Optometrists and Photographic Retailers
Opticians and Optical

the eye examination


eye examinations

At Black & Lizars we provide only the highest standards of clinical care. All our optometrists are members or fellows of the British College of Optometrists and attend continuing education training on a regular basis.


How often should I have an eye examination ?

We recommend regular eye examinations for everyone at 1 to 2 year intervals or as advised by your optometrist. In particular you should ensure that you have your eyes examined regularly if:

(Click here to find out more about the risk factors of Glaucoma)


What happens during an eye examination ?

The eye examination has 3 main functions:

  1. To assess how well you see and to prescribe spectacles or contact lenses should they be necessary.
  2. To check how the eyes work together (binocular vision and mobility).
  3. To check the health of your eyes and to detect any general health problems that may be evident. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, neurological problems and many other eye diseases and pathological disorders may be detected through an eye examination.

Your eye examination will include:

  • a health history
  • a distance and near vision assessment
  • a full refractive analysis
  • eye coordination and muscle balance tests
  • focusing ability and reflexes tests
  • depth and colour perception tests
  • cornea and anterior eye examination
  • retina, optic nerve and blood vessel examination
  • a peripheral vision assessment
  • eye photography if necessary (for which an extra fee may apply)

And any further clinical tests found to be necessary. If you are in a glaucoma "at risk" group, you will also be given a visual field test and eye pressure test. If either of these suggests an abnormality further tests may be recommended.


What about contact lens wearers?

Contact lens patients or those who are being assessed for contact lens wear will require a slightly different examination which will include assessment of the shape and size of your eyes and measurement of the tear film.

How much does an eye examination cost?

From 1 April 2006, the Scottish Executive have re-introduced free eye tests for everyone under the NHS.


If you have any queries regarding our eye care services or our professional charges please contact your local practice. We will be happy to discuss them with you.