The eye examination will usually contain all of the following, although sometimes additional or alternative procedures maybe adopted to suit the needs of a particular patient.

History & Symptoms - a discussion of the particular patients optical needs relevant to their career, hobbies and associated ‘use of eyes’. Also any relevant regular medication and family history of ocular problems will be noted. The job of the optometrist is to establish just why a particular person has decided to visit the practice for an eye examination and to establish if a visual correction is required, referral for medical opinion is required, or merely some optical advice given, such as advice on lighting, use of VDU’s etc.

Establishing Binocular Status - allowing the optometrist to find out if the patients coordination of his two eyes is within normal limits. Does the patient use both eyes together easily and without stress on the visual system?

Refraction - establishing if any optical error exists and measuring this. The degree of any refracture error will of course be used to decide if any optical appliance such as spectacles or contact lenses are likely to be prescribed.

Fundoscopy - examination of the health of the eyes usually using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. The eyes media - the cornea, aqueous humour, crystalline lens, vitreous and the surface of the retina can all be studied in this manner