Types of eye tests
Routine eye test
This is the eye test you’re probably most familiar with. In this test the optometrist measures your vision on the letter chart and, if required, determines an eyewear prescription to help you see better. However, your OPSM optometrist does a lot of other things in the routine eye test. They also assess the health of your eyes, measure the pressure, ensure your eyes are working together efficiently and measure your reading performance.
An eye test is recommended every 2 years. However, if your vision suddenly changes, you should see your OPSM optometrist or an eye care professional immediately.
Contact lens consultation
The contact lens consultation is a slightly longer eye test. It’s for those people who prefer the convenience and wider vision of contact lenses. In this test your OPSM optometrist measures the front of your eyes and determines the best possible contact lenses for your particular needs. If you have previously tried contact lenses and were unsuccessful, we suggest you come in for a consultation as the latest technology may now be suitable for you.
We are now able to fit an extended range of modern silicone hydrogel contact lenses in all wearing ranges – from overnight to extended wear. Rigid gas permeable lenses are available for those who need the high clarity of this contact lens type. Multifocal contact lenses are also available for those seeking an alternative to multifocal glasses. Cosmetic lenses may be available for people interested in enhancing the colour of their eyes. But most importantly, your OPSM optometrist is there to determine your suitability to contact lenses and recommend the best type of contact lenses available for you. If required, they will also teach you how to use and maintain your contact lenses
Eye health consultation
If something unusual is detected in the routine eye test, your optometrist will perform an eye health consultation. This involves temporarily dilating the pupil in your eye using an eye drop and carefully examining the back of your eye. In some cases you may have your peripheral side vision measured using a visual field machine, or your retina photographed using a digital camera, which shows the back of your eye.
There are just a few things to note about this eye test. You’ll find your pupils will stay large for a few hours after the test. Bright lights will be uncomfortable and you won’t be able to read clearly until your pupils return to their normal size.
Please be aware that visual field machines and retinal photography are not available at all OPSM stores. Referrals to specialist services can be provided if required.
Back to top
Eye health management
Since 1996, specially trained optometrists in Victoria have been allowed to prescribe medicines for certain eye diseases. Recently, specially trained optometrists in New Zealand, Queensland and Tasmania have also been granted the ability to prescribe ocular medications. This is an important and major change in eye care provision in Australia and New Zealand and greatly improves access to quality eye care for people living in regional and rural areas. These therapeutically qualified optometrists can diagnose, monitor and treat simple eye diseases. Over time, optometrists in other states will also gain these therapeutic privileges.
Check with your local OPSM optometrist and ask if they have therapeutic qualifications. They can help you manage your eye conditions in conjunction with your GP and/or ophthalmologist. Referrals to specialist services can be provided if required.
Back to top
Children’s vision
Vision problems sometimes cause children learning difficulties at school. They might need glasses or eye exercises to help them see better. Your OPSM optometrist can assess your child’s vision and develop a plan to help them see more efficiently and more comfortably.
Referrals to specialist services can be provided if required.
Back to top
Low vision
Older people with eye conditions like a cataract or macular degeneration can have problems reading small print. They might need special filters, stronger glasses or special magnifiers to read more easily. OPSM optometrists can assess their vision and provide the best optical solution to help them read more comfortably.
Referrals to specialist services can be provided if required.
Back to top
When to have an eye test
- when you can not see clearly. Most people have an eye test when they cannot see well in the distance (eg. can’t read street signs whilst driving) or when they have difficulty reading.
- when you have vision related problems. Symptoms that suggest vision related problems include:
- headaches when reading or using the computer.
- recent onset of double vision.
- confusion of colours (eg. greens with browns).
- failing the vision test in a driving licence renewal.
- inability to read magazines with reading glasses on.
- tripping over steps or gutters.
- bumping into objects on one side.
- glare problems in normal lighting levels.
- cannot see at night.
- As part of a regular eye health check (when over 40 years). A number of general health disorders (eg. diabetes, hypertension) show up as changes in the back of the eye. Your OPSM optometrists will examine the inside of your eye and can detect any small changes early, and then refer you to an appropriate health professional. Age-related eye changes (eg. cataracts, macular degeneration) can be detected more readily with regular eye health checks. Raised pressure in the eye (glaucoma) can ONLY be detected by regular eye health assessments done by your OPSM optometrist.
Back to top
An eye test today is not just a check for eyewear, it’s also a check for eye health.
Remember, if you are an Australian resident and have a current standard Medicare card, bulk billing can be arranged so your eye test won’t cost you a thing#.
#Subject to Medicare conditions.
Find a store
|