FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please feel free to browse the below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for easy-to-access information on common questions that patients ask. For further information, please feel free to call us on (03) 6774 9000 or Contact Us.

  • 1. WHAT DOES A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATION CONSIST OF?

    A comprehensive eye examination will consist of:

    • An objective refraction which maps out the profile of your eye to give the Optometrist information to help you achieve better vision both day and night.
    • A digital subjective refraction which is faster than manual refractions and produces more accurate results
    • Colour vision and stereo testing
    • Glaucoma testing (pressure in your eye)
    • A 180-degree view of the retina (back of your eye)
    • Visual field testingo Slit lamp exam (examining the anterior part of your eye)
    • Digital centration (to optimise your lens with your choice of frame)
  • 2. HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM A NORMAL EYE CHECK-UP?

    A normal eye check-up may only include a basic subjective refraction and does not include the full eye health check. The lenses may not be optimised for low light conditions such as night driving.

  • 3. WHAT TESTS MIGHT I EXPECT DURING MY EYE EXAMINATION?

    Objective Refraction with the ZEISS iProfiler including:

    1. Autorefraction (determines how much your eyes need to be corrected with lenses)

    2. Keratometry (measuring the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, particularly for assessing the extent and axis of astigmatism)

    3. Aberrometry (diagnoses both lower- and higher-order vision errors represented by the way the eye refracts or focuses light. Higher-order aberrations are more complex vision errors, whereas lower-order aberrations are more common vision errors such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism)

    4. Corneal Topography (computerized test that maps the curve of your cornea. It can show problems with your eye’s surface, like swelling or scarring, or conditions such as astigmatism)

    5. Including iScription Technology (this technology does not only provide you a better prescription, it also gives you access to an optimised individualised lens solution with i.Scription technology for improved colour and contrast vision as well as improved night vision)


    Digital Subjective Refraction with the ZEISS SRU including:

    1. Colour Vision (tests for colour blindness and red-green colour deficiency)

    2. Contrast Sensitivity (is a measure of the ability of the visual system to distinguish objects from the background.)

    3. Prism Testing (measures deviations of the eye)


    Visual Field Testing with the ZEISS Humphrey Field Analyzer

    1. Visual field tests can detect central and peripheral vision problems caused by glaucoma, stroke and other eye or brain problem


    Tonometry with the ZEISS Visuplan

    1. A tonometry test measures the pressure inside your eye. This test is used to check for glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause blindness by damaging the nerve in the back of the eye


    Wide angle fundus examination with ZEISS Clarus

    1. This helps ophthalmic practitioners to view the retinal disease and plan treatment according to the pathology. Retinal imaging techniques are useful in diagnosis and management of disorders like diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, vascular pathologies, retinal detachments, glaucoma’s, systemic infections, leukemias, systemic malignancies with ocular metastasis etc.


    Digital Centration with the ZEISS iTerminal mobile

    1. Mobile centration is the new way to capture patient’s individual parameters with ZEISS high precision technology. Over 20 years of experience in centration systems are now available in its most convenient form yet, allowing for flexibility. The ZEISS i.Terminal mobile centration system for iPad gathers and calculates basic fitting parameters in a few seconds.

  • 4. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH WHEN I COME FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
    • If you own a current pair of spectacles, please bring along:
    • A list of all medication you are currently using.
    • Medicare Card.
  • 5. HOW LONG WILL THE CONSULTATION BE?

    Most consultations are half an hour, if drops are required, it could take up to an hour.

  • 6. HOW MUCH WILL THE EXAMINATION COST?

    The cost of your eye examination can vary from patient to patient. For a specific price, please speak to us about pricing prior to your eye test.

  • 7. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY EYES TESTED?

    Review time varies for each individual. If there are no problems, it is recommended that people under 65 have their eyes tested every 3 years and people over 65 have an eye test every year.

  • 8. FROM WHAT AGE DO YOU RECOMMEND KIDS GETS TESTED?

    Children should have an eye test ASAP if anything abnormal is noticed otherwise best results are usually achieved around 4-5 years old.

  • 9. HOW DIFFERENT IS THE EYE EXAMINATION FOR KIDS?
    • Children who are unable to read letters will look at pictures/objects or numbersChildren who are unable to read letters will look at pictures/objects or numbers
    • The Optometrist could use retinoscopy to obtain a refraction objectively without the child needing to communicate. (a light beam that shines into the eye while the patient looks in the distance)
    • Pre-testing which gives the Optometrist an understanding on how well the child’s eyes work together and how well they follow movement.
  • 10. WHEN DO I GO TO AN OPTOMETRIST AND WHEN DO I GO TO AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST?

    In most cases your first point of contact will be the Optometrist and they will refer you to an Ophthalmologist if necessary.

