The Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS) provides assessment and treatment for people with recently occurring minor eye problems. It is an NHS service provided by accredited optometrists COVID-19 URGENT EYESERVICE (CUES) We can now see you under a free service (if you’re registered with a Wolverhampton or South Staffs GP) for minor eye conditions, instead of you having to go to the Eye Infirmary. This free service is available for people of all ages. Our optometrists have undergone further training in order to treat a number of minor eye concerns. Please note that this is not a sight test. Also, if you have a major eye condition that is being regularly monitored by your optometrist or hospital eye service, it will not be covered by this service; for example, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED AT A MECS APPOINTMENT? Foreign body in the eye Red eye or eyelids Dry eye, or gritty and uncomfortable eyes Irritation and inflammation of the eye Significant recent sticky discharge from the eye, or watery eye Recently occurring flashers of floaters Ingrowing eyelashes Recent and sudden loss of vision HOW CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT? To make an appointment, call us and you will be asked some questions about your symptoms. This will enable us to assess how quickly you need to be seen, which will be within 24 hours in urgent cases and within a few days for a routine appointment. Please bring your glasses and a list of your current medication along to the appointment. The optometrist may put drops in your eyes to enlarge your pupils in order to get a better view inside your eyes. You should not drive until the effects of these drops has worn off, which may take a few hours. Our optometrists are able to issue prescriptions to treat minor eye conditions. If your condition is more serious, the optometrist will book you an urgent appointment at a hospital eye clinic. If you need a routine appointment with a hospital, the optometrist will organise this for you. You may also be advised to make an appointment with your GP if your eye condition is related to your general health. Before you go to hospital, ask your optometrist. Quick links: GET IN TOUCH EYE TESTS

Dry eye red eye assessments, this is primarily managed with ocular lubricants, over-the-counter remedies and remedial eyelid hygiene DRY EYE & RED EYE ASSESSMENTS At our practice, we often come across patients with ocular hyperaemia (red eye), discharge and discomfort. This is primarily managed with ocular lubricants, over-the-counter remedies and remedial eyelid hygiene. For patients who are not entitled to exemptions from NHS charges, we can prescribe ointments and eye drops via signed orders. We find that the majority problems leading to red eyes are not from infections, but often allergic/seasonal conjunctivitis which would not benefit from anti-biotic medication. It may be that your case requires urgent intervention and so we ensure to see red eye patients as soon as possible upon arrival to the practice. We find a brief appointment (15 minutes) is sufficient to make a diagnosis. As the examination is only of the external eye, a full eye examination or refraction is not normally required. WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE? Ageing over 60’s are the most common group to suffer Hot, dry or windy climates – causes evaporation of tears Inflammatory diseases – e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the joints is associated with higher risk of dry eyes. Side effects from medications – e.g. The oral contraceptive pill HOW IS DRY EYE SYNDROME TREATED? There is no absolute ‘cure’ for dry eye syndrome. However, most people can get significant relief from symptoms using a variety of treatments and measures. LID MARGIN HYGIENE If the underlying cause is blepharitis or lid margin disease, then treating this can often improve the ocular surface and reduce symptoms. This can be done by simply applying a hot compress using hot tap water and a clean flannel to the eye each day, and then cleaning the lid margin with the water and the flannel. Some people recommend using chemicals such as baby shampoo and sodium bicarbonate, but more often than not, these can cause ocular surface irritation, and so at least initially, are best avoided. LUBRICANTS Regular lubrication in the form of gels or drops can help keep the surface of the eyes wet, and thus reduce symptoms. Often, this is combined with lid margin hygiene. There are a wide range of eye drops available – consult your optometrist, GP or ophthalmologist for advice on which to use. For a full dry eye and red eye assessment contact us at Taylor Biddle today. GET IN TOUCH

< Back Sophie Rogers Level 2 Diploma in Optical Support Sophie has been with the Taylor Biddle team since 2016 and is passionate about providing highest standards of customer service. Due to her passion for the career, in 2020 she completed the Level 2 Diploma in Optical Support. She loves animals and in her spare time volunteers at a dog training club and also enjoys cooking and walking her dogs. Optical Dispenser

We have teamed up with The Hearing Care Partnership (THCP) as they share our passion for personal service and clinical excellence HEARING CARE We are extremely excited to announce we are now offering hearing care services at Taylor Biddle. We have teamed up with The Hearing Care Partnership (THCP) as they share our passion for personal service and clinical excellence. Services will include: Free hearing assessments Hearing aids Hearing protection Wax removal Tinnitus advice To book an appointment for hearing care, please contact us or visit the THCP website to learn more - www.thcp.co.uk . We are confident we are the only practice you need to visit to accommodate all the eye and hearing care you and your family require. Book a Hearing Test at Wombourne Book a Hearing Test at Compton

< Back Joanna Peppiatt BSc (Hons) MCOptom Joanna has been qualified Optometrist since 2007 after graduating from Anglia Ruskin University. She enjoys all aspects of optometry and specialises in Eyedream Orthokeratology Contact lenses. She likes reading, running and spending time with family. Optometrist

