Eye Examination

We rely on our sight in all aspects of daily life and therefore an eye examination is essential to monitor eye health and maintain the best vision possible.

We strive to provide the most thorough eye examinations using the latest technology and equipment so you, the patient, have full confidence in our findings and recommended management.

What to expect?

The assessment MAY entail any or all of the following investigative inclusions:

(Front of eye)

• Lid and ocular surface investigation
• Corneal and anterior eye photography
• Topography
• Slit lamp analysis
• Corneal Central thickness measurements
• Applanation Tonometry
• Cataracts build up level
• Refraction and Sight test visual assessment for distance, intermediate and near
• Orthoptic assessment and binocular analysis
• Colour test
• Night vision and driving field vision

(Middle of eye)

• Vitreous jelly/ middle eye body examination
• Reflex analysis and investigative pathway

(Back of eye)

• Retinal Analysis photography (RAP)
• Retinal thickness and Macula(best vision)
• Peripheral vascular and retinal system
• Disc and cupping of eye
• Nerve fibres and visual fields assessment

Other supplementary tests may be carried out subject to your eye condition:

• Blood Pressure and pulse Measurements
• Tear quality analysis
• Punctum Plugs
• Prescription where appropriate
• Therapeutics and related eye treatment
• Contrast sensitivity Disorders, Migraine and Headaches assessment
• Keratoconus and High Astigmatic corneal analysis
• Orthokeratology- Contact lens assessment
• Oculoplasty investigative pre-surgery assessment

Our eye examinations usually last about 40 minutes but we will advise you if you require any extra specific tests and how long these may take.

We have a general routine we perform for every patient, but as we like to treat every patient as an individual, the optometrists will tailor the examination similarly, which guarantees you a thorough examination executed smoothly, keeping you as relaxed as possible.

As well as including all tests to check for your sight and to see if any vision correction is required (e.g. spectacles or contact lenses) we also check for any potential eye disease like Glaucoma, Cataract, Macular degeneration to name a few.

Our equipment includes a digital retinal camera which allows us to take photographs of the inside of your eyes so even small abnormalities can be detected, recorded and compared in future checks. Combining this with modern examination techniques we can ensure all is done to help prevent unnecessary deterioration to your sight and eye health. Other tests we will carry out include binocular assessment (how well the eyes work together), peripheral visual field analysis and intraocular pressure measurement.

The optometrist will always explain the results of the various assessments and you will be given every opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The recommendations given at the end of the eye examination by your optometrist will take into account factors such as your working environment, lifestyle and any leisure pursuits you have, so we can meet your visual needs in the best possible way.

How often should one have an eye examination?

We advise regular eye examinations for everyone including children, even when you are not experiencing any difficulties. In accordance with national guidelines the recommended intervals are set out in the table below:

National guidelines for eye tests

Aged 15 years or below	every year
Aged 16 – 69 years	every 2 years
Aged 70 years and over	every year
Diabetic and Glaucoma patients	every year
Aged 40 years or over with an immediate relative with Glaucoma	every year

The above are general guidelines but if it is clinically required an eye examination may be advised more frequently, the optometrist will advise you of this.

Please contact us if you have any queries or questions about our eye examination and related issues, we would be most happy to advise you.