A detailed explanation of what to expect at your eye examination.

An eye examination is carried out by an optometrist and usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes (but may take longer if extra tests are required). As well as testing your sight, the optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems. The examination will normally include the following elements: 

History and symptoms

At the start of the eye examination, your optometrist will ask why you are having your eyes examined, whether it is a routine check-up or if you have you come for a specific reason. If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision your optometrist will need to know what symptoms you have, how long you have had them and whether any changes have happened suddenly or slowly over a period of time.

Your optometrist will also need to know about your general health including any medication you are taking, whether you suffer from headaches, or have any close relatives with a history of eye problems. You will be asked about your previous spectacles or contact lenses. Additional information, which will help your practitioner to make an accurate assessment, includes your occupation, whether you play sports or have any hobbies.

Examining the eye

Your eyes will be examined both externally and internally. This will enable an assessment to be made of the health of your eyes and may identify any other underlying medical problems. The interior of your eye will be examined using ophthalmoscopy and your pupil reflexes will also be tested.
 
Other tests which may be carried out, if necessary, include for example those for glaucoma or colour vision deficiency. If you are over 40, the College of Optometrists recommends you should be checked to make sure you are not developing glaucoma.  If you have glaucoma you will not normally notice until some sight has already been lost.  Checking for glaucoma involves a combination of two or three of the following three tests: looking inside your eye; measuring the pressure inside your eye (which may be done with a puff of air or after using drops to gently numb your eyes); and checking your visual fields to make sure you don't have have any abnormal blind spots.  We now offer extra tests, such as photography of the interior and exterior of the eye, for which an additional charge may be made.

Vision

Remember to bring your spectacles or contact lenses with you when you attend for an eye examination. Your vision will be measured both with and without spectacles to check for any problems with your eyesight.  
 
Your optometrist will then carry out a series of tests to measure the type and extent of any problem with your vision. You will then be asked to choose between different lenses to see which ones help the quality and clarity of your vision. 

Eye movements and co-ordination

Eye movements and co-ordination are checked to make sure that both eyes are working together, and that undue stress is not being placed on the eye muscles. Good muscle balance is particularly important for those who use computers or read for prolonged periods.  

After the eye examination

We will now have a detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes, the standard of your vision and any special requirements that you may have. This information will be explained to you but if you do not understand anything or require more information, ask your optometrist who will be only too pleased to help. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the best form of vision correction to suit your individual lifestyle and visual needs.
 
At the end of the examination you will be advised on the appropriate interval until your next examination or if you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be referred to your doctor or hospital.
 
When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help in choosing spectacles by a member of the dispensing team.

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