The Sight Test

Regular eye examinations are extremely important for a number of reasons. This section outlines what's involved and why they are so important.  

What should I expect during my eye examination? Refraction I usually check the vision first and work out your refraction and discuss with you whether new spectacles are required. I use a trial frame and lenses as this simulates everyday life better, in particular it makes it easier to judge reading and computer distances. I will discuss with you whether you would benefit from new spectacles and show you what difference a new prescription would make. The decision as to whether you purchase new spectacles is yours. 

Internal and External Examination of your Eyes To make sure your eyes are healthy I will always examine the front and back of your eyes.  I use either a slit lamp with a wolk lens on most people or sometimes  a hand held ophthalmoscope. I now have a fundus camera which can take digital pictures of the back of your eyes. This has the advantage that the image can be stored and compared with your eyes in years to come. The diagnosis of some diseases is actually made on a change in the appearance of your eyes making the camera very useful. As the camera is very expensive I do charge an additional £10 for the photos for adults. It is optional. 

Intra-Ocular Pressures and Visual Fields I use the latest equipment for visual fields and measuring your intra-ocular pressures. These tests are done on everyone over 40. Along with examination of your eyes they are important in glaucoma diagnosis.   

Binocular Vision Tests It is really important to check that small children have good binocular vision. If a squint is not picked up early the vision in the squinting eye can be permanently reduced. After 8 years old little improvement can be made so early diagnosis and treatment is vital. Older people have binocular vision problems sometimes and this can lead to double vision and uncomfortable vision. This can usually be corrected  by prisms in spectacles but investigation is necessary into the cause.