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked in practice, we hope you find them useful and if you don't see what you're looking for, why not ask us? YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS If you can't find the answer to your query below, please contact us and we will be happy to advise. How long will my appointment take? Appointment duration can vary from person to person, depending on your appointment type and your individual needs. Please allow at least 30 minutes for your appointment. We pride ourselves on never rushing your appointment and will dedicate as much time as you need during your appointment with us. Whether you are carefully choosing new frames or have any questions any additional questions during your eye test, we are always happy to offer the extra time and care that you deserve. How much does an eye test cost? We offer both private and NHS-funded eye examinations at Taylor Biddle Opticians. Click here (https://taylorbiddleopticians.mysight.uk/choose-appointment-type)to select your local practice and see a full breakdown of appointment types and relevant fees. You may be entitled to a free eye test funded by the NHS. We are committed to the NHS, however the scope of the NHS test does not automatically include further investigations such as OCT & OPTOMAP, it only provides for a basic eye test. Consequently, we do advise patients to agree to extend the scope of the NHS Sight Test to the higher standards provided by our extended eye examination. An additional fee applies for this. Our Private examinations are available for those who are not eligible for NHS funding, or those who wish to upgrade their test in order to take advantage of our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Am I eligible for a free NHS Sight Test? You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you: • are under 16 • are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education • are 60 or over • are registered as partially sighted or blind • have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma • are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma • have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you're at risk of glaucoma • are a prisoner on leave from prison • are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement You're also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving: • Income Support • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit • Universal Credit and meet the criteria If you're entitled to or named on: • a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate (if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice), you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less • a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2) Visit the NHS website to read the latest criteria and learn more about funding for eye tests and eyewear - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/ Where can I park during my appointment? There is free parking available at both our Compton and Wombourne practices. Is the practice wheelchair accessible? Both of our practices are wheelchair friendly! We are spread across one level at our Wombourne practice and our Compton location features a lift to access to the upper floor. How can I book an appointment? It's easy to book an appointment at one of our practices. You can book by telephone, email or online. Click here t(https://taylorbiddleopticians.co.uk/contact-us/)o select your local practice and book your next appointment today.

Looking for contact lenses and not sure where to start. Take a look at our contact lens collection or get in touch. CONTACT LENSES At Taylor Biddle Opticians we consider contact lens aftercare to be of the utmost importance. Not only is the health of the anterior eye checked regularly, but the suitability of the contact lenses are assessed, both with regard to the type of lens and also to any subtle prescription changes. Contact lens technology is advancing rapidly and new contact lenses are becoming available offering superior oxygen transmission, hence improving eye health and comfort. The opportunity to discuss and trial these lenses is an important aspect of continuing contact lens aftercare. PRICE PROMISE We frequently review our prices in an effort to make sure you're always getting great value for your money. As we consider contact lens aftercare to be essential, we are happy to price match our contact lenses for those who pay for their aftercare on our direct debit scheme. If cheaper prices for same lenses are available elsewhere please let us know and we will match them! Other advantages of Taylor Biddle supplying your lenses: We guarantee the lenses We provide replacements for any ripped or damaged We will exchange unopened boxes if prescriptions changed We provide emergency lenses For those who have lenses and fee on a Direct Debit each month, there is a further 50p discount. CARING FOR YOUR CONTACT LENSES WE ARE PROUD TO OFFER EXCEPTIONAL CARE "Fantastic service as always from Taras, James, Sophie & Cheryl. Had my eye test and then discussed contact lenses to replace my reading glasses. Can’t recommend the Wombourne branch highly enough! Thanks everyone" - J. Beeston-May - 11/2021 via Google

< Back Kimberley Lacey Level 2 Diploma in Optical Support Kim joined Taylor Biddle in 2023 but has been working in optics for over 20 years. She has a Diploma in Leadership and Health care and Level 2 Diploma in Optical Support. Being in optics gives her the chance to make a difference to the patients she sees and is what has kept her in love with the profession. In her spare time she enjoys holidays, arts and crafts and loves spending time with her family and young son. Optical Dispenser

< Back Hasan Akhtar BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Med Ret Prof Cert Glauc AFHA Hasan graduated from Aston University in 2016 with a 1st class honours degree in Optometry. He joined Taylor Biddle in 2018 and became a partner in April 2021. Alongside his work with Taylor Biddle, he is a Sessional Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor at Aston University teaching the degree programme as well as a Faculty Member for Johnson & Johnson Vision and Assessor for the College of Optometrists. Hasan specialises in Medical Retina and Glaucoma but also became an Independent Prescriber in 2023 allowing him to prescribe more medications to help treat eye conditions. Hasan has sat on the local optical committee since 2020 which allows him to stay at the forefront of Optometry and implement the latest shared care schemes and enhancements to the services we provide. In his spare time he enjoys theatre, outdoor adventures, socialising and travelling the world. Optometrist Director

< Back Tom Green BSc (Hons) FBDO Tom has been at Taylor Biddle since 2018 and became a qualified Dispensing Optician in 2025. He enjoys working in our busy environment and is passionate about customer care. Tom likes music, such as The Stone Roses and Oasis as well as wartime history. Also he loves socialising with friends and is a massive West Brom fan. Dispensing Optician

< Back Samad Uddin BSc (Hons) MCOptom Samad graduated from Aston University in 2020 and has since worked as an optometrist in a wide range of practices across the UK. He joined Taylor Biddle in 2025. Samad is MECS qualified and particularly enjoys managing emergency eye care, helping patients with urgent concerns. Outside of work, Samad enjoys going to the gym, playing badminton, and travelling the world.

Contact us for the detailed eye exam. Book your appointment today and meet with our highly qualified and experienced doctors and staff CONTACT US Select your local practice below to see store details COMPTON 39 Bridgnorth Road, Compton, Wolverhampton, WV6 8AF ADDRESS GET IN TOUCH VIEW STORE DETAILS Tel: 01902 750325 WOMBOURNE 34, Windmill Bank, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 9JD ADDRESS GET IN TOUCH VIEW STORE DETAILS Tel: 01902 895909