Orrell Opticians, Ellesmere Port

Not Just a Sight Test — A Proper Eye Health Check

Were not just opticians — we're proactive. We detect problems early, when they're easier and more affordable to treat

Why Being Proactive Matters

What Could Be Hiding in a Basic Eye Test? 

Standard retinal photography only captures around 15% of your retina. Our Optomap scan sees over 80%

OCT scans let us see beneath the surface of the retina — like an MRI for your eye — revealing issues a basic test would miss

Many sight-threatening conditions like glaucoma, AMD and retinal tears can develop silently.

Early detection can mean better outcomes, simpler treatments, and peace of mind

At Orrell's, we don't just check your vision. We check your eye health.
Thoroughly.

Talk to Us

Comparison Table

Feature

Appointment Length

Optomap Ultra-Widefield Scan

OCT Deep Retinal Imaging

Talk Through Your Optomap & OCT Scans

Dry Eye Screening

Personalised Advice & Plan

Best For...

Ultimate Eye Exam £78

45 minutes (unhurried, thorough)

Included

Included

Included

Included

Detailed Analysis & Consultation

Total peace of mind, early detection

Basic Eye Exam £45

25 minutes

Not Included

Not Included

Not Included

Not Included

Standard Results

Quick check-ups, simple prescriptions

Basic Eye Exam £45

25 minutes

Not Included

Not Included

Not Included

Not Included

Standard Results

Quick check-ups, simple prescriptions

What Makes the Ultimate Exam Different?

Here's what our patients say:

3.26.2025

Carina Ellerington

I love the staff here. They are always so incredibly patient with my additional needs son who finds the whole eye test process a challenge.... Read More

3.17.2025

John Bourne

Not had eyes tested for along time, really friendly and professional staff. Very modern equipment, cannot recommend enough. Many thanks

3.14.2025

Jeniffer Bennette

So helpful and thorough xx

3.10.2025

Mark O'Reilly

It is honestly always a complete pleasure going to Orrells opticians in Ellesmere Port. The premises are very nice but the very friendly staff... Read More

Our Signature Technology Includes:

Optomap

Ultra-widefield retinal imaging
(sees 4x more than standard photos).

OCT

Cross sectional scans of your
retina layers.

Oculera VR Visual Fields

Next-gen visual field testing.

iCare Tonometry

Puff-free eye pressure testing.

You'll Leave With A Complete Picture Of Your Eye Health And A Personalised Care Plan.

A Quick Note on the Basic Exam

We understand that sometimes, you might not want our Ultimate Eye Exam. That's why we also offer a Basic Eye Exam (£45) — ideal if you're simply looking to update your prescription or need a quick NHS-funded check.

But if you've ever worried about your eye health, have a family history of issues like glaucoma, or simply want to be thorough — choose Ultimate.

Your vision is worth it.

Ready for an eye exam that's truly worth your time? 

Book your Basic or Ultimate Eye Exam today and experience the difference that expert, proactive eye care can make combining advanced technology, early detection, and personalised attention for your eyes.

Free Download: The Ultimate Eye Exam Checklist 7 Questions to Ask Any Optician Before Booking — and How Orrell's Delivers.

Download Now

FAQs

Regarding Ultimate Eye Exams at
Orrell Opticians.

If you have any further questions

Do I need a referral for the Ultimate Eye Exam? 

Nope. Just book online or call us.

Will I get glasses from a Basic Exam?

Yes, if needed. But we may not detect deeper health issues.

Is it worth paying more?

Absolutely — your eye health is priceless

What makes the Ultimate Eye Exam different from a basic eye exam?

Our Ultimate Eye Exam utilises advanced equipment like OCT, Optomap, and advanced visual field testing to provide a more comprehensive assessment of your eye health, enabling early detection of potential issues. Some of this equipment (optomap) is not found at any other opticians in Ellesmere Port, Chester or even the Countess of Chester.

How long does the Ultimate Eye Exam take?

