Sight test and contact lens clinic
Provides comprehensive eye examinations and optical prescribing. We offer a contact lens clinic, providing services such as initial fittings, trials and aftercare appointments.
What to expect
You can expect the same level of care and confidentiality you would receive from your optometrist or contact lens optician.
If you have any NHS exemptions or are entitled to an NHS voucher for the cost of glasses, this cannot be issued as eye tests are offered on a private basis only.
There is no cost for University staff and students. For Teesside University graduates and members of the public, the cost for a sight test is £10. The cost of a contact lens trial is free, with aftercare appointments costing £10. Upon completion of a contact lens trial or aftercare, lenses are available to purchase through the clinic. The cost for our specialist clinics varies. For further information, email eyes@tees.ac.uk.
How to make an appointment
Clinics run through term time only. We are offering free appointments until May 2026.
Binocular vision and visual stress
Provides specialist assessments for children, young people and adults who are experiencing difficulties with tasks such as reading and writing. We assess how well the eyes focus and work together at near. Where these are normal, we can also carry out visual stress testing to explore other visual factors that may affect reading comfort and performance.
The clinic may be suitable for:
- school-age children who find reading, writing, or close work difficult or tiring
- young people or adults who experience visual discomfort during study or work
- anyone referred for a dyslexia assessment who needs a vision check beforehand
- any patients advised to have further vision testing by a teacher, SEND staff member, optometrist, educational psychologist or other health professional.
What to expect
Your visit includes a thorough vision assessment tailored to your needs, which may involve:
- a discussion of reading, learning and vision concerns
- tests of accommodation (how focus adjusts at different distances)
- tests of convergence (how the eyes work together at near)
- visual stress testing if needed
- clear explanation of results and recommended management, such as exercises, adjustments or referral for further support.
For parents or carers booking for their child, the visit may involve:
- checking whether your child’s eyes can focus accurately and work together well at near distances (important for reading and close work)
- if these skills are normal, we can carry out visual stress testing, which sometimes reveals why reading may feel tiring or uncomfortable
- working closely with you to explain the results in plain, easy-to-understand language and outline any next steps
- with your consent, we can share results with teachers, SEND staff or other professionals supporting your child.
Before you book, an eye exam with an optometrist must be completed to check your eye health and prescription. You should bring details of yours or your child’s most recent exam along with the date and where it took place.
There is no cost during the initial pilot of this clinic.
How to make an appointment
Please ensure you or your child have had an eye examination with an optometrist before attending the clinic.
Low vision clinic
Teesside University is proud to offer a regular low vision clinic at The Live Well Centre, Middlesbrough.
The Live Well Centre already provides a sensory clinic for people who are deaf and/or visually impaired. The low vision clinic adds specialist eye care support in a community setting.
Based in an established community support hub, we aim to make low vision services more accessible, friendly and inclusive.
The clinic, delivered by Teesside University eye clinic staff, supports people with sight loss directly in the community.
What to expect
At your appointment, you can expect:
- a low vision assessment tailored to your daily needs
- a range of optical aids that may help you
- practical advice on reading, writing and everyday activities
- information on other services and support that may be helpful.
You receive guidance on using aids that may help you and you may be offered follow-up review appointments. If needed, we can link you to further support services within The Live Well Centre or the wider community. You may receive one of a limited selection of aids provided free of charge, funded through a Middlesbrough Council grant.
This clinic is suitable for anyone who has visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
How to book an appointment
Pop in to the Sensory Cafe on the first Friday morning of every month or email eyes@tees.ac.uk.
You can be referred by:
- The Live Well Centre
- your optometrist
- your GP
- a hospital eye service.
You can also self-refer if you feel you may benefit from advice and support.
Where is the low vision clinic?
The Live Well Centre
103 Albert Road (next to the Holiday Inn Express)
Middlesbrough
TS1 2PA
01642 727590