Services

Eye Examinations

Unlike most of your body, your eyes do not usually hurt when there is something wrong. We use a range of diagnostic techniques and equipment to build up an accurate picture of the health of your eyes and detect common ocular problems. Our examination can pick up early signs of potentially blinding eye conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease or macular degeneration. The earlier a problem is detected the greater the chance of successful treatment. The eye examination can also detect a number of other underlying health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
Examples of Equipment that we may use where deemed useful are:

Tonometer- measures ocular pressure
Visual Field Screener- monitors field of vision
Refractor Head- checks refractive error
Slit Lamp- inspects the ocular surfaces and lids
Keratometer- measures corneal curvature/ monitors tear film
Colour Vision Test- detects colour deficiencies
Colour Overlays- to aid reading in cases of Visual Stress/Symptoms of Dyslexia
*Digital Retinal Imaging- photographs the retina

An eye exam checks whether your eyesight needs correcting with glasses and determines the best form of correction for your vision.
*Available at our Southampton Practice

Eye Examination Appointments

Our optometrists are highly trained clinicians all having achieved a Bachelors Honours Degree in Optometry. They are registered with the NHS to conduct eye examinations and offer a full private examination spectrum An eye examination with an optometrist working for Hampson Opticians will include the determination of the patients spectacle lens prescription.A full examination of the patients retinas, ocular-motor balance. Visual field, intraocular pressures to assist any predisposition for glaucoma. Eye examinations can often reveal the early signs of sustained high blood pressure and diabetes. A whole spectrum of neurological malfunctions can be determined. If any unusual signs or symptoms are revealed the optometrist will make a judgement whether to refer the patient on to their medical Doctor, or if the situation is urgent, straight in to the local eye unit.

A full eye examination usually takes 30 minutes and occasionally requires a further assessment appointment. The results of the examination will be fully discussed with the patient, so please ask any questions you want.

Spectacles & Frames

Underwood Opticians is entirely independent. This means we are free to deal with any company we feel comes up to the high standards we require and our customers expect.

When you choose your new glasses frames you will be looking at a range of superb frames, not only well made, light, durable and fashionable, but also very good value for money. The advice we give you regarding the suitability of your choice of frame will include assessment of your facial characteristics, your requirement regarding the persona you wish to project, the suitability of the frame for the lens type it has to carry, and your proposed budget.

Children are very welcome at Underwood Opticians, we have lots ofexperience with children of all ages and have a wide array of suitableframes and lenses to help with any visual needs that they may have. Pleasecontact us if you have any specific requirements for your child.

Spectacle Frames

At present we carry HUGO BOSS, SUPERDRY, RADLEY, JAEGER, O’NEILL, CATERPILLAR, STEPPER and ZOFFANI frames as well as many others. We have designer sunglasses, safety specs and sports goggles in stock and if you are looking for something particular then please give us a call and we can order it in for you and show you our catalogues which have even more frames for you to choose from.

We also have a wide selection of children’s spectacle frames including FROZEN and STAR WARS, please see the photo of our improved children’s range above.

We now provide prescription swimming goggles, sports specs and safety specs. Whatever your hobbies we can help you enjoy yourself with perfect vision while keeping your eyes safe. Looking for something a bit different? Let us know what you are looking for and we will endeavour to find a solution for you.

Lenses

Your lenses will be made by a leading ophthalmic lens manufacturer such as Essilor, the French company who invented Varilux progressive lenses in the 1950’s. Essilor have the best lenses available in terms of technology and patient comfort. For more information on Essilor’s lenses please visit Essilor.

Essilorown the Transitions brand which is the premier brand of photochromatic lenses to provide excellent UV protection and comfort. Essilor have the best performing coatings on the market today with their Crizal Alize and Forte coatings. Their Crizal Prevencia coating comes recommended by optometrists and is a blue light blocker that helps to deter Macula Degeneration. For more information on Crizal coatings please visit Essilor Products.

We have a partnership with the world renowned German high quality lens manufacturer ZEISS. For a look in to how Zeiss lenses are made with precision engineering follow this link.

We also can provide HOYA lenses. Hoya have just developed a new specialist driving lens ‘EnRoute’. Please click this link to find out more: New lenses dedicating to driving. Please also visit or news section to find out more.

We are now pleased to be able to offer you the ‘Thinnest Lens in the World‘. The ‘Tokai’ 1.76 refractive index bi-aspheric lens is the very latest in technology and is designed not only to make your lenses as thin, flat and light as possible but also to maximise your vision. Please click on the PDF here for more information Tokai 1.76

Contact Lenses

We offer a FREE* CONTACT LENS TRIAL please phone us on 0238 115 9719 or message us for more information.

*The cost for the initial appointment is £35 but this is discounted when you place you first order of contact lenses whether you want to pay as you go or you want to set up a standing order. Terms and conditions apply.

Underwood Opticians have no commercial connection to any supplier of contact lenses, Underwood Opticians is entirely independent. This means we are free to deal with any company we feel comes up to the high standards we require and our customers expect.

Because of the complex nature of contact lens fitting and wear it is essential you deal with an optician capable of giving you the expertise, experience, and clinical judgement you need. Our optometrists and contact lens specialists would be delighted to explain the different options for contact lens wear to you so please phone us to make an appointment to come and visit us.