The Eye - Examination [back]
The Eye Examination Explained

An eye examination is usually carried out by one of our fully qualified optometrists and usually takes 30 minutes, depending on which tests the optometrist feels are appropriate, although as an approved teaching practice we also employ pre registration optometrists who work under supervision of our qualified staff.
The examination usually consists of the following elements:

History and Symptoms

The optometrist will need to know why you are having your eyes examined. Is it a routine check up or did you have any particular concerns?

If experiencing problems with your eyes or vision, the optometrist will want to know what the symptoms are, how long you have had them and whether they started suddenly or gradually.
Information about your general health and medical history is very useful as some eye conditions can be linked to systemic problems.

Details of any medications you take are also useful.
The optometrist will ask about any previous ocular history – for example previous eye injuries or treatment. You will also be asked about any family history of eye disease as some eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can run in families.

Information about whether you drive, use a VDU and any sports or hobbies you enjoy builds up a clear picture of your lifestyle and this lets us assess your individual visual requirements.

Eye Health Your eyes will be examined internally and externally to ensure they are healthy. This may also identify underlying health problems. The optometrist will tell you your eyes are healthy or explain any causes for concern. Additional tests depend on the individual patient but may include measuring eye pressure and visual fields to check for glaucoma. The optometrist may feel it appropriate to put drops in the eyes to dilate the pupils so the retina can be examined in more detail. We also offer digital clinical imaging to photograph the interior and exterior of the eye, for which an additional charge may be made. If you have any questions or concerns about your eye health, the optometrist will be pleased to answer them.
		Vision Your vision will be measured both with and without spectacles to check for any problems with your sight. We usually assess vision for distance (driving, TV, cinema etc) and near (reading and close work). Remember to let your optometrist know if you use a VDU as we will then also need to assess your intermediate vision. We work out your prescription by asking you to choose between a series of different lenses to see which ones make the letters on a test chart appear clearest.
Eye muscle coordination Eye movements and coordination are checked to ensure both eyes are working well together and that undue stress is not being placed on the eye muscles. A lack of good muscle balance can lead to eyestrain and blurred vision after concentrated tasks. After the eye examination Your optometrist will have a good idea of the standard of your vision, the health of your eyes and any individual visual requirements you may have. You will be told whether spectacles are required and what to use them for.

If you wear contact lenses they can sometimes be checked at the same appointment, or an alternative appointment can be made. If you wish to try contact lenses, you can discuss this with the optometrist.

You will be advised when the optometrist would like to see you for your next examination, and will be given a copy of your prescription or a statement confirming you do not require spectacles.
If new spectacles are required, you will see the dispensing optician who will advise on frame selection and discuss the most appropriate lens type for your lifestyle.

We will send you a reminder when you are next due for an eye examination, but if any problems occur before then, please feel free to book an earlier appointment.