A comprehensive sight test includes a thorough examination of the front and back of the eye for any health problems, too.  

Opticians use various tests and equipment. Eye tests aren't one-size-fits-all. Depending on your age, vision and health history, your optometrist will select the specific tests and equipment best suited to you. 

What happens at an eye test? 

The optician will ask you questions about any problems you're having with your eyes or might have had in the past, and about any family history of eye problems (some eye problems can be hereditary). 

It measures two core elements: the sharpness of your vision and the overall health of your eyes. Have any more questions? Find out more about what happens at an eye test.  

You may be thinking, how long does an eye test take? A comprehensive eye test takes around 20 minutes for a young, healthy person but can vary for patients with other ailments. Find additional information on how long an eye test will take.

Which tests are used in an eye test? 

A Specsavers eye test is split into three main stages: pre-tests, clinical testing and the consultation/discussion. 

Pre-tests: 

A clinical assistant usually performs these quick scans and measurements before you see the main optician: 

• Retinal Photography: Digital retinal photography uses a specialised fundus camera to take a detailed photo of the back of your eye, helping us capture a clear picture of your overall eye health. 
• Tonometry: An eye pressure test uses a gentle puff of air to measure the fluid pressure inside your eyes, helping us assess your risk of glaucoma.  
• Autorefractor test: An ARK test estimates your glasses prescription by measuring how light changes as it bounces off your retina.

Clinical tests: 

Your qualified optometrist carries out these tests to assess your overall eye health and look for early signs of other medical conditions: 

• Visual acuity test: A distance vision test checks how clearly you can see details at various distances, helping us determine whether you need a prescription. 
• Refraction Eye Test: A vision refraction test determines your exact eyeglass or contact lens prescription. 
• Slit lamp examination: A slit lamp eye exam uses a microscope and a bright light to closely examine the inside and outside of your eyes, helping us check for any underlying health conditions. 
• Visual field check: A peripheral vision test measures your side and all-around vision, helping to spot blind spots, detect early signs of glaucoma and monitor brain or neurological health issues. 

You may also opt to have an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. This takes a 3D cross-sectional image of your retina's layers, helping spot signs of eye conditions like glaucoma. 

What equipment is used during an eye test?

During the eye health check, the optician checks the condition of the eye's various structures. Some of the equipment used during these tests includes:

• Ophthalmoscope  
• Slit lamp 
• Tonometer 
• Visual field analyser  
• Snellen eye chart 

What conditions can digital retinal imaging help diagnose? 

Digital retinal photography plays a key role in detecting and monitoring conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. 

This highlights why regular eye exams are vital for your overall health, rather than just updating your prescription.  

How to prepare for an eye pressure test appointment 

Preparing for an eye pressure test doesn’t have to be stressful. Eye pressure tests at Specsavers require no special preparation. Just remember to bring your current glasses, a list of your medications, and any details of past eye conditions.

Why is getting a regular eye test important?  

It is very important to have regular eye health checks. Comprehensive eye tests can uncover eye conditions and even wider health scares. 

Eye conditions:

Wondering what diseases can be detected during a full eye exam? Here is everything you need to know: 

• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. It often affects both eyes, usually to varying degrees. 
• Cataracts: A common eye condition in which the lens inside the eye loses its transparency. 
• Macular degeneration: An eye disease caused by deterioration of the macula — a small area in the centre of the retina (the light-sensitive part of the eye). 
• Retinal detachment: Sometimes the retina can detach or lift from its position, becoming separated from the blood supply that provides it with essential nutrients and oxygen. 
• Dry eye syndrome: A condition that happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if the quality of your tears isn’t quite right. 

Wider health conditions:  

• Can an eye exam detect a brain tumour early? Yes— while an optician cannot officially diagnose cancer, they can spot unusual warning signs. Comprehensive eye tests can help identify brain tumours, skin cancers and blood cancers.  
• Can a routine eye exam detect early diabetes? Yes - comprehensive eye tests are one of the most reliable ways to discover diabetes, making regular eye exams important. Advanced stages can cause blurred vision, floaters, and sudden vision loss.

How often should you have an eye test? 

Get an eye test every two years, or sooner if you notice any changes in your vision. Having regular eye tests makes you far less likely to face a serious eye condition or a broader health scare. 

Have any more questions? Find out more about how often you should have an eye test

Eye test  

Optician 

You should seek professional advice if you are concerned about your eye health. 

Book an eye test