On these pages, you can find out:
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what to expect from an eye examination
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what the practical next steps are
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what support is available.
You should have your eyes tested at least once every two years.
Having an eye examination is an important health check for your eyes. You should have an eye examination every two years even if you have no problems with your vision.
Before your eye examination explains the importance of having regular eye examinations and addresses the concerns you may have.
During your eye examination goes through each step of the examination you will have with an optometrist and the procedure for being referred to an ophthalmogist.
After your eye examination looks at the results you may receive following an eye examination and how to better understand any eye conditions you may have.
Further information and support
Following an eye examination, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist at a hospital eye health department. Find out about referral to a hospital for diagnosis.
If you have recently been diagnosed by an ophthalmologist as having an eye condition, find out more about being newly diagnosed.
For details about optometrists, ophthalmologists, ECLOs and other eye health professionals, refer to Who does what in eye care.
RNIB Helpline is your direct line to the support, advice and products you need from RNIB and Action for Blind People to remain independent. We'll put you in touch with the people, services and organisations there to help, both locally and nationally, including voluntary groups and support from social services. Call us on 0303 123 9999, email helpline@rnib.org.uk or use our online contact form.
For people with a recently diagnosed sight problem or wanting to share ways of dealing with an eye condition, our Eye health discussion forum may be useful. To post messages to this forum you will need to register with the website.