How to Get an Eye Test

An eye test given by a qualified eye doctor is very important for maintaining good eye health. During the eye exam, the doctor (also known as an optician) will test for various types of vision problems, including glaucoma, cataracts and general deterioration of your vision. If you have not had an eye test done in several years or if you feel like your vision may have changed, you need to get an eye test in the near future.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk with your regular physician or insurance company for recommendations for eye doctors in your area who can administer an eye test. If you get a recommendation from your regular physician, check with your insurance company to make sure the test will be covered.

• 2

  Contact the eye doctor and ask what types of services are included with an eye test. Common services include checking your vision, both near and far sighted, and testing for common eye problems, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Other tests that can be administered include an eye muscle movement test, pupillary reaction test, visual acuity test, cover test, retinoscopy, retinal exam and refraction testing.

• 3

  Explain any problems you've been having lately when you make the appointment with the doctor's office. All of the above tests should be available but will not be administered all at once. Only issues that you show symptoms of or are at risk for should be tested.

• 4

  Make a list of all the prescription drugs you're on before getting the eye test done. Your eye doctor, like any other doctor, will want to know the drugs you take to make sure there is no interaction with anything that might be prescribed. Prescription drugs that you're taking could be causing any symptoms you may be experiencing.

• 5

  Find out about your family's eye health history if you don't already know it. Part of the test eye test will be discussing this. Talk with your relatives about the history in your family.

• 6

  Bring all of your prescription lenses to the eye doctor appointment, including glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. If you don't have prescription sunglasses, bring a pair of normal sunglasses. If your pupils are dilated during the eye test, you will need to wear sunglasses home.