EYE HEALTH

Your Eye Test Explained

Plenty of people put off an eye test because they are unsure what actually happens during one.

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your eye test

A lot of people put off eye examinations because they are not sure what happens during one.

Here is the whole examination, step by step. You arrive knowing exactly what to expect and leave with a clear picture of your eye health.

the process, explained

Your Eye Test,
Step by Step

Step 1: Your History

Before any equipment is involved, we want to understand you. How is your vision day to day? When did you last have an eye test? Do you have a family history of eye disease? Are you experiencing any specific symptoms? This conversation shapes the rest of the examination - it is not just a formality.

Step 1: Your History

Before any equipment is involved, we want to understand you. How is your vision day to day? When did you last have an eye test? Do you have a family history of eye disease? Are you experiencing any specific symptoms? This conversation shapes the rest of the examination - it is not just a formality.

Step 2: Visual Acuity

This is the classic part of an eye examination - reading a chart. We test each eye individually to establish how clearly you can see at different distances. This gives us our first indication of whether a prescription is needed or has changed.

Step 2: Visual Acuity

This is the classic part of an eye examination - reading a chart. We test each eye individually to establish how clearly you can see at different distances. This gives us our first indication of whether a prescription is needed or has changed.

Step 3: Refraction

This is where we determine your prescription. Using a combination of automated and manual refraction, we identify the exact lens power your eyes need to see clearly. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, we compare your current prescription with what your eyes need today.

Step 3: Refraction

This is where we determine your prescription. Using a combination of automated and manual refraction, we identify the exact lens power your eyes need to see clearly. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, we compare your current prescription with what your eyes need today.

Step 4: Slit Lamp Examination

The slit lamp allows us to examine the front of your eye in detail - the cornea, the lens and the iris. It detects conditions that would not be visible to the naked eye, including early cataracts, corneal abnormalities and signs of dry eye disease.

Step 4: Slit Lamp Examination

The slit lamp allows us to examine the front of your eye in detail - the cornea, the lens and the iris. It detects conditions that would not be visible to the naked eye, including early cataracts, corneal abnormalities and signs of dry eye disease.

Step 5: OCT Scan (where indicated)

Our Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanner produces a detailed image of the layers of your retina. It allows us to detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease - conditions that develop without symptoms but respond well to early intervention.

Step 5: OCT Scan (where indicated)

Our Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanner produces a detailed image of the layers of your retina. It allows us to detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease - conditions that develop without symptoms but respond well to early intervention.

Step 6: Prescription & Next Steps

At the end of your eye examination, we talk you through everything we have found - clearly. If a prescription is needed, we explain it. If a follow-up or referral is recommended, we tell you why. You leave with a complete picture of your eye health and a clear next step.

Step 6: Prescription & Next Steps

At the end of your eye examination, we talk you through everything we have found - clearly. If a prescription is needed, we explain it. If a follow-up or referral is recommended, we tell you why. You leave with a complete picture of your eye health and a clear next step.

before you arrive

What to Expect From Us

What should you bring?

Your current glasses or contact lenses, any existing prescription, a list of current medications and your medical aid card if applicable. The eye examination lasts about 20 minutes.

What should you bring?

Your current glasses or contact lenses, any existing prescription, a list of current medications and your medical aid card if applicable. The eye examination lasts about 20 minutes.

Does it hurt?

Not at all. Your examination is entirely non-invasive. The OCT scan requires no contact and no drops for a standard assessment. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the process is.

Does it hurt?

Not at all. Your examination is entirely non-invasive. The OCT scan requires no contact and no drops for a standard assessment. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the process is.

How often?

We recommend having an eye examination at least every 2 years for most adults. Annually if you are over 60, have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Children should be tested every year - vision changes quickly at school age.

How often?

We recommend having an eye examination at least every 2 years for most adults. Annually if you are over 60, have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Children should be tested every year - vision changes quickly at school age.

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The most important appointment you keep...

Sixty years of clinical experience has shown us that the patients who protect their vision best are the ones who show up before something feels wrong.

Early detection is the greatest advantage.

testimonial image 1

The most important appointment you keep...

Sixty years of clinical experience has shown us that the patients who protect their vision best are the ones who show up before something feels wrong.

Early detection is the greatest advantage.

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Frequently Asked Questions...

I've never had an eye test as an adult. Is it too late to start?

Never. An eye test at any age gives us a baseline to work from and can reveal conditions that have been developing quietly for years. Many of our patients are surprised by what a first adult examination uncovers - and relieved they came when they did.

My vision seems fine. Do I still need a regular eye test?

Yes - and this is one of the most important points we make to our patients. Glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease all develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time vision is affected, damage has already occurred. A routine examination is how we catch these conditions when they are still very manageable.

What is the difference between a standard eye test and an OCT scan?

A standard eye test measures how clearly you see and examines the visible surfaces of the eye. An OCT scan goes deeper - producing a detailed cross-section of your retina to detect conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration before any symptoms appear. The two complement each other and together give a complete picture of your eye health.

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