20 Things Optometrists Check During Your Eye Examination
An eye examination is about much more than checking whether you need glasses. It is a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health, designed to detect problems early, monitor changes over time, and support your overall wellbeing.
Here are 20 things your optometrist may check during your appointment:
- Your vision clarity (how well you can see)
- Whether you need glasses or a prescription update
- How your eyes work together (binocular vision)
- Eye muscle movements and coordination
- Your focusing ability (especially for near tasks like reading)
- Your peripheral (side) vision
- Eye pressure (a key indicator for glaucoma)
- The health of your retina (back of the eye)
- The health of your optic nerve
- Signs of glaucoma
- Signs of macular degeneration
- Signs of cataracts
- Early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure or other vascular issues
- Dry eyes or tear film quality
- Any signs of allergy
- How your pupils respond to light
- Any signs of eye infection or inflammation
- Changes in vision since your last visit
- Your current glasses or contact lenses performance
- Provide advice on your overall eye health and ways to protect vision and eye health long-term
Why these matter
Many eye conditions develop without the patient having any noticeable symptoms, meaning regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and prevention.
As we mark 20 years of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) in Scotland, eye examinations remain a cornerstone of accessible, community-based care, supporting better outcomes for patients across the country.