Why is it important to have an eye Exam?

We all know that eyesight is one of our most precious possessions, and yet in today’s busy lifestyle it’s so easy to take it for granted.  Any deterioration in your eyesight can be so gradual that it can sometimes go unnoticed, which is why eye care is so important.

The eyes are truly a window to your body, and so the eye examination should be considered as a part of your regular physical.  Comprehensive Eye Examinations look for early signs of eye disease such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments, and macular degeneration.  Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vascular disease, and certain cancers can also be detected in the eyes.  The eye examination is more than a “sight test” it is a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s normal health regime.

Our Independent Doctors of Optometry have trained for 7-8 years to the same standards as medical and dental professionals, and can prescribe medications to treat certain eye conditions, such as infections, inflammations, allergies and injuries.  They use state-of-the-art equipment to establish your prescription and eye health with the goal of not only providing you with precise and crystal clear vision, but also preventative measures to preserve your eyesight as you age.

Unless otherwise advised, you should have an eye examination every year.  More frequent exams may be necessary depending on your age, medical history, and eye care needs.  Your exam will take 30-40 minutes, or longer if additional tests are required.

From the moment you arrive in the clinic, our friendly staff will guide you through the whole process and answer any questions you might have relating to your eye care requirements.  This doesn’t just include advice concerning the best glasses and lenses for your eyesight  – our team of professionals are also trained to give expert recommendations on eye health, contact lenses, eyeglasses & sunglasses, and even supplements to help improve your eye care.

Your eyes are precious, let us look after them.

What to Expect?

The following is what to expect when you come in for an eye examination, although the procedure may vary slightly for each patient:-

HISTORY & SYMPTOMS:  The Optometrist will usually start by asking a few questions about your vision, eye & medical history, family history, work, lifestyle and interests.  Your answers will give us a better understanding of your eyes and individual requirements.  And if you have any questions, we’ll be happy to answer them.

VISION:  Your vision will be measured both with and without glasses, both for distance and near to assess the extent of any visual error.  At Vision Care Centre we utilise the latest technology from the United Kingdom in the form of a Computerised Test Chart.

BINOCULAR VISION:  Your eye movements and co-ordination will be examined to make sure that both eyes are working together, and that undue stress is not being placed on them.  This is particularly important for those who use computers regularly.

OCULAR HEALTH:  Your eyes will be examined both internally and externally through the use of various Ophthalmic instrumentation.

PRESCRIPTION:  The Doctor will ask you to look through a variety of trial lenses, and ask you to express an opinion on the effect that the lenses have on the quality and clarity of your vision.

EYE PRESSURE:  This measurement is important in detecting glaucoma.

ADDITIONAL:  If required the Optometrist will measure the Visual Field (peripheral vision) with an automated instrument; Colour vision test; Depth perception test.

At every stage we’ll tell you what we’re doing and why. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable at all times.

At the end of your test, we’ll discuss our findings with you and tell you if you need glasses or contact lenses, or a new prescription.  So you can see what we mean, we can also show you the difference between your current and new improved vision.

If you need a prescription for the first time, we’ll explain what it means and recommend suitable lenses to provide you with the best vision and comfort.  And if we detect signs of any eye condition or general health problem we may carry out extra tests and prescribe medication, or refer you to your GP or to an Ophthalmologist.