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Hempstead Valley Opticians

Leightons Hempstead Valley opened in Gillingham in July 1992. The shopping centre was one of the first out-of-town shopping centres in Kent, and continues to thrive. Leightons Hempstead Valley offer appointments seven days a week, including evenings. So whether you're looking for an eye examination, hearing assessment, spectacles, contact lenses or sunglasses, our expert team are always on hand to help you.

Rated 4.6 based on 169 reviews
Address
67 Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 3PD
Parking
Free parking at shopping centre
Accessibility
Full disabled access

Opening Times

Mon
09:00-20:00
Tue
09:00-20:00
Wed
09:00-20:00
Thu
09:00-20:00
Fri
09:00-20:00
Sat
09:00-19:00
Sun
10:00-16:00

NHS Sight Tests

Our NHS Sight Tests are free, comprehensive eye examinations available for those who are eligible. These tests include vision assessment, eye health checks, and the detection of general health issues. Typically lasting 30 minutes, they are usually recommended every two years for most people. Additional costs apply for optional OCT and Optomap scans.

Children’s Eye Tests

It’s essential to ensure your child's vision is healthy and their eyes are developing properly for their overall well-being and learning. Regular eye examinations help detect and address vision issues early. At Leightons, children's eye tests are free through the NHS-funded eye care service.

Enhanced Eye Test

Our Enhanced Eye Test offers a comprehensive 40-minute examination of your vision, prescription, eye muscles, and overall eye health. It includes either OCT or Optomap scans, providing detailed insights into any changes in your eye health. Both OCT and Optomap are included if you choose to upgrade to our Ultimate Eye Examination.

Private Eye Examination

Our Private Eye Tests offer a comprehensive eye examination, including retinal photography. This 30-minute test assesses vision, determines prescriptions, evaluates eye muscles, and checks overall eye health. Additional Optomap imaging or OCT scans are available if you choose to upgrade to our Enhanced Eye Test.

Ultimate Eye Examination

The Leightons Ultimate Eye Examination offers a comprehensive eye examination lasting about 45 minutes. It includes Optomap and OCT scans, providing detailed 2D and 3D images of the eyes. The exam covers vision assessment, prescription determination, eye muscles evaluation and overall eye health checks. It is included in MyLeightons Care Plans.

Contact Lenses

A contact lens appointment is a thorough evaluation for both new and existing contact lens wearers. For new wearers, it includes an eye health assessment, lens fitting, and instructions on lens care and usage. For existing wearers, it involves a check-up and potential refitting. This appointment also involves scheduling a follow-up to ensure optimal lens fit, comfort, and vision clarity for all contact lens wearers.

Myopia Management

Myopia management includes a variety of treatments and strategies designed to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. Book an eye exam with an optometrist to assess whether your child has myopia and to discuss the suitable management strategies tailored to their needs.

Dry Eye Assessment

A dry eye assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes gathering a detailed patient history and conducting a series of diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose and determine the severity and type of dry eye disease.

Glasses Repair

A glasses repair appointment is a service to fix and restore your broken or damaged eyewear to good condition quickly and efficiently. The optician can often perform minor repairs like adjustments, screw replacements, or small part replacements. For more complex repairs, they may need to send the glasses away to get them fixed.

Emergency Eye Care

Emergency eye care is a service for urgent eye health issues, such as sudden pain, vision changes, or eye injuries. The process involves triage, followed by an appointment with an optometrist within 72 hours, or a referral to eye casualty if necessary. For urgent care during our normal opening hours, please call us first. Outside these hours, contact NHS 111.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology involves specially designed lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Book an eye exam, so our optometrists can assess your eye health and determine if Ortho-K lenses are suitable for you.

Coloured Overlay Assessment

This assessment helps identify whether you have visual stress. A coloured overlay assessment is a visual stress test that evaluates whether coloured filters can alleviate visual stress. If the overlay assessment shows improvement, a colorimetry assessment may be recommended. To start, book an eye exam with our optometrists to discuss your concerns about visual stress.

Colorimetry Assessment

This assessment helps identify whether you have visual stress. A coloured overlay assessment is a visual stress test that evaluates whether coloured filters can alleviate visual stress. If the overlay assessment shows improvement, a colorimetry assessment may be recommended. To start, book an eye exam with our optometrists to discuss your concerns about visual stress.

Free Hearing Tests

Free hearing tests offer a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing and ear health. They typically include a review of your medical history, a physical examination of your ears, various hearing tests, and may involve additional specialised assessments. The hearing assessment takes around one hour and once complete you’ll receive a full breakdown of your results.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aid appointments involve evaluating your hearing needs and fitting suitable devices. Following a full hearing assessment, your audiologist may recommend hearing aid solutions. The appointment includes discussing hearing aid options, fitting the devices, and providing instructions on their use and care. For a hearing aid review, a 30-minute routine check-up appointment addresses your concerns without requiring a full hearing assessment.

Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax removal is a procedure to clear excess or impacted ear wax from the ear canal. For £70, it includes a brief examination, followed by one of several removal methods such as microsuction, water irrigation, or manual extraction. The appointment takes 30 minutes, depending on the amount and position of the wax, and the specific technique used.

Home Visits

Home visits offer a comprehensive hearing care service in the comfort of your own home. It includes a full hearing assessment using portable equipment, conducted by a professional audiologist. The service provides everything available in-branch, including video otoscopy, tinnitus advice, wax removal, and hearing aid demonstrations and fittings.

Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus management is a comprehensive appointment designed to help individuals cope with and reduce the impact of tinnitus. This involves assessing underlying causes, providing a hearing evaluation, and offering various treatment options to help patients manage their symptoms. Book a full hearing assessment and discuss tinnitus concerns with your audiologist.

Hearing Protection

A hearing protection appointment is a personalised consultation to assess your specific needs and provide tailored hearing protection solutions. An audiologist will discuss your lifestyle, work environment, and noise exposure, then recommend appropriate options such as custom-moulded ear plugs for various activities. The appointment typically takes 30 minutes, depending on individual requirements and whether custom moulds are needed.

Meet our team

Ormsby Williams
Hearing Aid Audiologist

Ormsby Williams

 

Nicola Priestley
Dispensing Optician

Nicola Priestley

 

Tracey Deadfield
Optical Hearing Assistant

Tracey Deadfield

 

Jennifer Wilson
Optometrist

Jennifer Wilson

 

Jayne Gaffin
Branch Manager & Dispensing Optician

Jayne Gaffin

 

Anita Gilmore
Optical Hearing Assistant

Anita Gilmore

 

Sarah Sharpe
Dispensing Optician

Sarah Sharpe

 

Chris Welsh
Hearing Care Assistant

Chris Welsh

 

Louise McBeath
Optical Hearing Assistant

Louise McBeath

 

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