All the common questions about our eye clinics are answered on this page.
Is my appointment with a qualified optometrist?
Our public clinics are conducted by a qualifying 3rd year optometry student who is directly supervised by one of our qualified and experienced optometrists – please see our services section for more information.
How long are the appointments? Why do they take so long?
Most appointments are 2 hours, however some appointments can take between 2.5 and 3 hours.
As a teaching and training facility, students need enough time to conduct all the necessary parts of the examination, allow for the supervising optometrist checks and time for feedback.
The majority of our examinations include further diagnostic checks. We have to allow time to perform theses correctly and safely under the General Optics Council and College of Optometrists guidance.
Are you open during the summer?
Outside of term time (May – August) we run a limited clinic that are attended by our locum optometrists.
We welcome both NHS and Private bookings*
We see patients for eye examinations, contact lenses, paediatric and both *adult and children binocular vision appointments:
Please contact us for more information.
Can I order glasses from you, using a prescription from elsewhere?
We welcome outside prescriptions as long as they are signed off by a qualified optometrist and within date (expiry date no shorter than three months).
To book in for a dispensing appointment please contact us on 0207 040 8338 or email citysight@city.ac.uk.
Are face coverings required in the clinics?
All staff/ students should continue to wear a fluid-resistant face mask as instructed by UKHSA.
All people/ patients visiting health care settings are recommended to use a face covering.
See guidance from The College of Optometrists.
What about the social distancing requirements?
Social distancing requirements removed. COVID-19 related PPE is no longer required*. Prioritisation of care based on each nation’s regular local protocols.
*UKHSA continues to recommend universal masking in all health care settings as a precaution to prevent the risk of transmission of respiratory infections including SARS-CoV-2.
All staff/ students should continue to wear a fluid-resistant face mask in the green phase as instructed by UKHSA. All people/ patients visiting health care settings should continue to be recommended to use a face covering as recommended by each nations health system.
Can I hire a room?
City Sight is available for hire at various points in the year when Student Clinics are not running.
We have 23 testing rooms alongside 4 diagnostic suites that are fitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
We can also provide catering and support staff to assist with events.
Historically we have provided clinic hire for Royal College of Ophthalmologists, Paralympics and London Marathon.
For more information please email Priya Mehta.
Is your clinic accessible?
We have a hearing loop available and our clinics are located on ground level with ramp access.
Each room has space to accommodate for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
We also have mobile testing equipment that we use for patients that need to remain in their wheelchairs or specialised units.