General Comprehensive Eye Exam

A general comprehensive eye examination or eye test is a series of tests administered by an optometrist to assess a patient's level of vision as well as detect any abnormality or diseases such as glaucoma. ALL PATIENTS over 18 years of age are encouraged to have this examination done every 1-2 years.

At the University of West Indies Optometry Clinic, all patients will be thoroughly assessed by our third and fourth year student clinical interns. A licensed optometrist directly supervises each intern. All patients will have following tests for a general eye examination:

History

We will ask you about your medical history as well as ocular history. We will want to know your occupation and avocations. Please bring any old/previous glasses or any other devices you use to help you see.

Slit-Lamp

o An optometrist uses a biomicroscope, commonly called a slit lamp, to examine for signs of infection, disease or other ailment. Shining a light in an eye, the examiner looks through this instrument to thoroughly examine the entire structure of the eye.

Intraocular Pressure Glaucoma Test

o This test measures the pressure inside an eye for the purpose of detecting glaucoma, a disease that causes nerve and vision loss.

Cover Test

o A cover test is used to detect issues regarding depth perception and binocular vision. While covering one eye, a patient focuses on a distant object. The optometrist simultaneously observes the movement of the uncovered eye.

Refraction

o Refraction is used to determine the exact prescription level of a patient. This test is administered by a patient looking through a series of lenses, stating which lens allows clearer vision. This many be done either manually or with the use of automated machinery.

Dilation

o Dilation, an enlarging of the pupils, occurs when an optometrist puts special drops in an eye. This is done so the examiner may more easily look inside of an eye to detect any irregularities.

Referrals and Recommendations

After evaluating your ocular system completely, our interns and supervisors will make recommendations regarding your visual status. If you need further specialized testing, we will let you know and make the recommendation for treatment and further evaluation. If you desire contact lenses, we can make a referral to our specialty clinics for contact lens fittings.

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