Asda Opticians (Thornaby)
NHS & Private
Asda, Allensway, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 9EN
Boots Opticians (Stockton)
NHS & Private
Unit 15 Wellington Square, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1RG
Henderson Opticians (Stockton)
NHS & Private
4 Bishopton Lane, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 2AA
Henderson Opticians (Yarm)
NHS & Private
Winpenny House, 135-137 High Street, Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees TS15 9AY
Hepworth Opticians
NHS & Private
26 Myton Road, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 0WA
McCormick & Gorman Opticians (Billingham)
NHS & Private
126 Queensway, Stockton-on-Tees TS23 2NT
Mellis Eyecare (Thornaby)
NHS & Private
Thornaby Medical Centre, Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 0DD
Specsavers (Stockton)
NHS & Private
49-51 Wellington Square, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1RG
Vision Express (Stockton)
NHS & Private
29 Wellington Square, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1RH
Vision Express (Yarm)
NHS & Private
64 High Street, Yarm, Stockton-on-Tees TS15 9AH
T D Morton (Thornaby)
NHS & Private
6 St Peters House, Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 9FF
Opticians and eye care in the UK
Eye care ranges from routine sight tests and glasses at high-street opticians to medical and surgical eye care at ophthalmology clinics. Optometrists and dispensing opticians are registered with the General Optical Council (GOC); eye surgeons are doctors registered with the GMC, and clinics performing eye surgery in England are also CQC-registered.
NHS and private sight tests
NHS-funded sight tests are available to certain groups — including children, people over 60, and those on qualifying benefits or with certain conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma. Others pay privately for an eye test. Glasses and contact lenses are generally paid for privately, though NHS optical vouchers help with costs for those who are eligible.
Types of eye care
- Opticians / optometrists — sight tests, glasses, contact lenses, and screening for eye conditions.
- Ophthalmology clinics — medical and surgical care for cataracts, glaucoma and other conditions.
- Laser & lens surgery — refractive procedures to reduce dependence on glasses (private).
Looking after your eyes
Regular sight tests can detect not only changes in vision but early signs of eye disease and some general health conditions. If you have sudden vision loss, eye pain or flashes and floaters, seek urgent care — call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999. This page is information only and not medical advice.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Frequently Asked Questions
NHS-funded sight tests are available to certain groups, including children, people aged 60 and over, and those on qualifying benefits or with conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma. Others pay privately. Ask the optician whether you qualify.
Many people should have a sight test about every two years, but your optometrist may recommend more frequent tests depending on your age, eye health and any conditions. Regular tests can also detect early signs of eye and general health problems.
Yes. Optometrists and dispensing opticians are registered with the General Optical Council (GOC). Eye surgeons are doctors registered with the GMC, and clinics performing eye surgery in England are also registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Sudden loss of vision, eye pain, or new flashes and floaters should be checked urgently — contact an optician, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. This is not a substitute for professional advice.