FAQs

How do we complete an eye test on someone with dementia or reduced cognitive state?

Testing a resident with dementia can be done similarly to testing a very young child or intellectually disabled adult.

We use an instrument called an auto-refractor, which uses light to take an objective measurement of the eyes power. These results are refined with trial lenses in a trial frame until the movement of the reflection has ceased. This process determines the power of the patient's distance correction and can be up to 99% accurate.

How often should we get our eyes checked once we turn 65 years of age?

Medicare has recently authorised annual sight tests for all persons over 65 years old. Outside Optical always recommends yearly sight tests for this age group and others with ongoing ocular conditions and medical conditions that can affect the eyes – for example, diabetes, blood pressure.

Do Outside Optical do bed visits?

In cases where residents are genuinely bed-bound, Outside Optical can arrange bedroom visits. However, it is understandably tricky moving from room to room with two staff and a considerable amount of equipment.

How can Outside Optical minimise the loss or damage of spectacles in a crowded facility?

While we cannot always prevent such incidences, Outside Clinic labels glasses with the resident's name, and we supply a photograph on the delivery sheet, which is kept at the facility for identification purposes. If we provided the glasses, a prompt replacement pair would be supplied at half-price within the first 12 months.

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