Opticians & Eye Clinics
Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames
42 Union Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1RP
Overview
Boots Opticians at 42 Union Street in Kingston upon Thames is part of the Boots healthcare and optometry network, one of the UK's leading providers of eye care services. The practice offers comprehensive optical services to residents and visitors in this busy town centre location, making professional eye care conveniently accessible to the local community.
The opticians provide a full range of eye care services including eye tests, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. Experienced optometrists conduct thorough eye examinations to assess vision and eye health, detecting potential problems early. The practice stocks a wide selection of frames and lenses to suit different styles and budgets, with qualified staff available to help with fitting and advice.
This Kingston upon Thames location serves as an important healthcare facility for the area, catering to families, working professionals, and older customers requiring optical services. The Union Street location is centrally positioned within Kingston's shopping and business district, offering convenient parking and easy access via public transport, making it a practical choice for local eye care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book an eye test at Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames in Kingston upon Thames by calling 020 8541 1560, visiting the practice, or booking online through their website. It is recommended that adults have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist. An NHS eye test checks your vision and screens for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
You are entitled to a free NHS eye test at Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames if you are aged 60 or over, under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education), diagnosed with or at risk of glaucoma, diabetic, receiving certain benefits (Income Support, Universal Credit, etc.), hold a valid HC2 certificate, registered sight impaired or severely sight impaired, or a prisoner on leave. Ask Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames to check your eligibility.
An eye test at Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames typically lasts 20-30 minutes and includes a visual acuity test (reading letters on a chart), refraction (determining your prescription for glasses or contact lenses), an eye health examination using specialised instruments, a check for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, and a discussion of your results and any recommendations. Advanced imaging such as OCT scans or retinal photography may be offered for an additional charge.
Yes, Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames welcomes children for eye tests. All children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education) are entitled to a free NHS eye test and an NHS optical voucher towards the cost of glasses. Children should have their first eye test before starting school, or earlier if you notice any concerns. Signs to watch for include sitting close to the TV, difficulty reading the board at school, squinting, or headaches.
The NHS recommends an eye test every two years for most adults. More frequent tests (annually or as advised) are recommended if you are over 70, diabetic, have a family history of glaucoma, wear contact lenses, have an existing eye condition, or your optometrist has recommended shorter intervals. Children should be tested annually. Regular eye tests can detect problems early, including non-eye conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames may offer urgent eye care appointments for conditions such as sudden vision changes, eye pain, flashing lights or floaters, red or sore eyes, foreign bodies in the eye, and eye infections. Some opticians are part of the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), providing NHS-funded urgent eye care. Call 020 8541 1560 to check. For serious eye emergencies, go to A&E.
If you are eligible for an NHS-funded eye test, you may also qualify for an NHS optical voucher to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Voucher values depend on your prescription strength. Children under 16, people on qualifying benefits, and those with complex prescriptions are most commonly eligible. Ask Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames to check your voucher entitlement.
Yes, Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames can fit prescription lenses into a wide range of sunglass frames, including polarised and photochromic (transition) options that darken automatically in sunlight. Prescription sunglasses protect your eyes from UV damage while correcting your vision. Ask about lens tinting options and UV protection standards.
Yes, Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames can often repair broken or damaged glasses on site, including replacing screws, adjusting frames, replacing nose pads, and re-glazing lenses into new frames. Minor repairs and adjustments are usually free of charge. If your glasses are beyond repair, Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames can help you choose new frames and lenses. Bring your current prescription if you have one.
Yes, Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames provides varifocal (progressive) lenses that allow you to see at distance, intermediate, and near without changing glasses. Modern varifocals offer wider fields of vision and smoother transitions than older designs. Premium varifocals reduce distortion at the edges. Your dispensing optician will discuss the different varifocal options and help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Some opticians, including Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames, may offer home eye test visits for patients who are housebound or unable to visit the practice due to physical or mental health conditions. Home visits are available free on the NHS for eligible patients. Contact 020 8541 1560 to check availability and arrange a home visit in the Kingston upon Thames area.
Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames may offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, which provide detailed 3D images of the layers of your retina. OCT scans can detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease earlier than a standard eye test. This scan typically takes a few minutes and is painless. An additional charge may apply as OCT is not included in the standard NHS eye test.
Yes, Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames offers contact lens fittings, trials, and supplies. Types available include daily disposable, monthly, toric (for astigmatism), multifocal, and coloured lenses. A contact lens fitting appointment includes measuring your eyes, selecting the right lens type, teaching you how to insert and remove lenses safely, and a follow-up check. Contact lens aftercare appointments are recommended annually. Call 020 8541 1560 to book.
Boots Opticians - Kingston upon Thames may offer referrals or initial consultations for laser eye surgery (LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE). While opticians do not perform laser surgery themselves, they can assess your suitability, explain the options, and refer you to a specialist laser eye surgery provider. Not everyone is suitable — factors include your prescription, corneal thickness, age, and general eye health.