What to expect at an eye examination?

If you are coming for your first eye examination what can you expect?

The foundation is your concerns. We would like to hear of any issues you have with your eyes, your vision, or your glasses and any problems you may have had with your eyes in the past, even if it is years ago. This is all useful and important.

Your eyesight will then be measured - “what size letter can you read on the chart”. Next will be a series of questions, “which is better lens 1 or 2”, as we refine and optimize your vision. The end result is a prescription which we can use for any glasses, or simply to compare with your existing pair.

Onto the health checks when we will examine your eyes on the microscope, starting at the front with the lids and eyes surface, moving through to the retina and nerve at the back (read more about what we see inside your eyes.) We will measure the eye pressure with a tonometer. This is important because increasing eye pressure means a greater the risk of getting glaucoma.

Sometimes we will recommend further testing, commonly a peripheral vision screening test. This test shines light in your field of vision where there would be reduced sensitivity in early glaucoma. We often use OCT scans to show a more detailed picture of the retina inside the eye.

With all this information we can help work out the solution for any difficulties you are having. Or simply be able to reassure you that your eyes and vision all look good - which is worth coming in for.

If we are recommending glasses, either first time glasses or a change to your current glasses, we will show you what to expect by mocking up lenses in a trial frame. Our team includes Dispensing Opticians who help with lenses, frames and sunglasses choices.

If you have any questions about having your eyes checked, don’t hesitate to contact us.