What to Look for in Comprehensive Examination

A thorough vision examination given by your doctor of optometry may take 30 minutes to an hour. There are no shortcuts. During this time your optometrist gets to know you, your family history, lifestyle and vision needs. To know you're getting a comprehensive examination, here are some procedures to look for:

	A complete health history should be taken before the examination.
	Inspection of the exterior and interior of your eyes for signs of possible eye or systemic diseases.
	Visual acuity test. Tests your ability to see sharply and clearly at all distances.
	Refraction. A measurement of your eye's ability to focus light rays exactly on the retina.
	A check eye coordination and eye muscle control.
	A test of your eyes' ability to change focus.
	A glaucoma test.

You may also be given special tests for color perception, depth perception, field of vision and other vision skills.