Examination
There is much more to your eye examination at our practice than finding out if you need spectacles or contact lenses and we recommend an eye examination at least eyery 1-2 years. We carry out a range of tests to assess the health of your eyes. Everyone’s eyesight is different and so we tailor the eye examination to your individual circumstances.

History and Symptoms
A full medical history and medication list is taken, and we discuss any problems you may be having with your eyesight or general health in a confidential and comfortable environment.

Spectacle Assessment
If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, you need to bring these with you to your appointment. We will then check the lenses to establish their type, optical power and how well you can see with them.

Pupil Reflexes
The pupil controls the amount of light reaching the retina at the back of the eye and so affects images seen by the brain. An unusual pupil reflex may indicate neurological problems.

Oculomotor balance
It is important that your eye muscles work together. This test checks both your eyes are co-ordinated and that you have comfortable vision at all times.

Intraocular Pressure
This test measures the pressure inside your eyes. Too much pressure can indicate glaucoma, which is a disease that may lead to blindness if untreated. The test is usually carried out on people over 40 of those with glaucoma in the family. The results are evaluated in conjunction with a visual field test and ophthalmoscopy.

Ophthalmoscopy
This is a very important part of your examination because it checks the health of your eyes. Using an instrument called an ophthalmascope, a light is shone through your pupil into the eye. This enables us to see the internal parts clearly, such as your lens, retina and optic nerve. It therefore checks for problems like diabetes, cataracts, hypertension, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Refraction
This part of the examination establishes whether you need an optical prescription, and which lenses best suit your vision. The near vision (reading), distance vision (driving or TV) and intermediate vision (computer) are all tested. This test will reveal if you are shortsighted, longsighted, presbyopic or have an astigmatism. As everyone’s vision changes over time you may experience one or more of the above conditions. However all can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses.

Visual Field Test
Testing your all round vision can detect glaucoma and other neurological conditions. Particular attention is paid to your peripheral sight as losing your field of vision is one of the main signs of glaucoma.

Visual Assessment
When your eye examination is finished, we will give you an explanation of your vision and your eye health. We will recommend a time for your next eye examination based on your visual needs. Our Ophthalmic Practitioner will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about your eyesight and the examination.