Eye test information
Common questions about eye test answered by our optometrist. Find out more about eye exam cost, duration, and if you are eligible for a free eye test.
An eye test is not just about prescriptions. Our optometrists are eye health professionals who can help identify changes or problems with your vision.
Wondering what happens during an eye exam? Your optometrist will tailor the test according to your visual needs and lifestyle, but these are the general process
When you arrive for your eye test, we will confirm your booking details, including: Medicare card, health fund cards, visual history (includes reading your prescription from your current eyewear), any eye concerns or needs you might have.
Screening tests are performed prior to seeing the optometrist, who will review the results. This includes an auto-refraction (where a machine estimates your glasses prescription), eye pressure measurement and photographs of the retina (back surface of the eye).
After discussing any eye or vision concerns that you are experiencing, the optometrist performs a series of tests to assess your vision. They will check if your eyesight can be improved with prescription lenses, and evaluate the health of the front and back of the eyes.
This enables the optometrist to make recommendations for glasses and flag eye health issues. In some cases, they may also suggest extra tests, or a referral to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist), for further investigation.
If you need glasses, a prescription will specify the exact strength which is needed to correct your vision. Higher values indicate a stronger prescription. The glasses prescription usually consists of 3 main numbers:
There may be other numbers which form part of your prescription, including: