You will be asked some questions before your eye test begins:
Firstly, you will be asked why you are having your eyes examined. It may be due to a routine check-up or you may have a specific reason for the appointment. This is the time to inform the optometrist if you feel you have any problems with your eyes. You will need to discuss symptoms.
You will be asked if there is a history of eye problems in your family such as glaucoma.
You may be asked about your occupation, sports interests, hobbies, activities etc.
You will also be asked about your general health including any medication you are taking and if you suffer from headaches.
Inform the optometrist if you wear glasses or contact lenses. He will require the current prescription, if you have not been seen at Family Eyecare before.
The actual eye examination will incorporate the following:
Internal & external exams
To assess your eyes thoroughly and reveal any health conditions, your eyes will be examined both externally and internally. An ophthalmoscope (a type of torch) will be used to examine the inside of your eye. It will be shone through your pupil and will help test pupil reflexes.
Eye Tests
There are a number of tests available and they will be selected depending on your particular circumstances and age. Optometrists usually recommend checking for glaucoma if you are over 40 years old. This is because you may have glaucoma and not realise this until some sight has been lost.
Glasses & contact lenses
The optometrist will check your vision with and without glass lenses to check if there are any problems with your sight. Your distance vision, near vision and intermediate vision will be checked. The type and extent of any problems will be examined by using different lenses to determine which one improves the quality and clarity of your vision, most effectively.
Eye movements and co-ordination
There are a number of tests available and they will be selected depending on your particular circumstances and age. Optometrists usually recommend checking for glaucoma if you are over 40 years old. This is because you may have glaucoma and not realise this until some sight has been lost.
Routine eye examination pricing
The cost of an eye test will depend upon your circumstances. A private examination is £40 (or £30 for full-time students over 18), however, the NHS covers the cost of sight tests for students aged 18 and under, those over 60, diabetics and people on certain benefits. if you feel you may be eligible for a free eye test, take a look at the full NHS criteria here. Please note that you may be required to provide proof of benefits claimed. If you are unsure if you are eligible for an NHS sight test, then don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can clarify things for you.