The eye examination

Remember to take your glasses or contact lenses with you when you attend an eye examination. An eye examination is carried out by an optometrist and typically takes about 40 minutes. Sometimes it can take longer if you need extra tests, but this is to make sure you can see as well as possible.

As well as testing your sight, the optometrist will check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems.

Here is what’s usually involved:

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 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 glasses or contact lenses.

In addition your optometrist may ask about the kind of work you do and whether you play sports or have any hobbies.

Vision

Your vision will be measured both with and without glasses or lenses to check for any problems with your eyesight. The optometrist would normally assess your distance vision (for TV and driving), your near vision (for reading and close work) and your intermediate vision (for computer use).

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 sight.

Examining your eyes

Your eyes will be examined both outside and inside. This will allow the optometrist to assess the health of your eyes and may identify any other underlying medical problems.

The interior of your eye will be examined using specialist instrumentation, which allows a detailed study of the internal structures of the eye. Your pupil reflexes will also be tested.

Again using special instruments, further tests will be made to asses your peripheral vision and your eye pressure

Hope Valley Opticians now offer Optical Coherence Tomography, which takes a 3 dimensional scan of the interior of the eye. An additional charge is made for this procedure. Extra tests are also needed for contact lens fitting and check-ups.

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 if you use computers or read a lot.

After the eye examination

Your optometrist will now have detailed knowledge of the health of your eyes, the standard of your vision and any special requirements that you may have. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if there is something you don’t understand; your optometrist is there to help.

You will also be able 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 of when you should have your next  examination. You’ll also be given a prescription for glasses or contact lenses, or a statement which confirms that your eyes don’t need correction.

If you need medical treatment for an eye condition you may be referred to your doctor or hospital.

Choosing glasses or contact lenses

When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help in choosing glasses or contact lenses. If you choose contact lenses you will be given advice on the various types of lenses available, how to fit them, and how to look after and clean them.

If you are not satisfied with your glasses or contact lenses make sure that you contact your practice. As part of continuing care and service your optometrist will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your glasses where possible. The College of Optometrists advises you to be careful about buying glasses or contact lenses from somewhere different to where your eyes were tested: if you have any problems, it can be harder for them to be sorted out.

Most optometrists will send you a reminder when your next appointment is due. However, if you have a problem with your vision or your eyes before your next eye examination is due do not wait – contact the practice and make an appointment.

This information is provided by the College of Optometrists. The College – a registered charity – is the professional body for optometry in the UK, working for the public benefit. It is a membership organisation and the most qualified practising optometrists in the UK are members. Membership of the College shows a commitment to the very highest clinical, ethical and professional standards.  Look for the letters MCOptom or FCOptom to see if your optometrist is a member.