If it’s your first time heading to an optician, you might be wondering what you’re going to encounter.

And you probably have a lot of questions, like, do I need someone to drive me home?

Or will I have to wear glasses after my visit?

Fear not! Luckily, most opticians have a straightforward process they follow. And they will always keep you informed during the entire visit. So if you’re planning on visiting an optician in White Plains, like Raffy’s, here’s what you can expect.

Common eyesight tests

There are several tests your optician will perform during your examination. The most common tests are eye muscle movement test, cover test, pupil reaction and visual acuity test. The eye muscle movement test will ensure your eye alignment is correct. The cover test shows you how well your eyes work in tandem. The pupil reaction test lets you know how well your pupils adjust to changes, like light and how close objects are. And the visual acuity test lets you know how far away you can read.

If it turns out you’re in need of glasses, there are a few additional tests you’ll need to do.

Common tests for glasses or contact lenses

If you need a lens prescription, you’ll likely need to have a computerized refractor test. Refraction testing helps the optician find the right prescription for your eyes. They will flip back and forth between different lenses and ask you which one allows you to see more clearly.

If the optician suspects you may have another vision issue, they may have other tests for you, too.

Common tests for vision problems

If your optician suspects you may have other more serious vision problems, they will likely perform a glaucoma test, a slit lamp exam or a retinal examination. They may do a glaucoma test if you haven’t had a vision exam in a while. This test makes sure the fluid pressure in your eye is normal. The retinal exam checks your retina and blood vessels as well as the fluid inside your eyes. If they use a slit lamp or a biomicroscope, this checks the lens, cornea, iris and the back of the eye.

If the doctor needs to dilate your pupils, you will need to have someone drive you home, as this may take time to return to normal. Your pupils will be dilated for a few hours and can help the optician see the insides of your eyes.

Slit lamp (biomicroscope): This device magnifies and lights up the front of your eye. The doctor uses it to check your cornea, iris, lens, and the back of your eye, looking for signs of certain eye conditions.

If you have additional questions or aren’t sure what your optician might do during your exam, you can give them a call to learn more. Here at Raffy’s we believe in providing you with top-quality eye care and great customer support.

We offer a variety of services and can help you find the right pair of glasses or prescribe contact lenses if needed. Curious to learn more? Contact us today!