Your Questions About Eye Care Answered

DH Burns Opticians is located at 830 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 0EY. We are conveniently accessible from Tottenham Hale, Wood Green, Edmonton, and the surrounding areas of North London. You can reach us by telephone on 020 8808 7910 or by emailing visioncare.burns@gmail.com.

We are open Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm. We are closed on Thursdays and Sundays. We recommend booking an appointment in advance to ensure you are seen promptly.

You can book an eye test online via dhburns.co.uk, by calling 020 8808 7910, or by emailing visioncare.burns@gmail.com. We welcome new patients and families, including young children.

DH Burns Opticians serves patients from across North London, including Tottenham, Wood Green, Edmonton, Haringey, Enfield, Walthamstow, Stoke Newington, Hackney, and the wider area. The practice is well connected by public transport via Tottenham Hale and Bruce Grove stations.

Our comprehensive eye examinations cover a full assessment of your vision and eye health, including: checks for refractive errors (short-sight, long-sight, astigmatism), binocular vision assessment (how well both eyes work together), intraocular pressure measurement (glaucoma screening), peripheral visual field analysis, and digital retinal photography to detect and record even subtle abnormalities. We also screen for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

A comprehensive eye examination typically takes around 30 minutes. If additional specialist tests are required — such as visual field analysis or extended retinal imaging — the appointment may be slightly longer. We will always advise you in advance of any additional time needed.

We follow national UK guidelines: children aged 15 and under — annually; adults aged 16 to 69 — every two years; patients aged 70 and over — annually; diabetic patients and those with glaucoma — annually; patients aged 40+ with a first-degree relative with glaucoma — annually. Your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits if clinically necessary.

NHS-funded eye tests are available for eligible patients, including: children under 16, patients aged 60 and over, those with diabetes or glaucoma, people receiving certain benefits, and individuals aged 40 or over with a close family member diagnosed with glaucoma. Please contact us on 020 8808 7910 to confirm your eligibility prior to your appointment.

Yes. Digital retinal photography is part of our comprehensive examination service. It allows us to photograph the inside of your eyes and detect even subtle abnormalities at an early stage. Images are stored and compared at future visits, enabling us to monitor changes over time — supporting earlier intervention and better outcomes for your long-term eye health.

Yes. DH Burns Opticians is a family-friendly practice that welcomes patients of all ages, including young children. Children's eyes develop rapidly, and early detection of conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or squint is essential. Annual eye tests are recommended for all children aged 15 and under, even when no problems have been noticed.

We offer a comprehensive range of contact lenses to suit all prescriptions and lifestyles: daily disposable lenses, two-weekly and monthly reusable lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, varifocal (multifocal) lenses for presbyopia, Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, and coloured contact lenses. Our contact lens specialist carries out a full assessment to recommend the best option for your individual needs.

Yes. We fit toric contact lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism. These are available as daily disposables, monthly reusables, and in both traditional hydrogel and breathable silicone hydrogel materials. Our specialist will recommend the best toric lens for your prescription and lifestyle.

Yes. We offer varifocal (multifocal) contact lenses for patients with presbyopia — the age-related condition that affects near focus, typically from around age 45 to 50. These lenses allow clear vision at both near and distance without the need for reading glasses. We fit options including the Clariti Multifocal and Air Optix multifocal range.

Absolutely. Our Contact Lens Specialist has an excellent track record in fitting patients who have been previously unsuccessful with contact lenses. Modern lens materials and fitting approaches have advanced considerably, and many patients who struggled in the past can now wear lenses comfortably. We invite you to book a consultation for a fresh assessment.

Daily disposable lenses offer excellent hygiene as a brand-new lens is used each day, significantly reducing the risk of microbial infection compared with reusable lenses. Modern daily lenses — such as those using Alcon's Water Gradient Technology — provide all-day comfort even for extended wear. Dailies are ideal for both occasional and full-time wearers, as well as for sports, travel, or social occasions.

DH Burns Opticians stocks an extensive range of designer glasses frames and designer sunglasses from leading brands. Our team specialises in helping you find the ideal frame for your face shape and personal style. Visit the practice or browse our catalogue at dhburns.co.uk to explore our current collections.

Yes. DH Burns Opticians offers same-day spectacle repairs and can produce emergency pairs of glasses at short notice. Simply call us on 020 8808 7910 or visit us at 830 High Road, Tottenham N17 0EY, and our team will be pleased to assist you.

When selecting sunglasses, look for lenses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Prolonged UV exposure is associated with an increased risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. DH Burns stocks a wide selection of sunglasses offering full UV protection alongside designer styling.

The 20-20-20 rule is a widely recommended guideline for reducing digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object approximately 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This allows the eye muscles to relax and reduces fatigue. If you regularly experience screen-related eye strain, our optometrists can advise on suitable lens options for computer use.

A diet rich in leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) and oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, tuna) supports long-term eye health. Antioxidant vitamins C and E, together with lutein and zeaxanthin found in green vegetables, are associated with a reduced risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the risk of diabetic eye disease.

Yes. Smoking significantly increases the risk of several serious eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage — all of which can lead to permanent vision loss. Stopping smoking is one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect your long-term vision and eye health.

Many eye conditions — including glaucoma and macular degeneration — have a hereditary component. Knowing your family eye health history helps your optometrist assess your individual risk profile and recommend the appropriate frequency of testing. If a close family member has been diagnosed with glaucoma, you should be having annual eye tests from the age of 40, and you may qualify for NHS-funded examinations.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, most commonly linked to raised intraocular pressure. It frequently produces no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye testing critical for early detection. At DH Burns, we perform intraocular pressure measurement and peripheral visual field analysis as part of every comprehensive examination, enabling us to identify signs of glaucoma before irreversible damage occurs.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It is most common in people over 60. In many cases there are no early warning signs, which is why regular retinal imaging — as provided at DH Burns — is particularly valuable for early detection and monitoring of this condition.

Blepharitis is a common condition involving inflammation of the eyelid margins, typically causing redness, irritation, crusty deposits, and a gritty sensation. It can also contribute to dry eye symptoms. DH Burns Opticians provides advice and guidance on the management of blepharitis and related ocular surface conditions as part of our comprehensive eye health services.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. It can develop without any noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Patients with diabetes are advised to have a comprehensive eye examination at least annually. Early detection through digital retinal imaging, as carried out at DH Burns, is essential to preventing serious and potentially irreversible vision loss.

DH Burns Opticians has been proudly serving the Tottenham community for over 25 years. As Tottenham's leading independent optician, we have built a trusted reputation for high-quality, personalised eye care for individuals and families across North London.

An optometrist is a qualified healthcare professional who conducts eye examinations, assesses vision, and detects eye health conditions. A dispensing optician is a specialist trained to interpret prescriptions and advise on, fit, and supply spectacle frames and lenses. DH Burns Opticians has both highly experienced optometrists and dispensing opticians, ensuring expert care at every stage of your visit.

As an independent practice, DH Burns Opticians is able to offer a genuinely personalised and unhurried service. We are not bound by corporate sales targets, and our optometrists treat every patient as an individual — tailoring the examination and recommendations to your specific lifestyle, occupation, and visual requirements. We invest in advanced diagnostic technology and have deep roots in the local Tottenham community.