  • 11. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I CAN DO TO TAKE CARE OF MY EYE SIGHT?
    • Have regular eye examinations
    • Protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays that are present in not only bright sunlight but also in overcast conditions. ZEISS Lenses with UV protect technology gives your eyes full UV protection up to sunglass level of 400nm
    • Take your Vitamins:
    1. Vitamin A for a clear cornea
    2. Vitamin E as an antioxidant to protect your eye cells
    3. Vitamin C to protect from damaging free radicals
    4. Vitamin B6, B9, B12 to lower the level of protein that cause inflammation
    5. Riboflavin as an antioxidant to decrease the risk of cataracts
    6. Niacin helps convert food into energy and may decrease the risk for glaucoma
    7. Lutein & Zeaxanthin are plant compounds which help protect your retina & macula
    8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are rich in Omega and Fish oil and have anti-inflammatory properties
    • Do regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar which all have an impact on vision.
  • 12. IS UV HARMFUL TO MY EYES?

    Yes, UV rays can contribute to cancer cell formation, photoaging, photokeratitis, cataract formation and many more eye problems.

  • 13. IS WORKING ON COMPUTERS BAD FOR MY EYES?

    Extensive use of computers and other digital devices can lead to eye strain and eye fatigue which can result in symptoms such as blurry vision, headaches, eye pain and tired eyes.

  • 14. WHY DO PEOPLE STRUGGLE TO SEE UP CLOSE WHEN THEY GET OLDER?

    This is due to a gradual loss of the ability of the lens inside your eye to focus on near objects.

  • 15. HOW SHOULD I MONITOR MY EYE HEALTH?
    • Regular eye check ups
    • Wear protective eye wear (clear & sunglass lenses must have full UV protection)
    • Give your eyes rest (take regular breaks when working on the computer)
    • Maintain a healthy diet.
    • Take supplements if you are lacking in any vitamins.
    • Know your family history of eye and general health conditions
  • 16. WHAT IS THE CAUSE FOR VISION LOSS?

    There are many causes for vision loss from refraction problems (when light enters your eye that focuses incorrectly) to injury and eye diseases.

  • 17. IS THERE TREATMENT AVAILABLE FOR VISION LOSS?

    Most visual conditions are treatable. The key is to identify the reason for vision loss as early as possible and to start treatment immediately. Prevention however is always better than cure.

  • 18. WHAT DOES LEGALLY BLIND MEAN?

    A person has a best corrected vision of 6/60 in their best seeing eye. This means that a legally blind person can see at 6m what the average person is able to see clearly at 60m.

  • 19. WHAT SYMPTOMS DO I WATCH OUT FOR WHICH COULD INDICATE I HAVE A VISION PROBLEM?
    • Sudden loss of vision in one eye
    • Gradual vision loss of vision in both eyes
    • Loss of visual field in one or both eyes
    • Loss of detail vision
    • Eye pain or appearances of flashing lights
    • An increase in black floating spots
  • 20. WHEN SHOULD I USE EYEDROPS AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

    It is dependent on the type of eye drop, the reason you are using the drops and the ingredients within. If you have concerns, please talk to your Optometrist.

  • 21. WHY DO MY EYES WATER?
    • Dry eyes can cause your eyes to water. This is because the eyes are trying to make up for the dry tear layer by overproducing tears.
    • Watery eyes can also be caused by allergic reactions or if a foreign body has entered the eye.
  • 22. WHY DO MY EYES ITCH AND BECOME RED WHEN TIRED?
    • This may be due to a reduction in blink rate• An allergic reaction or hay fever
    • This can also be caused by the external environment such as aircons & artificial lighting.
  • 23. HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I SHOULD CHOOSE SPECTACLES OR CONTACT LENSES?

    Your Optometrist will give you a recommendation after the complete eye examination. He will take in consideration your refraction, eye health and lifestyle needs.

  • 24. WHAT IS COLOUR DEFICIENCY?

    Your retina, which is the back lining of eye, is filled with receptors called rods and cones which detects light. These rods are responsible for light and dark and the cones near the centre of your vision are responsible for colour. There are three types of cones: red, green and blue. When some of these cone receptors are absent, it can result in the inability to see certain colours.

  • 25. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAR-SIGHTED AND NEAR-SIGHTED?
    • Far-sightedness is a refractive error where light entering the eye focuses behind the retina and make distant objects appear clear and near objects blurry. This is also called Hyperopia.
    • Near-sightedness is a refractive error where light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina and make distant objects blurry and near objects clear. This is also called Myopia.
  • 26. HOW LONG WILL MY SPECTACLES TAKE TO GET MADE?

    Depending on the type of lens design you choose, between 7-10 working days.

  • 27. HOW THICK WILL MY LENSES BE?
    • Spectacle lenses are available in different thickness depending on your prescription. By choosing a higher index you will reduce the thickness of your lenses.
    • Frame choice will also affect the thickness of your spectacle lenses.
  • 28. WILL I NEED TO WEAR MY SPECTACLES PERMANENTLY?

    It all depends on your refractive error and the lens design you decide on. The practice staff will guide you to the best options available.

  • 29. DO MIGRAINES CAUSE VISION LOSS AND WHY?

    In most instances the cause for migraines is not your eyes but it can affect your vision temporarily. If you are concerned please consult with your GP or Optometrist.

  • 30. DOES BLOOD SUGAR & CHOLESTEROL INFLUENCE VISION?

    Yes, if not controlled these health conditions can impact your eye health and vision.

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