Business Details
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Expert Eye Care in Durham | Simon Berry Optometrist
Simon Berry Optometrist has served the Durham community for nearly two decades, dedicated to delivering professional, customer-centric eye care. Our practice was founded on the principle of inclusivity, ensuring accessible services for individuals with disabilities, including pioneering frame designs for children with Down Syndrome. We invest in advanced diagnostic equipment such as OCT scanning to provide comprehensive eye health assessments. Our team undergoes specialist training to support patients with diverse needs, from low-vision aids to bespoke hearing tests. We maintain a wheelchair-friendly environment and offer NHS-eligible services alongside premium private care.Through continued innovation and community engagement, we aim to set new standards in optometric practice. Our commitment to ethical sourcing and patient education ensures transparent, trustworthy care. With flexible appointment options and emergency repairs for broken eyewear, we prioritise convenience without compromising clinical excellence. Recognised nationally for our advocacy, we strive to influence broader industry adoption of inclusive practices.
Services
Eye Examination
Contact Lenses
OCT Scan
Specialist Frames
Hearing Tests
Highlights and features
- Specialised frames for children with Down Syndrome developed through clinical research
- Advanced OCT scanning for early detection of eye diseases
- Wheelchair-accessible facility with sensory-adapted examination rooms
- NHS-eligible comprehensive eye examinations available
- Emergency eyewear repair service for urgent vision needs
Associations and certifications
- Vision Pioneer Campaigner of the Year Award
Services
Eye Examination
Our comprehensive eye examinations combine traditional techniques with advanced diagnostics to assess vision quality and ocular health. Patients receive detailed explanations of their results alongside corrective lens prescriptions. We accommodate special needs with adaptive equipment and sensory-friendly examination spaces, ensuring accurate assessments for all age groups.
OCT Scan
Optical Coherence Tomography scans use low-power light to examine retinal layers undetectable through standard tests. This technology enables early detection of conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Our equipment provides 3D cross-sections of ocular structures, facilitating precise monitoring and treatment planning for long-term eye health management.
Specialist Frames
We offer custom-designed eyewear solutions including Erin's World frames specifically engineered for facial structures associated with Down Syndrome. These glasses feature enhanced temple grip and impact-resistant materials, addressing common fit issues. Our selection includes over 40 designer and everyday styles adaptable to individual facial geometry requirements.
Contact Lenses
Our independent practice stocks specialist contact lenses for irregular corneas and complex prescriptions. Patients receive fitting expertise covering soft, rigid gas permeable, and hybrid lens types. We provide aftercare services and emergency replacements, with access to brands not widely available through high-street opticians.
Hearing Tests
In partnership with Response Hearing, we offer diagnostic hearing evaluations using micro-suction technology for ear wax removal. This service includes trials of leading digital hearing aids and noise protection solutions, with follow-up support for patients requiring assistive listening devices in professional or educational settings.
Questions
Do you offer NHS eye examinations?
We provide NHS-eligible eye tests for qualifying patients, including those under 16, over 60, or receiving specific benefits. Our staff can explain eligibility criteria during booking.
Can you repair glasses purchased elsewhere?
Our qualified technicians repair all frame materials regardless of purchase origin, handling tasks from lens replacement to structural realignment with a 24-hour turnaround for standard repairs.
What specialist services exist for neurodiverse patients?
We pioneered Erin's World frames for children with Down Syndrome and offer sensory-adapted examination rooms with bubble machines to reduce anxiety during eye tests.
Is OCT scanning included in standard eye tests?
OCT scans are an optional add-on for enhanced retinal screening, though included in comprehensive packages for patients aged 40+ or with family histories of eye disease.
Do you supply spare parts for children's glasses?
We maintain a stock of replacement components for specialist frames and offer Blinx charms to encourage children to care for their eyewear.
What accessibility features exist at your practice?
Our facility includes wheelchair access, tactile floor guidance, and forms in large print format. All staff complete specialist training in disability awareness to enhance patient comfort.
