UV protection. 

Here at R Woodfall, we have a range of sunglasses that provide protection and comfort to your eyes in the sun. Our UV filtered lenses can combine with your usual prescription lenses, so you don’t have to keep switching between the two in the summer months. 

Visit your local optician 

The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to visit your local eye care provider. Your local optician can perform a comprehensive eye examination on you to determine the health of your eyes. These tests can also detect the early onset of a variety of eye conditions, giving your optician the chance to catch them before they worsen.

If you’re looking for a professional optician practice in and around London, we have clinics in these various locations. We’d love to help you with any eye concerns you have.

Diet & exercise 

Like the rest of your body, diet and exercise can also help improve your eye health. Eating a nutrient rich diet can really help keep your eyes healthy. It’s been found that fatty fishes that contain a lot of omega 3 are great for your eye health. Dark leafy greens such as spinach are also beneficial. 

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight is also a great way to reduce your risk of developing vision problems. It’s important to get a bit of exercise regularly when you can to reduce the amount of intraocular pressure within your eyes that can lead to glaucoma.If you’re concerned about your eye health, feel free to contact us today.

Common Eye Conditions and Their Symptoms

Sight is one of our most important senses. With many people citing loss of vision as one of their biggest fears. When caring for your eyes, to ensure that they are both healthy and providing you clear vision, there are a number of eye conditions to be aware of. Early detection and regular eye examinations will be critical in treating and preventing further damage to your eyes and potentially even loss of sight.

Refractive Errors

Whether you are near sighted, farsighted or have an astigmatism, these are all categorised as refractive errors. Usually corrected very easily with a prescription for lenses, in the form of either spectacles and/or contact lenses. Symptoms of a refractive error will usually include blurry vision, headaches, dry or tired eyes etc.

 

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK. There are two types of AMD known as wet and dry. An OCT can help to identify the earliest signs of AMD, determine the type and monitor its progress over time. Symptoms of AMD include:

  • making daily activities like reading, writing and driving difficult
  • seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked
  • objects looking smaller than normal
  • colours seeming less bright than they used to
  • seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)

Glaucoma

In glaucoma the optic nerve is damaged. This is the part of the eye that connects with the brain. This damage causes gradual loss to your peripheral vision. Early stages of chronic glaucoma do not cause symptoms, and so regular eye examinations are essential to detecting glaucoma at its earliest stage.

Cataracts

Cataracts form when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This can result in blurry or hazy vision and will worsen gradually. They are quite typical of the ageing process. If you begin to notice these symptoms it is very important you consult either your Optometrist or your doctor.

Dry Eye

When the eye doesn’t produce enough tears, it may cause dry eye symptoms. These symptoms may include the eye watering, a gritty sensation or feeling that there is something in the eye. Your Optometrist can provide helpful treatment advice for dry eye, so booking an appointment at your optician, is best advised.

OCT Scans

OCT technology can be used during an eye examination to make a detailed assessment of the eye health. This allows for the Optometrist to access three-dimensional, cross-sectional views of the retina and generate accurate records for future reference. These scans are vital in the diagnosis of numerous eye conditions and can help your Optometrist determine the best treatments. Regular eye examinations are very important in detecting the early signs of common eye concerns, so be sure to book your next appointment at one of our branches.

Sight is one of our most important senses. With many people citing loss of vision as one of their biggest fears. When caring for your eyes, to ensure that they are both healthy and providing you clear vision, there are a number of eye conditions to be aware of. Early detection and regular eye examinations will be critical in treating and preventing further damage to your eyes and potentially even loss of sight.

Refractive Errors

Whether you are near sighted, farsighted or have an astigmatism, these are all categorised as refractive errors. Usually corrected very easily with a prescription for lenses, in the form of either spectacles and/or contact lenses. Symptoms of a refractive error will usually include blurry vision, headaches, dry or tired eyes etc.

 

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK. There are two types of AMD known as wet and dry. An OCT can help to identify the earliest signs of AMD, determine the type and monitor its progress over time. Symptoms of AMD include:

  • making daily activities like reading, writing and driving difficult
  • seeing straight lines as wavy or crooked
  • objects looking smaller than normal
  • colours seeming less bright than they used to
  • seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)

Glaucoma

In glaucoma the optic nerve is damaged. This is the part of the eye that connects with the brain. This damage causes gradual loss to your peripheral vision. Early stages of chronic glaucoma do not cause symptoms, and so regular eye examinations are essential to detecting glaucoma at its earliest stage.

Cataracts

Cataracts form when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This can result in blurry or hazy vision and will worsen gradually. They are quite typical of the ageing process. If you begin to notice these symptoms it is very important you consult either your Optometrist or your doctor.

Dry Eye

When the eye doesn’t produce enough tears, it may cause dry eye symptoms. These symptoms may include the eye watering, a gritty sensation or feeling that there is something in the eye. Your Optometrist can provide helpful treatment advice for dry eye, so booking an appointment at your optician, is best advised.

