A complete eye examination at Clear Vision covers vision, spectacle number, eye pressure, the front of the eye, the dilated retina, the optic nerve and the tear film. It takes two to three hours including dilation time, and the findings are explained to you the same day. Adults should have one every two years, and every year after 40 — or annually regardless of age with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of glaucoma.
Why a "check-up" is not a spectacle test
Most people equate an eye test with reading letters off a chart to get a spectacle number. That is one test out of twelve, and it is the only one that depends on you noticing something is wrong.
The conditions that actually take sight — glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, early macular disease — produce no symptoms until the damage is substantial and permanent. They are found by looking, not by asking. That is the entire purpose of a complete examination.
What the twelve points cover
| 1. History | Symptoms, medical conditions, medications, family history, occupation |
|---|---|
| 2. Visual acuity | Distance and near vision, each eye separately |
| 3. Refraction | Your exact spectacle number, including cylinder and axis |
| 4. Colour vision | Screening for congenital and acquired colour defects |
| 5. Ocular motility | Eye movement and alignment; screening for squint |
| 6. Pupil reactions | An indirect test of optic nerve function |
| 7. Slit-lamp examination | Lids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, iris and lens under magnification |
| 8. Tonometry | Intraocular pressure — the key glaucoma screening measure |
| 9. Tear film assessment | Break-up time and lid margin, for dry eye |
| 10. Dilated fundus examination | The retina, macula and optic nerve, examined through a widened pupil |
| 11. Peripheral retina | Checking the far edges for tears, holes and thinning |
| 12. Counselling | Findings explained, prescription issued, next steps agreed |
Who should be checked, and how often
- Children: by age three, and again before starting school. See paediatric eye care.
- Adults under 40: every two years
- Adults 40 and over: every year — both glaucoma and presbyopia begin around this age
- Anyone with diabetes: every year without exception. See retina services.
- Family history of glaucoma: every year, starting earlier than 40
- Contact lens wearers: every year
- High myopia: every year, because of the raised risk of retinal tears
How to prepare
Bring with you:
- Your current spectacles, and older pairs you still use
- Contact lens details, if you wear them
- Previous eye prescriptions or hospital records
- A list of all medicines you take, including eye drops
- Recent HbA1c and sugar readings, if you are diabetic
- Insurance card and photo ID, if treatment may be needed
Frequently asked questions
How often should an adult have an eye check-up?
Every two years, and every year after 40. Annual checks are essential with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma, high myopia, or contact lens wear. Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma both cause irreversible damage before you notice any change in vision.
How long does a complete eye check-up take?
Allow two to three hours. The tests take about 45 minutes, but dilating drops need 30 to 45 minutes to work before the retina can be examined properly, and vision stays blurred for three to six hours afterwards.
Will I get my spectacle prescription the same day?
Yes. Your prescription is issued at the end of the visit and can be filled at the in-house optical store at the same branch. If you have had dilation, the near reading may be finalised after the drops wear off — your optometrist will tell you if that applies.
What should I bring to my eye appointment?
Bring your current spectacles and any older pairs you still use, your contact lens details if you wear them, any previous eye prescriptions or hospital records, a list of all medicines you take including eye drops, and your insurance card and photo ID if you may need treatment. If you are diabetic, bring your recent HbA1c and sugar readings.