Eye examinations

Having an eye examination is an important health check for your eyes.

Your optometrist will be able to tell you how often you need an eye examination.

Some people should have their eyes tested more frequently, for example, if you have a family history of an eye condition.

Optometrists are trained to check the health of your eyes and help improve your vision with glasses and contact lenses. They can also spot early signs of eye problems, injuries or diseases, as well as general health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Finding these issues early means you can get treatment sooner, which often leads to better results.

It is important to go for an eye examination with an optometrist if:

• you can't see as clearly as you used to. This can be when you’ve never worn glasses or with your most recent glasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
• you have difficulty seeing distant objects
• you have difficulty reading, seeing your computer or any other mid-distance task.

If you notice your vision has gradually changed like this, you should have an eye test, even if you aren't due to have one.

It’s important to have your eyes checked urgently if you:

• have a sudden change in vision, such as sudden blur or distortion
• lose all or part of your vision in one eye or both eyes
• have an accident involving your eyes
• suddenly start seeing flashing lights or floaters in your vision
• have sudden pain in one or both eyes.

You should go as soon as possible to a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Alternatively, in some areas, urgent eyecare services are provided by a local specialist optometrist. Your own optometrist or GP can also advise you where you can get more urgent help.

Before your eye examination outlines how to prepare for an eye examination, and how your concerns can be addressed.

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 ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor) if necessary.

After your eye examination looks at how the results of your eye examination will be explained and how any eye conditions you may have will be managed.

Having an eye examination at home explains who can have an eye examination at home and how to arrange this. It also covers what will happen during and after your home eye examination.

Following an eye examination, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist at a hospital eye clinic.

• 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, Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) and other eye health professionals, refer to our who does what in eye care page

RNIB Helpline is your direct line to further support and advice. Call us on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].