During a comprehensive eye examination your Optometrist will check the following:
Visual Acuity:
This is where the Optometrist will determine how clearly you can see. You will be asked to look at a chart with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols of various sizes. The Optometrist will ask you to identify them. This is done to measure your level of vision and if spectacles are required. During this test your distance vision and near vision is assessed.
Refraction:
Where it is identified that spectacles are required to correct your vision the Optometrist will carry out a refraction. Here they will use a machine called a phoropter to measure how well your eyes focus. This machine contains lenses of different strengths. The Optometrist will ask you to look through them one at a time and you will indicate which is clearest. This is how they determine the best prescription for you. In some cases, the Optometrist may modify the prescription for your best visual comfort.
Slit Lamp Examination:
During this part of the examination the Optometrist will assess the health of your eyes using a slit lamp which is a device using high magnification. Here the Optometrist checks for signs of infection, dry eye, and internal eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal health. In some cases, the Optometrist will have to use some dilating eye drops to gain a better view inside the eyes.
Retinal Photography:
The Optometrist will use a machine which contains a camera to take high quality digital photographs of the inner back surface of your eyes. Again, this is a further measure taken to check for signs of internal eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy etc. These photographs are stored and are a great tool for comparison on your next visit.
Glaucoma Screening:
Alongside assessing the health of your optic nerve using the slit lamp and retinal photography the Optometrist will check your intraocular pressures by preforming a test where a puff of air is directed into your eye. This is not painful however can catch you by surprise even though the Optometrist will always ask if you’re ready. The measurement from this concentrated burst of air can indicate if the pressure is excessive which can be a symptom of glaucoma. An additional examination that may be carried out on the same day or as a follow-up is a visual field examination. This examination can help identify the presence of blind spots in your peripheral vision. These types of blind spots can be a symptom of eye conditions such as glaucoma.
Entitlements
You may be eligible for a free eye examination and free spectacles under PRSI or if you have a medical card.
Medical Card
If you have a medical card, you are entitled to a free eye examination every 2 years from the HSE. If you require spectacles, you can get free standard spectacles covered on your medical card. Examinations for VDUs and driving licenses are not covered under this scheme.
Should you require an annual eye examination as advised by your Optometrist or medical practitioner you are also covered for this within the two years.
You can collect a form in any of our practices where our staff will be happy to complete the form and send this off for you. Once the form is approved it’ll be returned to your home address. Once received phone us to make an appointment.
You are entitled to a free eye test and free spectacles.
The spectacles covered completely are a pair of reading and distance spectacles or alternatively you can avail of a bifocal.
PRSI
The social welfare treatment benefit scheme entitles you to a free eye examination once every 2 years. Examinations for VDUs and driving licenses are not covered under this scheme.
You have a set payment, once every 2 years, towards either one pair each of reading and distance spectacles, one pair of bifocal or varifocals or one pair of contact lenses (including disposables). Total costs will vary depending on the frames you choose. Basic frames are free.
You can phone any our practices and the staff will be happy to assist you in finding out if you qualify. You will need your Personal Public Service (PPS) number and your date of birth to assist us in checking your entitlements.
Request Your Appointment Today
Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries regarding your eligibility, and we’ll be happy to verify it for you. Alternatively, you can also request your appointment online today!
