An Eye Examination

• What happens when I have my eyes examined?
• Will it hurt?
• Will I need glasses or contact lenses?
• What happens if I need spectacles?
• How often do I need to come back?

What will happen when I have my eyes examined?

The Optometrist will discuss your vision problems as well as your work and leisure related visual needs. Any family history of eye disease or vision problems, your current spectacles or contact lenses, current medication, general health problems and previous treatment for your eyes should be mentioned. A series of tests is used to measure distance and near vision and other aspects of your visual performance. To have healthy eyes is just as important as being able to see well so your optometrist will also examine your eyes for any signs of eye disease. This might include taking photographs of the inside of the eyes, visual field screening or a dilated fundus examination. Any changes which might indicate eye disease will be discussed with you and if necessary arrangements may be made for you to see a specialist for advice. If there are changes which suggest general health problems you may be advised to see your General Practitioner for further tests or treatment.

Will it hurt?

Your examination will involve bright lights, special magnifying instruments and occasionally eye drops; all procedures will be explained to you during your examination and do not involve pain or any real discomfort.

Will I need glasses or contact lenses?

Only if your examination indicates that your visual performance can be improved with respect to your work or leisure needs. About one third of people examined do not need glasses or a change in their prescription.

What happens if I need spectacles?

If you would benefit from spectacles your optometrist will explain your eye condition, discuss with you all your lens options and other alternatives such as contact lenses. Then, together with the help of our experienced staff, comes the 'fun part' of choosing a suitable frame.

How often do I need to come back?

Regular eye examinations are important. After your examination your optometrist will recommend a recall appropriate to your eyes and vision. This is likely to be at least every two years, although we like to see our contact lens wearers at least once a year. Our computer system allows us to send you a reminder when your next visit is due - let us share the responsibility for your eyes and vision! To ensure you receive thorough and comprehensive care all our optometrists are required to attend at least 20 hours of continuing education every year (seminars, conferences and workshops) in order to improve their knowledge and skills and keep up with new developments. We also have an ongoing commitment to staff training and maintaining and upgrading our clinical equipment. All our practices have autorefractors, electronic field screeners and we have recently installed specialised digital fundus cameras to allow internal eye photography.

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