Why a dry eye assessment matters

Dry, uncomfortable eyes aren’t something you have to live with. When left untreated, dry eye can affect your focus, confidence, and quality of life – making everyday activities like reading, driving, or using a screen more difficult. Our goal is to help you feel the difference that comes with healthy, comfortable eyes.

For many people, dry eye is linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked or stop producing the right balance of oils. If untreated, these glands can deteriorate over time, making symptoms worse. That’s why an early and accurate diagnosis is so important.

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When to book a dry eye assessment

If any of the following sound familiar, it might be time to see one of our clinicians:

Your eyes feel:
Dry | Gritty | Sore | Itchy | Watery | Tired | Light sensitive

Your eyes look:
Red or inflamed

You’ve noticed:

  • Intermittent blurred vision
  • Recurrent styes or eyelid soreness
  • Needing to remove contact lenses during the day
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What to expect during your appointment

Your assessment will be carried out by a GOC-registered Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician, all of whom are trained in the latest diagnostic techniques recommended by the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS DEWS III).

Here’s what typically happens during your visit:

Detailed symptom review

You’ll complete a short questionnaire (OSDI) to help us understand how your eyes feel day to day.

Comprehensive eye examination

Using advanced diagnostic tools, we’ll assess your tear quality, eyelids, and the surface of your eyes.

Comfort-first approach

If needed, we may gently unblock your eyelid glands using numbing drops to ensure the process is comfortable.

Personalised care plan

You’ll leave with clear advice and a tailored treatment plan designed to restore comfort and support long-term eye health.

Treatment options for dry eye

Dry eye is a complex condition, and every case is different. Following your initial assessment, your clinician will recommend the most effective treatment for you.

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NuLids or BlephEx

£99

A gentle exfoliation treatment that cleans the eyelid margins, removes debris, helps your glands work more efficiently.

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Meibomian Gland Expression

£99

A soothing procedure that unblocks your oil glands, improving tear quality and reducing irritation.

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BlefaCalm

£200

A soothing procedure that unblocks your oil glands, improving tear quality and reducing irritation.

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Home treatments & ongoing care

Dry eye often requires ongoing management between visits.

We offer a carefully selected range of clinically backed, preservative-free, and eco-conscious products to keep your eyes comfortable, including Peep Club favourites designed by optometrists to soothe, hydrate, and refresh dry, tired eyes:

  • Dry eye drops, gels, and sprays
  • Eyelid hygiene products
  • Heated masks and wands
  • Dietary supplements
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Peep Club: a treat for your eyes

We're proud to offer Peep Club – an award-winning, optometrist-designed range created to soothe, refresh, and support dry, tired eyes at home. Available to purchase in-store at Leightons as part of our curated collection of eye care products.

Instant Relief Eye Spray

£15

A soothing, preservative-free mist that instantly hydrates and comforts dry or tired eyes - ideal for use anytime, even over makeup.

Soothing Coconut Eye Balm

£20

A nourishing balm with raw coconut oil and chamomile to moisturise, calm irritation, care for delicate eyelids.

Heated Eye Wand™ PRO

£75

Advanced at-home eye therapy delivering deeper, even warmth to ease dryness, refresh eyes, support healthy tear flow.

Heated Eye Wand™ LED+

£85

Soothe dry, tired eyes with gentle heat, massage, LED light therapy. Reduces puffiness and refreshes the eye area for lasting comfort.

Cost of a dry eye assessment

Our optometrists can provide you with a comprehensive Dry Eye Assessment in a dedicated appointment. This is especially useful for anyone who has unresolved issues that have tried to treat at home. The fee for this expert service is £99.

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MyLeightons Members save 20%
Enjoy 20% off all eye therapy appointments and dry eye products. From in-practice treatments to soothing at-home essentials, your membership helps you keep your eyes comfortable and healthy – for less.
Book an appointment

Booking an appointment is easy - choose a time that works for you with our simple online system. Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 0800 40 20 20 (lines open Mon–Sat, 8.30am – 5pm).

Find your nearest branch

Whether you need expert optical or hearing care, our friendly teams are here to help. With 36 branches across the South of England, finding your local Leightons is just a click away with our branch finder.

FAQs

Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete a questionnaire. The full assessment lasts around 30 minutes.

In most cases, yes. If you have meibomian gland dysfunction, we’ll begin gentle gland expression during your appointment and discuss follow-up treatments such as BlefaCalm or IPL/LLLT.

At present, dry eye care is not funded by the NHS. Our fees reflect the specialist expertise and technology used to provide effective, personalised care.

Not at all. We use anaesthetic drops for comfort and check in with you throughout your appointment to ensure you feel at ease.

£99 with an additional 20% discount if you are part of the MyLeightons care plan.