Opticians & Eye Clinics
Vision Express - St Georges, Preston
90 Fishergate Walk, St Georges Shopping Centre, Preston PR1 2NR
Overview
Vision Express is a well-established opticians located at 90 Fishergate Walk in St Georges Shopping Centre, Preston. As part of the Vision Express chain, one of the UK's leading optical retailers, this branch provides comprehensive eye care services to the Preston community. The store offers eye tests conducted by qualified optometrists, prescription glasses fitting, contact lens services, and a wide selection of designer and affordable eyewear frames.
The practice serves patients of all ages, from children requiring their first eye examination to adults and seniors needing vision correction or eye health monitoring. Vision Express combines professional optical expertise with an accessible shopping environment within the busy St Georges Shopping Centre, making it convenient for local residents and visitors to access quality eye care services. The branch maintains the high standards expected from the Vision Express brand whilst offering personalised service to each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can book an eye test at Vision Express - St Georges, Preston in Preston by calling 01772 883988, 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 Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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 Vision Express - St Georges, Preston to check your eligibility.
An eye test at Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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, Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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.
Yes, Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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, Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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 01772 883988 to book.
Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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.
Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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 01772 883988 to check. For serious eye emergencies, go to A&E.
Vision Express - St Georges, Preston aims to be accessible to all patients. Contact 01772 883988 to confirm ground-floor access, wheelchair accessibility, and any adjustments for your visit. The practice can accommodate patients with mobility, visual, or communication needs. Home visits may be available for housebound patients in the Preston area.
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.
Yes, Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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.
Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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.
Yes, Vision Express - St Georges, Preston 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, Vision Express - St Georges, Preston can help you choose new frames and lenses. Bring your current prescription if you have one.
Some opticians, including Vision Express - St Georges, Preston, 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 01772 883988 to check availability and arrange a home visit in the Preston area.