Visual Stress Clinics
Expert eyecare for every age, every need, every visit.
Specialist assessment for visual stress, reading difficulties and visual discomfort
We currently offer Visual Stress Clinics at our Melksham and Warminster practices, for patients aged 8 years and over.
If you or your child experiences difficulties when reading black text on a white background, despite wearing the appropriate glasses if required, a Visual Stress Assessment provides an opportunity to explore whether particular visual factors may be contributing to the difficulty.
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What is visual stress?
Some people find reading black text on a white background visually uncomfortable or more difficult than expected. They may notice that text feels uncomfortable to look at, that they lose their place, or that reading becomes tiring.
Coloured overlays and tinted lenses are not helpful for everyone, which is why we assess each person individually.
What happens during a visual stress assessment?
We begin with a detailed assessment of how the eyes position and work together, looking for any subtle differences in binocular vision that may be relevant to the individual's symptoms.
We also assess focusing accuracy and ability.
Where appropriate, we may recommend specific eye exercises to help develop particular aspects of visual function. These can be thought of as being a little like physiotherapy for the eyes.
Coloured overlay assessment
We then explore whether reading appears more comfortable with a coloured overlay.
We can trial different coloured overlays, as well as combinations of two colours where appropriate, to identify whether a particular colour appears to be helpful.
Once a preferred colour has been identified, we can carry out a simple reading-rate test to provide an objective measure of whether there is a difference with the overlay.We then recommend a period of using the overlay during everyday reading. This allows you to see whether any benefit continues over a number of weeks and whether the overlay is genuinely useful in everyday life.
Specialist colorimetry and tinted lenses
If an overlay appears to be beneficial during the trial period, there is an option to return to our Melksham practice for specialist colourimetry.
Our Melksham practice has the latest Cerium Wave colourimeter, which allows us to explore a very large range of colours and colour depths. This can be used to fine-tune the tint and identify a colour that the individual finds most comfortable for reading.
Where appropriate, the selected tint can be incorporated into prescription spectacle lenses.
Where appropriate, the selected tint can be incorporated into prescription spectacle lenses.
Reading printed text
Using computers and other digital screens
Reading on a Kindle or e-reader
Writing
Working in a classroom or office environment
Could a visual stress assessment be useful?
If you or your child finds reading uncomfortable, tiring or difficult, even with appropriate glasses, a Visual Stress Clinic offers an opportunity to investigate some of the visual factors that may be relevant.
We don't assume that coloured overlays or tinted lenses will help everyone. Instead, we assess whether an individual experiences a noticeable and measurable difference with colour and, where appropriate, offer a trial before considering specialist tinted lenses.
Visual Stress Clinics are available at our Melksham and Warminster practices for patients aged 8 and over. This is a private service, not covered by the NHS.
Visual Stress Clinic Assessment £79.90
Colorimetry Assessment £99.90
Overlays £15
Specific tinted glasses with an NHS voucher* from £200
Specific tinted glasses without an NHS voucher from £350
*NHS voucher may be provided for eligible patient groups following NHS sight test if prescription lenses are required
What’s Involved in Your Eye Examination
Every Haine & Smith eye test is thorough, unrushed, and tailored to you. Appointments typically last 45 minutes, depending on your needs.
Your examination may include:
A detailed history and symptoms discussion
Understanding your vision, lifestyle and any concerns.
Vision testing
Checking clarity and focus for distance, intermediate and near vision.
Eye health checks
Examining the front and back of the eye using high-quality optical instruments.
Eye pressure measurement
Important for assessing glaucoma risk.
Visual field (peripheral vision) assessment
Where needed, to map areas of vision you may not notice changing.
Digital retinal photography
Captures detailed images of the back of your eye.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
A 3D scan that reveals layers beneath the retina, helping detect early signs of eye disease long before symptoms develop.
If you wear contact lenses
You may also require a contact lens consultation or aftercare appointment, which includes:
corneal health assessment
tear film evaluation
checking lens fit, comfort and vision
discussing new lens types or prescriptions
We combine advanced clinical technology with traditional, attentive care — giving you a complete and confident picture of your eye health.
After Your Eye Test
Your optometrist will:
explain your results clearly
discuss whether your prescription has changed
advise on glasses, contact lenses, or further tests
arrange follow-up appointments if needed
refer you to specialist care when appropriate
If you choose new glasses, our team will help with:
style and colour selection
lens options and coatings
fitting for comfort, clarity and face shape
Where possible, you should be dispensed at the same practice where you are tested
This is recommended by the College of Optometrists, as it ensures:
your results, measurements and clinical notes are used correctly
continuity of care
accuracy in fitting and lens recommendations
easier adjustments and aftercare
Your optometrist and dispensing team work together - helping you get the very best outcome from your examination.
Book Your Eye Test Today
Your vision deserves the best care.