Comprehensive Eye Exams
A full check of your vision and the health of your eyes, not just a new prescription. We look at the front and back of the eye and explain what we find.
A comprehensive eye exam checks how well you see and how healthy your eyes are. It is for adults and teens who need a new prescription, notice a change in their vision, or simply have not had their eyes checked in a while.
Why regular exams matter
Regardless of age, family history or health, regular eye exams are important. They keep your vision sharp and show whether you need corrective lenses, and they can also act as an early warning for serious eye conditions. We recommend an exam once a year.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants an up-to-date prescription or a check of their eye health. It is worth booking sooner if your vision has changed, you get frequent headaches when reading or using screens, or you have a health condition that can affect the eyes, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
What we check
We measure your prescription for distance and near, check how your eyes focus and work together, and look at the front and back of each eye. Where it helps, we use imaging to look at the retina and optic nerve in more detail.
A comprehensive exam may include:
- Visual acuity test, to measure how sharply you see.
- Refraction test, to find the right prescription for glasses or contacts.
- Pupil response test, to check how your pupils react.
- Eye muscle test, to check how your eyes move and work together.
- Glaucoma test, to check for optic nerve damage caused by pressure in the eye.
- Eye health evaluation, to look for signs of cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
- A look at the eyelids, cornea, iris and lens.
We also ask about your medical history and any symptoms, and we explain what we find as we go, in plain language.
How to prepare
Bring your current glasses and contact lenses, a list of any medications, and your insurance card. If you wear contacts, wear them to the visit unless we ask otherwise.
TO CONFIRM: whether pupil dilation is routine, and guidance on driving afterward.
What happens next
If you need glasses or contact lenses, we go through your options with you. If we see something that needs a closer look, we explain it and plan the next step together.
Questions
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
TO CONFIRM: typical exam length. Plan a little extra time if you would like to choose frames afterward.
How often should adults have an eye exam?
Once a year for most people. We will recommend a schedule that fits your age, health and eyes at the end of your visit.
Can you summarize an average comprehensive exam?
“First I start with the prescription. Then I check vision with and without glasses. I check the front surface of the eye, then the back of the eye. If the patient is diabetic, I dilate the eye. Patients don’t like to be dilated, but it gives me a better view. Then we walk out to the optical and look at the best-fitting glasses.” — Dr. Olteanu
General information, not a diagnosis. Your doctor will advise you at your visit.