These tests collect information about your eyes' focusing error, measure the intra-ocular pressures and record digital photos of the inside of your eye. The optometrist will use these results as part of a detailed assessment of your ocular function and ocular health. You will then see the optometrist, who will ask for a detailed history of your eye and general health. It is important that you provide the optometrist with as much information as requested no matter how insignificant you think it is. The optometrist will then perform several tests, determined by your presenting symptoms, which may include:
- Determining if you have any refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism
- Ensuring your focusing ability is adequate
- Evaluating your eye muscle movement and control
- Examining the front and back surfaces of the eye in order to detect eye disease
- Evaluating eye complications of systemic disease e.g. diabetes, hypertension, arthritis etc.
- Evaluating your colour vision
- Evaluating your depth perception
- Exploring your field of view
- Looking for specific eye conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and others
After the examination the optometrist will discuss your results and provide you with appropriate recommendations. Sometimes that may simply involve a review examination in a few years. Alternatively, they may suggest glasses, contact lenses, eye exercises or referral to an eye surgeon or your general practitioner. Please feel free to ask any questions, no matter how insignificant you think they may be.
In cases where there is a condition which requires referral, the optometrist will organize the appointment with you and let both the eye surgeon or specialist and your local doctor know why you have been referred, either by phone, fax or email.