A complete eye examination is necessary to discover the condition and health of the eye and visual system. A complete eye exam starts with a comprehensive health history and medication review, as health conditions can affect your visual system. This portion of your testing will be completed by one of our ophthalmic technicians.

An eye examination includes recording the visual acuity with an eye chart and often a refraction using a phoropter (a special instrument that has multiple lenses inside for ease of quickly comparing them).

The examination also includes checking the pupil reflex, ocular motility (eye movements), and visual field. Evaluation of the eyelid and the structures of the front of the eye are evaluated at the slit lamp, which is a microscope mounted on a table to evaluate the eye with magnification.

Looking at the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope or special lenses is also an important part of the exam. Viewing the fundus of the eye allows for assessing the health of the optic nerve, macula, ophthalmic vessels, and the peripheral retina.