eye care support

Regular Eye Examinations

During a comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist checks both how well you see and the overall health of your eyes.

A healthy pair of eyes involves more than just clear vision. During an eye examination, your optometrist will begin by discussing any vision concerns or symptoms you may have.

A series of tests is then performed to assess whether you need prescription lenses, how well your eyes work together as well as your ability to focus at different distances.

AP

Tell your optometrist if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms

Blurred vision

Difficulty seeing objects clearly at near or fast distances

Headaches

Eye strain or vision problems can contribute to recurring headaches

Sore or red eyes

Dryness, fatigue or a foreign object can cause the eyes to feel sore or irritated

Double vision

Seeing two images of a single object due to the eyes not working together properly

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It’s also helpful to discuss the visual demands of your work and hobbies. Bringing measurements of the distance from your eyes to your computer screen, workbench, instruments or tools can assist in prescribing the most suitable lenses.

Eye examinations

Front-of-eye assessment

Using a slit-lamp microscope, your optometrist examines the:

  • Cornea
  • Conjunctiva
  • Iris
  • Lens
  • Eyelids

 

Internal eye examination

An ophthalmoscope is used to inspect:

  • The retina
  • Retinal blood vessels
  • The optic nerve

Further testing

Changes in these structures can indicate eye conditions such as cataract or glaucoma, or general health issues including high blood pressure or diabetes. Some medications can also affect vision, and these effects may be detected during the exam.

Additional tests may include:

  • Eye pressure measurement
  • Visual field testing
  • Colour-vision assessment

When to have an eye test:

  • Children (6 months – 17): Every 1-2 years
  • Adults (18 – 64): Every 2 years
  • Adults (65+): Annually
  • People with diabetes or eye conditions: As advised by your optometrist

FAQs

Optometrists are trained and registered to:

  • Examine eyes for vision disorders
  • Detect and diagnose signs of eye disease
  • Prescribe, supply and repair spectacles
  • Fit and prescribe contact lenses
  • Assess and treat eye-coordination problems
  • Provide specialised optical aids
  • Support people with low vision
  • Advise on lighting and visual ergonomics

They can also advise on:

  • Sports vision
  • Vision-related learning difficulties
  • Eye safety for home and workplace
  • Vision care for people who are housebound

If an eye disease or general health issue is detected, your optometrist will refer you to the appropriate health professional.