OCT Scans

OCT technology can be used during an eye examination to make a detailed assessment of the eye health. This allows for the Optometrist to access three-dimensional, cross-sectional views of the retina and generate accurate records for future reference. These scans are vital in the diagnosis of numerous eye conditions and can help your Optometrist determine the best treatments. Regular eye examinations are very important in detecting the early signs of common eye concerns, so be sure to book your next appointment at one of our branches.

Everything you need to know about Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal lenses are a type of multifocal lens which gradually change in their optical power. Unlike bifocal lenses, there is no noticeable difference within the lens or a jump between reading and distance vision. Varifocals have been designed to provide a better middle-distance focus. They have become increasingly popular, as many struggle to adapt to the dividing line found on bifocal lenses, without this line, the glasses as a whole are much more attractive too. Varifocals offer the most modern technology available in a multifocal lens.

How do Varifocals work?

Varifocal lenses make a progressive change from distance vision to near vision. This has been manufactured by creating a slight increase in the curvature of the lens. Avoiding the need for a distinct line, which is typical of a more traditional bifocal lens. This curvature is not obvious, but it helps to create a distinction between the top and bottom of the lens, providing the multifocal function which so many people now require from their lenses.

Do I need Varifocals?

In most instances those over the age of 40 are much more likely to require varifocal lenses. This is because, with age, our sight begins to deteriorate. Ageing will often cause the refractive error Presbyopia, which causes objects close up to appear blurry. If you have started to notice things such as books and your mobile phone screen appearing blurry, you may need varifocal lenses.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of your ability to focus on objects which are nearby. This usually becomes noticeable when people struggle to read a book or a newspaper. This is a very simple condition to diagnose during a regular eye examination. As this tends appear in its early stages amongst those in their 40s, worsening into retirement age, annual eye examinations become much more important at this stage of life. During your eye examination, the optician will test your visual sharpness and your ability to adjust your eye’s focus across different distances. If this is becoming difficult, and causing a strain to your eyes, varifocals may be recommended. Be sure to book into one of our branches across the London, Kent and Surrey for a routine eye examination.

Wearing Varifocal Lenses  

Opting for varifocal lenses will allow you to continue with your busy lifestyle. Going from reading a sign in the distance to picking up your phone to reply to a text with ease. No longer will you need to switch between glasses or have your lenses slow you down.

What To Expect at An Eye Examination

Your doctor’s appointment – booked, your dentist appointment – booked. One more thing you should be ticking off your list is a visit to your optician. When taking care of your eye health and vision, making regular visits to the optician is really important. At R. Woodfall we recommend making regular visits every 1-2 years. This appointment could be as simple as a 30-minute examination but could be a very important 30 minutes. For those who have never been before or have not had an eye examination for several years, here is what you can expect from a visit to one our branches.

An eye examination at R. Woodfall

Although it may seem as simple as a quick eye test to check your vision, an eye examination consists of a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health. Detecting any early signs of underlying eye health conditions. These are conditions such as Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration, but an eye examination can also detect general health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. At R. Woodfall we will go through a step-by-step process to cover all important bases. This includes:

A discussion about your history and any symptoms you are experiencing – To begin your eye examination, a member of our team will discuss your eye health history and any symptoms or concerns you have about your eye health. This will give us a clearer picture of your eye health and anything specific we should be looking out for when completing our scans and tests.

An Eyewear Assessment – For those patients who already wear lenses or frames, our opticians will check these to ensure they are still suitable for your requirements.

Refraction – We will find out whether you need optical lenses to correct your eyesight. Testing both your near vision, your distance vision, and your intermediate vision.

Oculomotor Balance – During this part of your examination, the optician will check that your eye muscles are co-ordinated, and you have comfortable vision at all distances.

Pupil Reflexes – We will check that your pupils react normally to light. Anything unusual during this part of the examination may indicate some neurological problems.

Intraocular Pressure – We will usually only carry out this test if you are aged 40+ or have glaucoma in your family. By assessing the pressure inside your eyes, the optician can detect early sings of glaucoma. Too much pressure can be a sign of this eye condition and if left untreated could lead to blindness. Therefore, discussing your family history is a crucial first step.

Visual Field Test – This will check you all-round vision and your peripheral sight.

Ophthalmoscopy – This is an important test which evaluates the health of your eyes. Detecting conditions such as cataracts, hypertension, macular degeneration etc.

What is an OCT examination?

OCT scans offer the very latest in optical technology. Using a camera, this scan can create a 3D model of your eye and your optic nerve, creating a greater assessment of the health of your eye’s structure. OCT scans are a great way to detect early signs of many eye conditions, and possible underlying health conditions too.  Completing an OCT scan will also allow us to prescribe contact lenses which will fit perfectly to your eyes.

How often should I have an eye examination?

For those aged 40+ regular eye examinations become much more important, particularly as ageing can have a great impact on your vision and overall eye health. Those over 40 are also much more likely to be affected by Glaucoma. Those over 65 will have a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts and macular degermation. Therefore, overtime your eye examinations should become much more frequent, occurring at least every year.

Book an eye examination today

At R. Woodfall we have branches across London, with friendly teams ready to welcome you for your eye examination. Whether this is your first ever or annual appointment, we will guide you through the process. If you are ready to book your eye examination, get in touch with us today and book into one of our branches.