bird opticians
Our Services
Based in the centre of Sheffield, we offer a comprehensive optical service. Our qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians have numerous years of experience and our front of house staff are excellent at dealing with customer enquires; ensuring they are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Eye Examinations
Discover how our comprehensive eye examinations not only check your vision but also safeguard your overall eye health—book your appointment today.
Optomap & OCT
Explore the latest in advanced retinal imaging with Optomap and OCT scans that detect early signs of eye disease quickly and painlessly.
Colourimetry
Find out how personalized coloured filters can reduce visual stress and improve reading comfort through expert colourimetry assessments.
Dry Eye
Struggling with dry, irritated eyes? Learn about our dedicated dry eye clinic and effective treatments tailored to restore your eye comfort.
Myopia Control
Protect your child’s vision with our proven myopia control options, including specialized lenses designed to slow down short-sightedness progression.
Repair & MOT
We have an ultrasound cleaner, which brings out the worst of any dirt. We will also change your nose pads if they have changed colour and will check over all the screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I remove my contact lenses before having my eyes tested?
If you wear soft contact lenses please take them out 10 minutes before your appointment or bring your container and some solution to the appointment so they can be removed.
If you wear gas permeable lenses please take them out the night before your eye test.
How often do I need to have an eye test?
– Children under 16 can have an NHS eye test once a year
16-18 in full-time education.
– Adults 16 – 69 require an eye test every two years. If you pay privately your prescription is valid for two years but you can come each year if you prefer.
– Adults over 70 were previously entitled to an NHS eye test each year, this has recently been changed to every 2 years. (Unless the optometrist has requested otherwise).
– Diabetic and glaucoma patients are also now entitled to an NHS sight test every two years, instead of the previous annual check.
If you have are over 40 and have a family history of glaucoma in your immediate family, you are entitled to an NHS sight test once a year.
– It goes without saying that if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms affecting your vision, or have been referred from your GP then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
What types of frames do you have in store?
We offer a range of frames which, complete with your lenses, may be covered by your NHS voucher (should you be entitled to one).
We stock a number of designers and pride ourselves on having a wide range of frames. If you have seen a designer you like we may be able to order the frame in for you to view.
With the majority of frames we can order them on approval for set period of time before you order and if you decide they are not suitable we can return them. Some brands do not allow approval requests such as Oakley sunglasses.
Approval is for frames only; once you have chosen a frame and ordered lenses for that frame you have entered a contract to buy them. We will need to see a receipt for frames not bought from our store in order to combat theft.
Our frames range from £20 upwards. We also stock a complete package of frame and lenses that may be covered by your NHS voucher if you are entitled to one.
If you have seen a frame you like we may be able to order this in for you. We will need the designer make, model number and preferably colour code found on the arm or bridge of the frame to identify it; magazine advertisements should have the model number and colour code written somewhere.
For every child under 16, there is a free eye test and voucher available that helps towards the cost of glasses, which usually covers the cost of a standard pair of glasses. A payment can be made privately if you wish to upgrade the style of frame.
What are your opening times?
Monday: 9am to 5pm
Tuesday: 9am to 6.30pm
Wednesday – Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed
On 9 to 5 days, our first appointment is at 9am and the last appointment is at 4.30pm.
On Tuesdays, the last appointment is 5.50pm
On Saturdays, the last appointment is 3.30pm.
I’m on low income/I’m a student. Can I have help with my glasses?
If you are on income support or have a pension credit, guaranteed credit you are entitled to a FREE eye test. For others on a low income, we can provide a HC1 form, which when completed, takes about two weeks to receive a reply.
Students save 20% at Bird Opticians. Simply show us a valid NUS card and we’ll deduct 20% from the price of a complete pair of spectacles.
How old does my child have to be to have an eye exam?
We can test children from any age; ideally it would be best for them to have an eye test before starting school. Generally any eye problems in babies are picked up during post natal checks and are dealt with by the hospital.
Do you offer a repair service?
Sometimes the thread can go in a screw causing the lens to fall out this is a relatively quick job and can be done while you wait; with a semi-rimless or supra, the cord may snap or loosen. As long as the lens is undamaged we can replace the screw and fit the lens back in while you wait. A cord replacement may take a little longer and it is often better to drop your glasses off before you shop and collect them later.
Some repairs can be done on-site, but it may be necessary to order a part or to send the frame away to be repaired. Therefore it is recommended to have a second backup pair of glasses in case you cannot drive or read without them.
Unfortunately, we are unable to buff out scratches or scuffs on lenses as they are made up to your prescription and the shape, curve and thickness of your lenses are part of this.
Do I need an appointment to choose, collect or adjust my glasses?
No, but glasses do need to be fitted and may need adjusting to suit you; please allow up to 15 minutes for this.If you are requiring advice and assistance from our qualified dispensers, please be advised our busy times are lunchtimes and Saturdays.
Can you put new lenses in my old frames?
Yes, if the frame is in good condition.
We are rarely able to put old lenses into a new frame, as lenses are made up to your prescription and the shape, curve and thickness of your lenses are part of this. We are always willing to try, but it would be necessary to find a frame the same shape and size as your lenses if it is possible.
Do I qualify for an NHS voucher to help towards the cost of my glasses?
Yes, if you are on:
– pension credit guaranteed credit,
– income support or job seekers allowance,
– are prescribed complex lenses,
– working family tax credit,
– under 16,
– under 19 and in full-time education,
– named on a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate.
The NHS voucher helps towards the cost of your lenses only and depends on your prescription and ranges from around £35 – £100.
What if I forget when my appointment is due?
We have a reminder system and will send you a reminder when you are due for an eye test as long as your address details are up to date. We will also give you a phone call the day before your appointment as a reminder.
I need an Eye Test, what does this involve?
To book your appointment, it is usually best to ring 2 – 3 days before you would like to come. Saturdays, lunch time and after school appointments can fill quickly.
The cost of a private eye examination is £32.00
If you qualify for an NHS eye examination you need to:
– be under 16,
– be 16 – 18 in full-time education,
– be over 60,
– be on income support,
– be on job seekers allowance,
– be prescribed complex lenses,
– be diabetic,
– have glaucoma,
– have a family history of glaucoma,
– have a valid HC2 certificate.
To comply with the NHS rules, you need to bring with you some evidence of benefits you receive or your national insurance number. If you have not been to us before it is helpful to have a copy of your last prescription or the glasses you are currently using.
Some employers are members of schemes such as Eye Care Plan or Eye Care Vouchers, which cover the cost of your eye test and may help towards the cost of glasses. Some employers have their own scheme and will pay for your eye test if you spend a large number of hours on the computer. The eye test will take approximately 30 minutes, if you are over 40 we do also perform a peripheral fields test that takes around 10 minutes.
Overdue An Appointment?
Whether you need a regular eye check-up, new glasses or your frame could do with a repair, we would love to see you.