Altogether, including scanning the Ultimate Eye Exam typically takes about 45-60 minutes, allowing for a thorough evaluation of your eye health and discussion of the results with your optometrist.

Is the Ultimate Eye Exam covered by the NHS?

Unfortunately it isn't. NHS funded patients pay an upgrade fee to access this level of care, which currently costs £55.

Are the advanced tests in the Ultimate Eye Exam safe?

Yes, OCT, Optomap, and visual field tests are non-invasive and safe. They use light waves or brief light flashes to capture images or measurements without causing any damage to your eyes.

How often should I have an Ultimate Eye Exam?

The frequency of the Ultimate Eye Exam depends on your age, eye health, and risk factors. Ashley or Ellis will recommend when you should have your next Ultimate Eye Examination. Usually that's every 1-2 years.

Do I need to prepare anything before the Ultimate Eye Exam?

No special preparation is needed. However, if you wear contact lenses, you should remove them for 4 hours before your appointment. It's also really important to bring a list of any medications you currently take.

What happens if the Ultimate Eye Exam detects a problem?

If any issues are detected during your exam, we will discuss the findings with you and recommend an appropriate course of action, which may include further testing, treatment, or referral to the Countess of Chester, Spa Medica or Arrowe Park Hospitals, depending on where you live.

Can children have the Ultimate Eye Exam?

While children may not require all the advanced tests in the Ultimate Eye Exam, some tests like Optomap can be particularly useful for young patients who have difficulty sitting still during an Essential eye exam. We will determine which tests are appropriate based on your child's age and needs. Children do not pay any extra fees for Ultimate Eye Examinations.

How much does the Ultimate Eye Exam cost?

The current cost of the Ultimate Eye Exam is NHS £55, Private Patients £105. Many Private Patients join Eyeplan and pay nothing upfront and get lots of other benefits on Eyeplan.

What if I have additional questions about the Ultimate Eye Exam?

Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to answer any questions you may have about the Ultimate Eye Exam or your eye health in general. Feel free to contact us by phone on 0151 355 1077 or email, or book an appointment to discuss your concerns in person.

What's the difference between the Basic and Essential Eye Exams?

Basic Eye Exam: A 30-minute assessment of your vision and eye health.
Essential Eye Exam: Includes all Basic Exam elements plus either OCT or Optomap retinal imaging for a more in-depth analysis of your eye health. 35 minutes.

How long does each type of eye exam (Basic and Essential) take?

Basic Eye Exam: Approximately 30 minutes
Essential Eye Exam: Approximately 35 minutes

What's the difference between OCT and Optomap imaging?

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, while Optomap offers an ultra-wide view of the retina. Both help detect eye conditions early in different ways.

What is a no-puff eye pressure check, and why is it important?

A no-puff eye pressure check is a comfortable alternative to the traditional"air puff" test which many patients understandably dislike. It measures the pressure inside your eye, which is crucial for detecting signs of glaucoma and other eye health issues.

Can I upgrade my Essential Eye Exam with your advanced scanners?

Yes, if we determine that additional scanning is necessary, we can easily upgrade your exam using our on-site advanced scanners. This provides you with the convenience of complete care under one roof. Scan upgrades are £30 - £60, although sometimes we run offers.

Is the Basic Eye Exam covered by the NHS?

Yes.

How often should I have an Eye Exam?

The frequency of eye exams depends on factors such as age, overall health, and family history of eye problems. Generally, adults should have an eye exam every 2 years, but we will recommend when you should next have an eye examination.

DoI need to prepare anything before my Eye Exam?

No special preparation is needed, except to bring a list of any medications you currently take and your glasses if you wear them.

What if you detect a problem with my vision or eye health?

If any issues are detected during your exam, we will discuss the findings with you and recommend an appropriate course of action. This may include prescribing corrective lenses, suggesting further testing with an Ophthalmologist, or providing guidance on maintaining optimal eye health.

What payment options do you offer?

We accept various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and offer interest free payment plans for glasses purchases. We also offer Eyeplan, our monthly eyecare plan. We accept NHS vouchers for eligible patients.