Your eye examination here at Eyesite is carried out by a qualified optometrist. We prefer your optometrist to carry out all of your tests and we therefore take between 30 and 40 minutes. As well as testing your sight, we thoroughly check the health of your eyes and look for signs of general health problems.

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 practitioner 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 used to be examined using an ophthalmoscope, a special torch which shines a light through the pupil allowing a detailed study of the internal structures. Although we still use this, the new technology Optomap and Retinal imaging are used to scan and record the condition of your retina (back surface of your eye). Your pupil reflexes will also be tested.

We also cary out tests for eye disorders such as glaucoma and colour vision deficiency. 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. 

Your 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 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 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

Your practitioner 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.

When you have your prescription made up, you will be given help in choosing spectacles or contact lenses. If you choose contact lenses you will be given advice on the various types of lenses available, the procedures for fitting lenses and further information about caring for and cleaning your lenses. 

As part of continuing care, our team will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your spectacles where possible.