Eye Examination

What it involves

An eye examination checks how well you see and the health of your eyes. It usually includes reading letters on a chart, measuring how the eyes focus, testing eye movement and pressure, and looking at the front and back of the eye. The examiner may be an optometrist, an optician or an ophthalmologist, depending on the clinic and country.

Who it is for

It is for everyone. Children need checks to find vision problems early, adults benefit from regular tests, and people with diabetes or a family history of eye disease may need them more often. The World Health Organization reports that a large share of vision loss is preventable or treatable, which is a reason to have your eyes checked.

How long it usually takes

A routine test usually takes under an hour, and longer if eye drops are used to widen the pupils.

What to expect

You will answer questions about your health and vision, read from a chart, try lenses and have the eyes examined with lights and instruments. Drops may blur your vision for a few hours, so ask whether you should bring someone with you or avoid driving afterwards.

Aftercare

If you are given a prescription, ask how soon to have glasses or lenses made. Book the next test at the interval you are advised. Contact the practice if your vision changes between visits.

When to seek it

Have an eye test if your vision seems blurred, you have headaches when reading, or it has been longer than advised since your last test. Sudden loss of vision, eye pain with redness, or flashing lights and new floaters need urgent medical attention.

What affects the cost

Cost depends on the type of test, whether advanced scans or drops are used, who performs it and whether glasses are supplied. HealthNaro shows a price only where a clinic has supplied a figure with a source and date.

Read more in our guide: An eye test and new glasses: what happens and how often to go.

This page is general information and not medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; NHS; World Health Organization.