Eye examinations

An eye examination is not just a check to see if you need glasses, it is an essential check of the health of your eyes.

What happens in an eye test?

When you go for your eye test you should take with you any glasses that you wear, the names of any tablets or medicine you are taking and the name of your doctor. Eye tests should normally include the following but the order may vary:

Discuss the reason for your visit

It may be a routine eye test, you may have specific problems with your eyes and vision, or you may have been sent by your GP. Special demands on your eyes created by work and hobbies may also need to be addressed. The optometrist may also want to know about your general health and health of your family, including if someone in your family has an eye condition.

Checking your eye sight

You will be asked to read letters on a chart. For those who are not able to read, there are other tests such as identifying pictures or matching letters and pictures.

Checking your outer eye

A light will be shone on the front of your eyes to check their health and how well they react to light.

Checking your inner eye

An ophthalmoscope is used to check the back of the eyes. The light of the ophthalmoscope will be shone into your eyes to check their health and you will be asked to look in different directions.

Checking your eye muscles

Your optometrist will check that the muscles that control your eye movement are working well.

Checking to see if you need glasses

If you need glasses to improve your vision, the optometrist will work out exactly what prescription you need. They may shine a light in your eyes and then ask you to look at letters or colours on a chart through various lenses in a special frame or machine.

At the end of your eye test

Your optometrist should discuss your eye test results and your eye health with you. If you don't need glasses then the optometrist will give you a statement that says this. If you do need glasses then they must provide you with a prescription for your glasses. This prescription can be used to buy glasses at any optometrist's practice, not just the one where you had your test.

If you need extra help to get your eye test

If you are housebound, you should find out about having your eyes tested at home. Your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) will have details of optometrists providing this service. People who have problems with language, with communicating or with understanding are entitled to an eye test, but may need more than one visit to the optometrist. Check that all of the parts of the eye test have been done.

Additional examinations

Some people may be at higher risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease and may require additional examinations.

Referral after your eye examination

After your eye check, further exploration may be required and the high street optometrist may refer you to hospital for a further check by a clinician.

Further information and support

Action for Blind People, part of the RNIB Group, has a team of professionals to answer your questions, talk through your concerns, and provide reassurance and support on your eye care journey. You can contact us through the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or contact your local Action team.