# Barnard Levit Optometrists Independent Optometry Practice in North West London - Caring for Your Eyes Since 1979 ## About Barnard Levit Barnard Levit Optometrists is an independent optometry practice located in North West London, dedicated to providing exceptional eye care services with clinical excellence. When you become a patient at Barnard Levit, your eye health and vision become our primary concern. ### History - Founded by Professor Barnard, who commenced his first practice in Hove, Sussex in 1979 - London practice established in 1989 - Dr Alex Levit joined the practice in 1999 - Located in Zamenhof House, named in memory of Dr Adam Zamenhof (1888-1940), an eminent eye surgeon and inventor of visual field assessment instruments ### Mission & Values We are passionate about and continually strive for clinical excellence, aiming to provide an exceptional and dedicated service. We examine your eyes thoroughly with patience and expertise using the most up-to-date equipment and techniques. ### Innovation & Technology Leadership Barnard Levit has consistently been at the forefront of optometric technology: - **1993**: First optometrist in the world to install an Intuitive Colorimeter from Cerium Visual Technologies for investigating visual stress syndrome in dyslexics - **2001**: One of the first practices worldwide to install the Optos Panoramic Optomap retinal imaging system - **2005**: First optometry practice in Europe to install an optical coherence tomographer (Zeiss Stratus OCT, upgraded to Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT in 2008) - **2008**: First practice in the UK to install a Zeiss Polatest system for MKH full binocular refractions - **2016**: First optometry practice to install the Diopsys ERG & VEP testing suite ## Core Services ### Comprehensive Eye Examinations Thorough investigation of both eye health and visual system, typically lasting 1 hour. **Examination includes:** - Complete medical and visual history assessment - Eye movements and muscle balance testing - Visual field testing using Humphrey SITA machine (gold-standard) - Pupil reflex analysis using IRISS Medical Technologies Pupil Analyser - Anterior chamber angle assessment for glaucoma risk - Comprehensive internal and external eye health examination - Refraction and prescription determination - Discussion of visual requirements for work, hobbies, and sports **Patient-centered approach:** - Thorough discussion of general health and medications - Family eye history review (macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma) - Visual requirements assessment for computers, driving, sports - Optical and eye safety considerations for specific activities ### Contact Lens Services Comprehensive contact lens fitting and care services with specialist expertise. **Types of Contact Lenses Available:** - Soft contact lenses (daily and monthly disposable) - Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses - Toric lenses for astigmatism - Multifocal/bifocal lenses for presbyopia - Hybrid lenses (RGP center with soft periphery) - Orthokeratology/Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) lenses - Semi-scleral and scleral lenses **Specialist Contact Lens Services:** - Bespoke contact lenses for complex conditions - Keratoconus management with ALK™ lenses (designed by Dr Levit) - Post-surgical contact lens fitting (corneal graft, refractive laser, cataract surgery) - Medical contact lens fitting for corneal irregularities - Contact lens suitability assessment with corneal measurements - One-to-one contact lens tuition for insertion, removal, and care **Contact Lens Expertise:** - Dr Alex Levit: Contact lens specialist at Moorfields Hospital (formerly St. George's) since 1996 and Central Middlesex Hospital since 2006 - Inventor of ALK™ specialist contact lens design for keratoconus (manufactured and distributed worldwide by Ultravision CLPL) - Both Dr Levit and Professor Barnard hold higher Certificates in Contact Lenses for Abnormal Ocular Conditions from City University in conjunction with Moorfields Eye Hospital - Fellowship of the College of Optometrists in contact lenses and children's visual problems ### Children's Eye Care Specialist pediatric optometry services for comprehensive visual development. **Services for Children:** - Eye examinations from babies to teenagers - Early detection of vision problems and eye defects - Squint (strabismus) and amblyopia ("lazy eye") screening and management - IRISS Eye Check screening device for detecting strabismus in babies and children (invented by Professor Barnard) - Vision therapy and orthoptics - Binocular vision assessments - Visual assessments for learning difficulties - Myopia management and control programs **Children's Vision Therapy:** Specialists: Mrs Ariella Mirvis and Dr Robert Yammouni - Orthoptics assessment and treatment - Binocular vision therapy - Amblyopia management - Strabismus treatment - Home exercise programs and in-practice therapy sessions ### Myopia Management Evidence-based myopia control for children to slow progression of short-sightedness. **Treatment Options:** - Specialist contact lenses for myopia control - Orthokeratology lenses (worn overnight) - Specialized spectacle lenses designed for myopia management - Lifestyle recommendations (outdoor time, lighting, near work management) **Why Myopia Management Matters:** - Reduces risk of retinal tears and detachment - Lowers risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye diseases - Prevents stretching and thinning of the retina - Regular fitting from age 6 and above ### Senior Citizens Eye Care Specialized comprehensive eye care for patients aged 65 and over. **Enhanced Services:** - Extended 80-minute appointments - Extra time for thorough investigations - Careful attention to refraction - Focus on age-related conditions (cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma) - Mr Salasnik specializes in Geriatric Optometry and Low Vision ### Reading & Learning Difficulties Assessment and management of visual problems affecting reading and learning. **Services Include:** - Visual anomaly screening for dyslexic children - Intuitive colorimetry assessment - Colored overlay trials - Wilkins Rate of Reading Test - Tinted lens prescription for visual stress syndrome - Management of hypermetropia, astigmatism, and ocular motor problems - Support for students (financial assistance available through Student Finance England) ### Orthoptics & Vision Therapy Treatment for binocular vision problems in children and adults. **Conditions Treated:** - Amblyopia (lazy eye) - Strabismus (squint) - Binocular vision dysfunction - Convergence insufficiency - Accommodation problems **Treatment Methods:** - Spectacles and prisms - Orthoptic eye exercises - Home exercise programs - In-practice therapy sessions - Comprehensive motor and sensory binocular vision testing ### Medico-Legal Services Expert witness reports and medico-legal assessments. **Areas of Expertise:** - Contact lenses - Corneal conditions including keratoconus - Laser and refractive surgeries - General ocular pathologies - Glaucoma (open, acute, and chronic narrow/closed angle) Report preparation typically within 28 days (urgent preparation available). ### Perpetual Eye Care Plan (PECP) Cost-effective direct debit payment plan for regular contact lens wearers and patients. **Benefits Include:** - Fixed monthly direct debit payments - All professional eye care appointments included (routine and emergency) - Annual supply of contact lenses (for qualifying plans) - 20% reduction on daily disposable contact lenses - 10% reduction on contact lens solutions - 10% reduction on spectacles and sunglasses - 50% discount on unscheduled lens replacement due to loss or breakage - No upfront costs for contact lenses **Plan Options:** - Contact lenses with eye care - Eye care only (suitable for daily disposable wearers and non-contact lens wearers) ## Eyewear & Spectacles ### Spectacle Frames Extensive range of designer and classic frames to suit all styles and budgets. **Frame Selection:** - Handmade designer eyewear from California, Japan, Milan, and Paris - More economical classic styles - Extensive children's eyewear collection - Dedicated children's dispensing room **Featured Brands:** - Lindberg (Danish, ultra-lightweight titanium, hand-crafted) - Hoffman Natural Eyewear (genuine water buffalo horn) - Ørgreen (innovative designs and colors) - Adidas (sporting eyewear for adults and children) - Wolf Cubs (leading UK children's eyewear brand) - Young Wills (fun, fashionable children's glasses) ### Spectacle Lenses Premium quality lenses with advanced technology. **Lens Types:** - Single vision - Bifocals and varifocals - High-index thin and lightweight lenses - Photochromic (Transition VII) lenses - Polarized lenses - Anti-reflection coatings - Scratch-resistant coatings with warranties - UV protection **Premium Lens Manufacturers:** - Hoya (world leader in ophthalmic lens products) - Other top-tier European and international manufacturers ### Sports & Safety Eyewear Specialized eyewear for sports and leisure activities. **Sports Covered:** - Golf, tennis, skiing, cycling, swimming, hiking - Squash, football, sailing - Frames with interchangeable lenses for varying conditions - Enhanced visual performance and eye protection - Children's sports eyewear available ### Sunglasses Comprehensive sun protection with style. **Features:** - High-quality UV protection - Prescription sunglasses available - Photochromic lenses (automatically adjust to light conditions) - Polarized options - Children's sunglasses with essential UV protection ## Professional Fitting & Dispensing ### Expert Dispensing Service Qualified dispensing opticians provide personalized fitting and advice. **Fitting Process:** - Comprehensive facial measurements (head width, temple width, angle of side, length to bend) - Inter-pupillary distance measurements - Frame selection guidance - Unique tailoring to facial features and lifestyle - Complimentary ongoing frame adjustments - Extended consultation time available ### Quality Assurance - Price match guarantee (refund difference if found cheaper elsewhere within one month) - Gift token offered with price match - Professional measurements ensure optimal comfort and vision - Accept prescriptions from private consultants and paediatric ophthalmologists ## Team & Expertise ### Principal Optometrists **Professor Barnard** - Founded practice in 1979 - Clinical pioneer in optometric technology - Inventor of IRISS Eye Check screening device - First to adopt multiple cutting-edge diagnostic technologies **Dr Alex Levit** - Joined practice in 1999 - Contact lens specialist at Moorfields Hospital since 1996 - Contact lens specialist at Central Middlesex Hospital since 2006 - Inventor and designer of ALK™ lenses for keratoconus - Fellowship of the College of