Refraction

This is to determine whether you require spectacles - the familiar 'better or worse' subjective part of the examination.

We will check your distance vision (for driving or TV) your reading vision and if required your intermediate vision (for hobbies or VDU work).

Usually you will wear a 'trial frame' and different lens combinations will be given until your best vision is obtained.  The standard of vision is usually measured by the smallest line of letters you can read correctly on a 'Snellen chart'

 Common visual problems include, Myopia (short-sightedness - inability to see distant objects clearly), Hypermetropia (long-sighted - in younger patients difficulty with near vision), Presbyopia (normal age-related difficulty with reading) or Astigmatism. All these conditions can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses.