» Health: David Clulow Opticians
Zara Baker finds eye care at David Clulow can tell a lot about your health
A visit to an optician is not just about reading letters off a chart. It’s a combined experience of many different tests that not only help correct your vision, but maintain good eye health too. Early signs of disease such as glaucoma or diabetes can be spotted. As a contact lens and glasses wearer, I spend time in the optician’s chair regularly every six months. It is when I meet James Morgan, owner and optometrist at David Clulow Opticians in Brighton, that I see the optometrist’s point of view.
The team at David Clulow in Brighton has a combined 40 years’ experience. This puts them in a great position to offer advice not only relating to the latest designer frames but also from a prescription angle. As James points out, glasses are ultimately a medical device. There is a fashion element too, but the team are there to help you find the best glasses for optimum eye care. “We go to a lot of lengths and due consideration to help customers choose glasses,” he says. “It’s not just which ones look best: we pay due consideration to the lenses to help them fit right and look right.” Frames suit certain face shapes and differing prescriptions will fit frames differently. James Morgan and his team will ensure the best look and best fit is made.
From a health aspect, continuity is important. James sees the first eye test with a new patient as a learning process. When clients return, there is a personal approach to each individual as he monitors changes in eye health over regular visits.
The Digital Fundus camera is a piece of equipment used at David Clulow. With this, a picture is taken of the back of the eye, capturing optic nerves and blood vessels. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and macular degeneration can be identified. It is with this visual snapshot the optometrist can spot changes and any health problems early on.
“As optometrists, we are in such a good position with newer and better equipment, and bigger changes from five years ago even,” James says. “We don’t really see people where it’s been 10 or more years since they’ve had their eyes checked. People know the importance of regular check-ups. Glasses are just one end point. People come to us with their health troubles relating to their eyes, if they have stinging eyes for example, they ask. It’s all part of the exam to have these questions answered.”
David Clulow Opticians, 25 East Street, Brighton, 01273 737578, or visit www.davidclulow.com