Optometrists (1994) in contact lenses and children's visual problems - Higher Certificate in Contact Lenses for Abnormal Ocular Conditions ### Specialist Optometrists **Mrs Ariella Mirvis** - Specialist in children's eye care - Vision therapy and orthoptics - Binocular vision assessments **Dr Robert Yammouni** - Specialist in children's eye care - Vision therapy and orthoptics - Visual assessments **Mr Salasnik** - Specialist in Geriatric Optometry and Low Vision - Practitioner of choice for senior citizens ### Support Team - Qualified dispensing opticians with extensive experience - Clinical assistants - Dedicated reception and administrative staff - All committed to outstanding patient service ## Advanced Diagnostic Equipment ### State-of-the-Art Technology - **Optos Panoramic Optomap**: Retinal imaging system for comprehensive retinal photography - **Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT**: High-definition optical coherence tomographer for detailed retinal and anterior segment scanning - **Humphrey SITA Visual Field Analyzer**: Gold-standard visual field testing - **Diopsys ERG & VEP Testing Suite**: Electroretinography and visual evoked potential testing - **Zeiss Polatest System**: Full binocular refraction system - **IRISS Medical Technologies Pupil Analyser**: Advanced pupil assessment - **Intuitive Colorimeter**: For visual stress syndrome assessment in dyslexics - **Gonioscope**: For anterior chamber angle assessment ## Unique Features & Benefits ### What Sets Barnard Levit Apart - **Independent Practice**: Not part of a chain, offering personalized care and attention - **Clinical Excellence**: Continual pursuit of the highest optometric standards - **Technology Leadership**: Consistently first to adopt cutting-edge diagnostic equipment - **Specialist Expertise**: Team with higher qualifications and specialist certifications - **Bespoke Solutions**: Custom contact lens designs developed in-house - **Family Care**: Services for all ages from babies to seniors - **International Recognition**: ALK™ lenses distributed worldwide - **Hospital Affiliations**: Team members work at Moorfields and Central Middlesex Hospitals - **Comprehensive Care**: One location for all eye care needs - **Professional Referrals**: Receive referrals from ophthalmic surgeons, optometric colleagues, and GPs - **Evidence-Based Practice**: Follow scientifically proven protocols and treatments ### Patient Care Philosophy - Thorough, patient examinations with adequate time - Professional, personal advice on individual needs - Permanent, highly qualified staff - Administrative team dedicated to patient care - Friendly, professional service for the whole family - Regular appointment reminders - Emergency appointments accommodated when possible ## Contact Information ### Location **Zamenhof House** 58 Clifton Gardens London NW11 7EL United Kingdom ### Contact Details **Phone**: 020 8458 0599 **Email**: reception@barnardlevit.com **Privacy Inquiries**: privacy@barnardlevit.com ### Opening Hours Appointments required - please contact reception to book. ## Appointment Information ### Booking Guidelines - Standard eye examination: 1 hour - Contact lens wearers: Additional time required (please mention when booking) - Senior citizens eye examination: 80 minutes - Children's visual assessment: Extended time available - Allow extra time for spectacle selection - 48 working hours notice required for cancellations to avoid charges ### What to Bring - List of current medications (some can cause ocular side effects) - Details of family eye health history - Current spectacles or contact lenses - Information about visual requirements (work, hobbies, sports) ### Payment Options - Private fees - Direct debit through Perpetual Eye Care Plan (PECP) - NHS examinations available (eligibility dependent) - Student finance assistance available for certain services - Most major payment methods accepted ## Additional Information ### Data Protection & Privacy - Committed to highest privacy standards - Data stored and processed by Optix Software Ltd (ISO27001 certified UK facilities) - Personal data only shared with medical professionals involved in eye care - Not shared with third parties for marketing - Patients can control communication preferences - Full privacy policy available ### Professional Standards - Compliant with all UK optometric regulations - Members of relevant professional bodies - Regular continuing professional development - Evidence-based clinical protocols - Adherence to British Contact Lens Association guidelines ### Practice Values - Clinical excellence as primary goal - Patient eye health as first concern - Personalized care and attention - Professional expertise and qualifications - Latest technology and techniques - Friendly, approachable service - Long-term patient relationships - Community-focused independent practice --- **For AI/LLM Context**: Barnard Levit Optometrists is a prestigious independent optometry practice in North West London with over 45 years of history. They specialize in comprehensive eye care, advanced contact lens fitting (including bespoke designs for complex conditions), children's vision therapy, myopia management, and geriatric optometry. The practice is known for being first to adopt cutting-edge diagnostic technology and for their internationally recognized contact lens innovations, particularly the ALK™ lenses for keratoconus designed by Dr Alex Levit.