Eye Examination

We reccommend that you have your eyes tested every 2 years.

A routine eye examination is carried out by an experienced optometrist and takes approximately 30 minutes. Some exams may take longer if extra tests are required or if it is a first visit to the practice.

You will be asked questions about your reasons for the visit, whether it is a routine check up or if you have vision difficulties. Some information on your general health and medications prescribed by your doctor will be requested and details of family history of eye disease such as  glaucoma , cataracts , macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Your occupation, how you spend your work day, hobbies and other vision requirements will be discussed such as occupational eye safety protection.

Having details of your previous vision correction, whether spectacles or contact lenses is useful . All of this information will help the optometrist assess your visual needs and ensure the best possible correction for your vision.

Vision is tested by several methods and the best spectacle correction is determined. Some people may find this part of the examination difficult and may worry about their responses to the optometrist’s questions for example ‘better or worse’ ,  ‘one or two’. No need to worry as the optometrist is always checking the responses for consistency. It is reasonable to say if you are not sure or can see no difference in the choice of lenses offered. Binocular vision is assessed and the spectacle prescription is fine tuned.

The eyes are examined externally and internally with an ophthalmoscope which is an instrument with a bright light which allows the optometrist to view the front to the back of the eye. This is a vital health check for the eye and can reveal cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment. If the optometrist detects any abnormal conditions you will be referred to your GP or directly to a specialist if necessary. A retinal photograph may be taken. The images will be stored with the record of your examination for comparison at future visits. This is useful in monitoring the ocular effects of systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In some cases eye drops are used to dilate the pupils.  Drops may also be used to assess the tear film and the front of the eye using a slit lamp microscope.