What makes an advanced eye exam different?

An advanced eye exam goes far beyond the basic sight test. At Buchanan Optometrists, you benefit from hospital-grade technology like 4D OCT retinal scans and ultra-widefield imaging, which can detect signs of eye disease up to 5 years earlier. Your 60-minute appointment allows time for in-depth assessment, personalised advice, and a complete understanding of your eye health—not just a new prescription.

How often should you have your eyes tested?

Most people should have an eye exam every two years. However, if you're over 60, have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or wear contact lenses, more frequent tests may be recommended. Regular advanced exams can detect silent conditions early and help preserve your vision for life.

What are the early signs of glaucoma or macular degeneration?

Early signs of glaucoma may include loss of peripheral vision or changes in eye pressure, often without symptoms. Macular degeneration may cause blurred or distorted central vision and difficulty reading. Because these signs can be subtle, advanced scans at Buchanan Optometrists help detect issues before you notice symptoms.

NewAwardsPageDesign

Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence: Our Awards

Best Independent Optician 2023-2024 & Best Technology Practice 2023-2024

We are thrilled to announce that we have been honoured with two prestigious awards at the Optician Awards 2023-2024. Winning the Independent Practice of the Year award, we were recognised for our commitment to providing a truly personalised service, innovative elements before, during, and after consultations, and a significant investment in products and technology.

Additionally, we received the Technology Practice of the Year award, where judges praised our exceptional equipment and logical approach to technology usage. Our practice uses advanced technology typically found in hospital services, enhancing our partnership with secondary care. We were the only optician to receive two awards this year, reaffirming our status as one of the best opticians in the UK.

Recent award win at the Optician Awards 2023-2024

The Most Awarded Optician in Kent

The UK Optician Awards recognise the best in the UK Optical industry. Voted for by a panel of industry experts, the top 5 in the UK are shortlisted, and the overall winner is announced at a prestigious ceremony each year. There are over 14,000 Optometrists in the UK, and to even make the top 5 is our equivalent of an Oscar nomination! We are the only practice in the UK to consistently make the top 5 since 2008.

Optometrist of the Year 2017-2018 WINNER

Alisdair Buchanan voted Best Optometrist in the UK

There are over 14,000 Optometrists registered in the UK, and Alisdair has just been voted the best at this year's Optician Awards. Having won numerous practice awards before it was Alisdair's cutting-edge approach to detecting eye diseases and treating dry eye won the judges' attention to vote him as the Optometrist of the year. The advanced technology he has introduced was commended, but they particularly noted the lengths he goes to ensure that he and his team care for every client to an exceptional standard.
Independent Optometrists of the Year 2016 WINNER

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards

We are thrilled to have been awarded another prestigious award for cementing our reputation as the best UK Independent Optometrists. The new trophy takes pride in place alongside our other recent awards.
UK Optician Awards WINNER 2015-2016

Best UK Independent Practice of the Year

Buchanan Optometrists have won the incredible accolade of Independent Practice of the Year. This year the judges were particularly impressed with and commented on our customer care, superior level of eye examinations and equipment, our work with dry eyes, glaucoma, personalised varifocals and our contribution to the community.
UK Optician Awards WINNER 2013

Technology Practice of the Year

Winning the Technology Practice of the year award confirms that we are not only one of the best-equipped practices in the UK but also acknowledges the boundaries we are pushing. In 2013 alone, we invested over £100,000 in the latest equipment to allow the earliest possible detection of eye diseases. On winning the Award, Alisdair Buchanan said ‘We pride ourselves in offering the most advanced eye examinations. To be recognised as Technology Practice of the year is a wonderful accolade and confirms our position as one of the best Opticians in the UK.’
UK Optician Awards WINNER 2012

Premium Lens Practice of the Year

In 2012 we were honoured to win the National Optician Award for Premium Lens Practice of the Year, proving our credentials as the best Optician in the UK for lens measuring and production. The award recognises our approach to lens design and manufacture, where lenses are tailor-made to the individual.
Consistent Finalists & Runners-Up (2008-2019)

We are the only practice in the UK to consistently make the top 5 since 2008. We were runners-up for the AOP Practice of the Year 2019 (voted for by the public), and finalists for multiple awards in 2016, 2014, 2013, and 2012, including categories like Family Optician, Luxury Eyewear Retailer, and more.