ADULTS
Eye Exams
An eye examination can be quite daunting for some people, especially for the first time. We endeavour to make this experience as easy and pleasant as possible.
You will be asked some questions relating to your optical and medical history which helps us to tailor the eye examination to your personal needs.
“The advantage of having my own practice, is that I can tailor my eye examinations to each individual patient, allowing everyone as much time as they need.”
Jane Staunton Machin – Optometrist
Once the eye examination is finished, you will have the opportunity to talk over the results and to ask any questions you may have.
We pride ourselves on being approachable and have the time and patience to discuss your eye-care requirements. With our assistance, you will then be able to consider the different types of eyewear available. We will take as long as is necessary to help you find the perfect option to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Optica Machin goes a step further in the care they provide for the community. A home visit service can be arranged by appointment for those clients with mobility problems, bringing to them the eye care in the comfort of their own home.
Jane’s skills and knowledge are kept updated by regularly attending courses both in Spain and UK. It is essential that eye care practitioners maintain the up-to-date skills and knowledge needed to practise safely and effectively throughout their career.
CHILDREN
Eye Exams
You might think the last thing your little one wants to do is sit in the opticians chair, but at Optica Machin we make sure it’s always fun.
How does a child know that their vision is blurred? They often don’t!
At Optica Machin, we aim to make the eye exam fun and easy. Children can be nervous and may be more comfortable sitting on the parents lap.
With many years of experience, Jane has developed her own methods to make children feel comfortable and adapted her eye examination to get the best results.
Although most children have very good sight, some don’t and they won’t always let you or their teacher know. It’s important that your little ones are checked before starting school to avoid problems later.
It is a myth that children have to read before they can be tested and we can examine the eyes of even very young children by using special techniques and tests.
They should then be monitored yearly to ensure that their vision develops normally.
“I enjoy working with children. It’s so rewarding when I can help a child achieve more at school or learn to enjoy reading. As a mother of four and now a grandmother, I do have plenty of experience with children!”
Jane Staunton Machin – Optometrist
Many children appear to have good distance vision but have difficulty in focusing up close or coordinating their eyes which leads to discomfort with close vision. These children can often fall behind at school and have learning difficulties.
Using a combination of training lenses and exercises, children can be helped to make the best of their vision.
In some cases, children may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist for further checks.
If your child does need a correction, we stock a variety of frames for youngsters. We can also, in certain cases, fit contact lenses in children as young as 8!
DRY & IRRITATED EYES
With many years experience, Jane can often help in alleviating some of these uncomfortable symptoms and may, in some cases, resolve the problem.
Healthy eyes should be moist and well lubricated. Unfortunately 21st century living takes its toll on our visual system causing our eyes to become irritated, sore and uncomfortable.
Every time you blink, tears form an oily coating that protects and nourishes the eyes’ surface. When this oily layer is reduced, your eyes feel dry, scratchy and irritated and can even become more watery as a result.
It is a problem which affects millions of people and is made worse by working in air conditioned environments or staring for hours at computer screens.
It is very common as we get older and especially in women. It is also associated with certain health conditions or use of certain medications and it can also be a problem for long term contact lens wearers.
“My aim is to bring relief to patients suffering with the troublesome symptoms of dry eyes.”
Jane Staunton Machin – Optometrist
While it is not always possible to cure the problems, there are ways of alleviating the symptoms and making your eyes more comfortable.
Jane has a wealth of experience and has done a number of courses addressing the problems of Dry Eye and so can assess the situation and often offer advice and help. In severe cases referral to an ophthalmologist is necessary for further treatment.
VISION THERAPY
Jane has studied behavioural optometry and has developed a more holistic approach to eye care which complements more conventional optometric practice.
Behavioural optometry is a specialisation within Optometry that focuses attention on the quality of visual skills rather than just the ability to “see”.
It investigates how the brain, eyes and body work together as a team and although we are born with a pair of eyes, the process of understanding what we see is a learned skill.
Behavioural optometrists use lenses, filters and exercises to help develop a more efficient and complete visual processing, allowing improved performance and co-ordination at school, in sports and also in the workplace.
Conditions which can be helped include:
Poor hand writing
Lack of concentration / Reading difficulties
Lazy Eyes or Squints
Headaches, double vision / Poor co-ordination