Eye Examination

History and Symptoms: We will ask a series of questions about your health, family health, your work and lifestyle. As some eye conditions are related to general health it’s important to let us know if you are taking any medication as this could affect your sight.

A clear understanding of your visual requirements, especially if a specific problem is a reason for your visit.

Ophthalmoscopy: This is an important part of the examination, where we shine a light into the eyes to examine the internal structures of the eye, such as the crystalline lens, retina and optic nerve and can detect several possible ocular problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, macula degeneration and retinal problems related to vascular conditions eg Diabetes or Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Visual field Screening: This checks your all-round vision and can detect Glaucoma or other neurological conditions with particular attention paid to your peripheral ( side vision) sight.

Colour Perception test: This can indicate a colour vision defect. As this is normally a stable, hereditary condition, this test is normally conducted on your first visit.

Refraction: This is divided into 2 parts;

1. Objective assessment – involves the use of a hand-held instrument called a Retinoscope. The Optometrist shines a light into the eye and views the reflected light to determine a close guide if a correction is required ie a Prescription.  Due to its accuracy, its relied upon when examining children or people with learning difficulties when issuing a prescription.

2. Subjective assessment – following Retinoscopy, the optometrist will fine-tune the results by asking you to read the test chart through the different strength lenses, each eye will be tested individually and finally, both will be tested together.