Your Eye Examination
The Eyespy iCare eye examination is a thorough health check that is tailored for the patients specific needs.
History and Symptoms
This is the initial part of the examination where the optometrist will ask the patient about the need for an examination. Questions may include if they feel there has been any deterioration in their vision, if they have noticed any untoward symptoms such as flashing lights or shadows across their vision. Family history relating to diabetes and any ocular conditions will also be disussed.
Refraction
This is where the optometrist will establish exactly what prescription is required, if any, for optimal vision at different distances of viewing. Objectively this is done through the use of a retinoscope, from which the results can be fine tuned through subjective means.
Internal/External Examination of the Eye
The health check can be conducted by using either an ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp. Light is shone through the pupil illuminating the structures within the eye allowing the optometrist to view a magnified image. The optic nerve, lens and blood vessels are viewed amongst other parts of the eye.
Intra-ocular Pressure
The intraoular pressure can be assessed through contact and non-contact tonometry. The use of contact tonometry is widespread within hospital eye clinics. In primary healthcare non-contact tonometry is usually the method of choice. This measurement is vital in diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Retinal Photography
By using a fundus camera we are able to take a digital retinal photograph of inside your eyes. This picture is a detailed image of your retina - the back of your eye - allowing you to see what we see; as well as keeping a permanent photographic reference of your eye health so we can review it agin when you come back to see us next time. This can reveal a lot about your eye sight, your overall well-being, and can even detect underlying health conditions. This is free with every advanced eye examination.
Visual Field Assessment
This is used to determine the extent of a patients peripheral vision. It measures the pathway between the eyes and the brain (visual pathway) and is important in screening for glaucoma and investigating symptoms such as headaches and eyestrain. It can be tested through automated means, such as visual field screeners, or through manual methods such as gross perimetry.
Advice
The patient will be advised accordingly by the optometrist in relation to what symptoms, if any, they presented with. The health of the eyes will also be reviewed. If there is a need for spectacles, the optometrist will discuss what type are required (for distance, reading or intermediate), the different lens options available (single vision, bifocals or varifocals) and also if any lens coatings are needed (anti-reflective, anti-scratch etc). There would be an oppurtunity for the patients to ask any questions or raise any concerns.