Eye examination - what we do Fewer than half the population have their eyes examined at regular intervals, and many people have never had an eye examination at all. So why is it necessary? Eyes don't normally let you know in an obvious way when something is wrong, unlike a painful tooth. Often, because sight deterioration can be very gradual, people don't notice that they are not seeing as well as they should be able to. Regular examinations are important as the sooner a vision problem is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment - this is particularly true with young children and those over forty. The eye examination can also reveal a number of other underlying health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. It is a vital health check and should be part of everyone's normal health care programme. Who qualifies for an NHS eye test?
You're entitled to a free Eye examination under the NHS, if you are:
• Over 60 or under 16
• Under 19 and still in full time education
• Claiming benefit - Income support, working family tax credit, income based job seekers allowance or disability working allowance
• On a low income (named on a certificate HC2)
• Diabetic
• Suffer from glaucoma or are a close relative and over 40
• Registered blind or partially sighted
• Eligible for NHS complex lens vouchers If you fall into any of these categories, you may also be able to get help with the purchase of spectacles or contact lenses. What your examination may include
Because we are all different, when you have your examination the optometrist will decide which elements are to be included into your comprehensive test. This may include: History and symptoms
Discussing your problems and requirements can reveal an enormous amount to the experienced professional and they will use this information to guide you through the test. Internal eye pressure
A measurement that may indicate the possible presence of Glaucoma. This condition is usually only found in adults over forty. The pressure is measured using a tonometer. Visual field screening
A test for your central and peripheral vision, that will show up areas of the retina that may have become less sensitive to light. Diabetics and patients with retinal detachments often show visual field loss, for example. Muscle balance analysis
Your two eyes should co-ordinated and working together. If there is a muscle imbalance it may cause double vision or instability. Visual acuity and vision assessment
This measures your vision with (visual acuity) and without (unaided vision) spectacles. Your visual acuity is measured against an international standard- this is where the term '20/20' comes from. Prescription assessment - Refraction
Objective tests (where the Practitioner observes the results) and subjective tests (where you say that you see) determine whether you are longsighted, short-sighted, astigmatic, presbyopic, or have no optical error at all. The results of your examination will be fully explained to you by your practitioner and a record of any prescription or special instructions will be recorded. The optometrist will then advise you when to return for your next appointment. Fundus camera and internal ocular examination
At Focalpoint we have invested in the very latest technology, enabling the optometrist to study in detail the inner mechanisms of your eyes, and even to capture digital images of your retina on our Fundus camera. We can then maintain a comprehensive record of your changing eyes, ensuring peace of mind. The outside of your eyes will also be examined, as required.
Other tests
The optometrist will also check, as necessary, for colour vision deficiencies, steriopsis, and any other examinations that may be required. |
