It is of paramount importance to leave yourself enough time with us, if you have a new pair of spectacles the whole procedure could take about an hour. Usually your eye examination will take 30 minutes, we believe the longer time is important because an eye examination is just about your prescription, it’s about your whole well being. Indeed some examinations may take longer if extra specific tests are recommended or required. slitlamp
The eye examination will usually include the following parts:
Several questions will be asked about the reasons for your consultation. This may be that you have simply received a reminder or there could be some specific problem about which you are worried. If you are having problems, our optometrist will need to know how long you have had them, if any changes have happened over a short or long period and if these are associated with any particular task.
You will be asked about your general health and about any medicines you are taking either from your doctor or through other sources. Details of headaches, if any, and any close relatives who have eye problems will be needed to make sure these problems are not present in your eyes. Other information such as your occupation and details of your hobbies will help the optometrist to assess your visual needs and ensure that the correct spectacles are prescribed for your needs.
Your eyes will be examined both internally (done by looking through your pupil, there is no discomfort involved) and externally. This will enable us to make an assessment of the general health of your eyes and to identify any other underlying health problems. The interior of your eye will be examined with an ophthalmoscope which is like a torch which is shined through the pupil of your eyes. We also now have a special digital camera to permanently record the condition of the back of your eye. Other tests may be carried out, if necessary, such as tests to rule out glaucoma, eye pressures, visual fields, digital photography of the retina of your eyes or colour vision tests.
Your vision will be tested with and without your spectacles or contact lenses to establish how well you can see and to ensure you are seeing as well as you are able. There are several other tests that follow. The precise order of the tests and the type will depend on the reason for your visit and the results of the initial part of the consultation, as well as your family history. You will be asked to choose between different lenses. Some people find this difficult. You should not worry if you feel you are giving the wrong answer, or if you are unable to decide. This is a common problem, the optometrist is expecting it will be difficult and it is perfectly acceptable to say you are not sure. All the answers will be checked. Eye movements and co-ordination. Several tests can be used to make sure your eye muscles are working properly together. This is particularly important to ensure that maximum efficiency is maintained and to keep you as efficient and comfortable as possible. If you have special close work requirements, such as lots of computer work, cross-stitching or other special hobbies or occupations, your examination will take these into consideration and specific advice given.
Please ask if there is anything you do not understand, we will explain our findings and give you a copy of the prescription or a statement explaining there are no spectacles required.
Some people may be entitled to NHS examinations which are paid for by the government. Please contact our reception or e-mail us for more information. For those not covered by the NHS or those requiring our special assessments or vision therapy (see Vision & Learning or Vision Therapy) or those requiring contact lenses, there may be an additional fee to pay. Some other tests, such as digital retinal photography and colorimetry, may not be available under the NHS at this practice.
In the past, it has only been possible for optometrists to examine parts of the eye that are visible from the outside. However, most ocular issues such as Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinopathy begin beneath the retinal surface and are already well advanced when they become visible.
For the first time we can see a three-dimensional view beneath the surface layer of the retina using a new technique - an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) Retinal Scan. Here at Robert Friths, we are so excited by the sight saving potential of this diagnostic scan that we have invested in an OCT scanner in every practice.
With an OCT retinal scan, we can detect potentially life-changing conditions at a much earlier stage. This means we can ensure our patients can access the right treatment much sooner than before, giving them a greatly improved chance of a full recovery.
When it comes to the health of your eyes, the most important area is the retina. Previously, retina health was screened via a retinal photo using a camera to look through the iris and takes a picture of the surface of the retina. Using this method, your optometrist could only see the surface of the back of the eye and no further. Unfortunately, many diseases first develop beneath the retina and cannot be detected with traditional examination techniques and retinal photos. By the time they are visible from the surface the disease has already progressed and much of the damage has already been done.
Furthermore, as we age the media inside the eye becomes cloudier. In some cases, the internal crystalline lens also becomes cloudy and cataracts can develop. When this occurs, it can be difficult to even get a clear picture of the surface layer.
These issues do not affect OCT retinal scanning. These scans use laser light to see through the cloudiness and take images of the surface and sub-surface layers of the retina. The additional benefit of laser light rather than X-rays is that there are no after effects at all.
An OCT scan also enables a surface comparison as it also takes a retinal scan as per traditional methods. This means any photos you’ve had in the past aren’t wasted.
An OCT retinal scan as part of your eye examination will give you peace of mind and reassurance that your eyes are in good shape. Alternatively, should our optometrists spot anything out of the ordinary, you will benefit from a vital early warning if there are issues developing.
Your OCT retinal scan appointment will last around 15 minutes in total. The scan itself is completely painless and takes only a few minutes; you will have plenty of time to discuss the procedure beforehand. If you have your scan in conjunction with an eye examination (most people do) it takes a total of 45 minutes.
To get the most out of the scan, we recommend that everyone over the age of 40 should be scanned every 2 years or sooner as directed by the optometrist. Even if there is nothing to report from the first scan, this will give us an accurate benchmark to refer to with any future scans. This is an incredibly powerful way of detecting even the smallest changes to your eye health.
Diseases such as Macula Degeneration (AMD) both wet and dry, diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment, can already be advanced before we can detect them using traditional techniques. The OCT scan allows us to see changes deep in the tissue, catching them early with potentially sight saving results. Depending on the problem that is found, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for early treatment. Alternatively, it may be recommended that ongoing monitoring is more suitable if treatment will potentially be required in the future.
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