THE EYE TEST EXPLAINED

Step 1- At the optician

The Optical assistant will collect personal data such as:

· Forename

· Surname

· Title

· DOB

· Occupation

· Contact telephone number

· GP details

· and other

They will also ensure all your record is up to date.

Step 2- FDT Visual Field Instrument

Screening of your field of vision i.e. central and peripheral vision.

Step 3 – Pressure check

Screening of intraocular pressures is performed with an instrument which directs a puff of air on to the eyes.

Step 4 - About Your Health and Lifestyle

The optician asks questions about your current health, your family’s health, your occupation and your lifestyle. It is very important to get a good understanding of your vision especially if you come in with a specific problem.

Step 5 – Vision check

Step 6 – Ophthalmoscopy

The health of external and internal eyes is examined with an ophthalmoscope and slit lamp. This is a crucial part of the eye test as early detection and diagnoses of eye disease or complication is necessary for healthy eyes.

Step 7- Retinoscopy

The Optician sometimes uses a retinoscope that casts a beam of light to the back of your eyes and back into the instrument. Different lenses focuses the reflected beam until it is stable, which gives an accurate indication of the strength you need. Retinoscopy is very accurate. It is also used to measure people with communication difficulties, who find it to hard to describe, how clearly they can see.

Step 8- Subjective refraction

The optician will ask several questions where you will need to compare different level of clarity so that the correct prescription for glasses can be found. If you are 40 or above you will need a correction for reading (presbyopia). See prescription explained.

Step 9 – Personal advice and choosing your frame