What Happens In An Eye Test

Step 1 of 6

Arrival For Your Appointment

We confirm your details, including your Medicare card number and any private health insurance.
If you have existing glasses, we measure and analyse them as a reference point for comparison.
We ask questions to understand the nature of your visit, your needs and any particular concerns you have about your eyes.

eye-test-information-02.jpg — Arrival For Your Appointment

eye-test-information-03.jpg — Preliminary Eye Assessment

Step 2 of 6

Preliminary Eye Assessment

We begin your eye examination with some fast, non-invasive preliminary assessments, which include:

Taking an HD digital image of the back of your eyes to check and record your eye health.
Measuring your eye pressures with a gentle air puff to test for glaucoma.
Electronic eye focusing and eye shape measurements.

Step 3 of 6

Detailed Eye Assessment

We thoroughly test your vision and visual functions. These tests may include:

Measurement of your eyesight & focusing.
Testing for short-sight, long-sight & astigmatism.
Testing your far-distance and close-up vision.
Checking if you require an optical prescription to see clearly.
Comparing this result to your current eyewear.
Checking your eye movements & eye coordination.
Checking your colour vision.
A detailed health examination of your eyes for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes & other eye conditions.

eye-test-information-04.jpg — Detailed Eye Assessment

eye-test-information-05.jpg — Explanation & Recommendations

Step 4 of 6

Explanation & Recommendations

We spend time explaining the eye examination findings to you, so you can better understand any changes that may have occurred in your eyes and why.

Based on the results, we make recommendations specific to your visual, lifestyle and eye health needs. These recommendations may be in the form of vision correction (glasses or contact lenses), eye exercises, additional eye assessments, specific eye treatments, referral to an eye specialist, or a follow-up review.

Step 5 of 6

Additional Eye Assessments

We will advise you if further assessments are required. These additional tests may include:

Visual field testing to check your peripheral (side) vision in detail.
Dilated eye examination to thoroughly check the outer edges of your retina.
Cycloplegic examination for children, to completely relax their eyes' focusing.
Corneal topography to precisely measure the shape and contours of your eye surface.
Ocular biometry to measure the length of the eye, to monitor eye growth in children with myopia.
Contact lens assessment & fitting — we carry a full range, including daily disposables, fortnightly/monthly lenses, coloured lenses, astigmatism lenses, specialty rigid gas permeable (RGP) and scleral lenses for keratoconus and irregular corneas, and orthokeratology sleep lenses (Ortho-K).

While we endeavour to complete additional tests on the same day where possible, at times we will need to schedule another visit. As a dilated eye examination can cause temporarily blurred vision and glare, we recommend no driving for at least 2–3 hours after the consultation. A cycloplegic examination for a child can blur their close-up vision for the rest of the day.

eye-test-information-06.jpg — Additional Eye Assessments

eye-test-information-07.jpg — Frame & Lens Selection And Fitting

Step 6 of 6

Frame & Lens Selection And Fitting

If new glasses are recommended, we can expertly help you choose your new eyewear frames and recommend the right lens types, materials and options for your needs.

Our optometrist will verify your frame fitting, make adjustments and take precise measurements prior to ordering, to ensure you enjoy the best vision and comfort with your new glasses.

We can also arrange the fitting of new lenses into your glasses if you're happy with your existing eyewear frame. Unlike some practices, we don't charge a premium should you wish to reuse your favourite frame.

Common Questions

Eye Test FAQs

How long does a comprehensive eye test take?

Plan for around 30 to 45 minutes for a comprehensive eye test at Eyecare Concepts. That covers your arrival and history, preliminary scans, the detailed vision and eye health assessment, and time at the end to talk through the results with your optometrist face-to-face — not a rushed, five-minute check. If additional assessments are needed, such as a visual field test or dilated examination, we'll let you know upfront whether that can happen the same day or needs a follow-up visit.

What does an eye test actually check, besides my glasses prescription?

A proper eye test is about far more than reading letters off a chart. Alongside measuring your prescription, we check your eye pressure and optic nerve for glaucoma risk, photograph and scan the back of your eye for signs of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal disease, assess your eye coordination and colour vision, and examine the front of your eye for cataracts and other conditions. See our eye care technology page for more on the instruments we use to look deeper than a standard exam.

Do I need to book an appointment, or can I just walk in?

We recommend booking ahead so we can set aside a proper, unhurried appointment slot for your consultation and any additional testing you might need. You can book an eye test online in a couple of minutes, or call our Kew East practice directly. If you're unsure whether it's time for a check-up, our Do I Need An Eye Test? guide can help you decide.

Will my eyes be dilated during the test?

Not routinely. Our baseline technology lets us examine most of the back of your eye without dilating drops. We'll only recommend a dilated examination if we need a clearer view of the outer edges of your retina — for example if you have a family history of retinal disease, diabetes, or symptoms like new floaters or flashes. If dilation is needed, we'll explain why beforehand and let you know it can cause temporary blurring and light sensitivity for a few hours afterwards.

Can I drive myself home after an eye test?

In most cases, yes — a standard comprehensive eye test doesn't affect your ability to drive safely afterwards. The exception is if you have a dilated eye examination, which can cause temporarily blurred vision and glare, so we recommend avoiding driving for at least 2 to 3 hours afterwards. If your child needs a cycloplegic examination, their close-up vision may stay blurred for the rest of the day, so plan accordingly for school pick-up or homework.

How often should I get my eyes tested?

As a general guide, most adults should have an eye test every one to two years, even without symptoms, since many eye conditions develop silently. We recommend more frequent checks for children (especially where there's a family history of myopia), for anyone over 65, and for people managing diabetes, glaucoma or other eye conditions that need close monitoring. Your optometrist will recommend a personal review interval based on what we find at your visit.

Is an eye test covered by Medicare, or will I have an out-of-pocket cost?

Eyecare Concepts is a private billing practice, so most consultations are not bulk billed and a consultation fee applies. Most Australian residents with a valid Medicare card are eligible for a Medicare rebate on an eye test once every three years (or once a year if you're over 65 or otherwise clinically indicated), and where you're eligible, we claim that rebate for you on the spot straight after your appointment, with the funds paid electronically into your Medicare-linked bank account a few days later. Private health extras cover can also contribute toward optical extras and some additional testing. For full detail on pricing and what's included at each level of consultation, see our Fees & Charges and Health Fund Rebates pages.

What should I bring to my eye test appointment?

Please bring your Medicare card, any relevant private health insurance details, your current glasses (even if you think they're not working well), and a list of any medications you're taking, since some can affect your eyes or vision. If you wear contact lenses, bring the packaging or brand details too. It's also worth jotting down any specific concerns or questions beforehand so nothing gets forgotten once you're in the chair.

At what age should my child have their first eye test?

We generally recommend a child's first comprehensive eye test around age 3 to 4, before they start school, and then regular checks every one to two years after that, since children rarely complain about blurry vision — they simply assume that's normal. Earlier assessment is worthwhile if there's a family history of myopia, a turned eye, or any concerns noticed at home. Our Children's Eye Care page covers what's different about testing young children.

What happens after my eye test if I need new glasses or further treatment?

If new glasses are recommended, we'll help you choose frames and the right lens type and coatings for your prescription and lifestyle, and take precise measurements before ordering to make sure your new glasses feel right from day one. If we find something that needs further investigation, such as early signs of glaucoma, keratoconus or macular disease, we'll explain exactly what we've found, arrange any additional testing needed, and refer you to a specialist ophthalmologist if required — with a full explanation of next steps before you leave.

More than glasses.

What Happens At Your Eye Test