Not all eye examinations are equal even if they are called by the same name. When comparing services you need to compare procedures performed and the amount of time you will spend with the doctor. I firmly believe in testing as much as I can on all patients. This usually takes about 45 minutes of my time. The following details what I do in a comprehensive exam.
Get your general health history
Get your eye history
Get your blood relatives' general history
Get your blood relatives' eye history
Get a list of your medications
Get a list of your allergies
Document your complaints in detail
Measure your vision at 20 feet with and without glasses
Measure your vision at 16 inches with and without glasses
Test the six muscles of each eye which control your ability to point your eyes in a particular direction
Test how straight your eyes are in their relaxed and active positions
Make sure you can cross your eyes adequately
Make sure your pupils are working properly
Measure your old glasses to get a baseline
Test your color vision on the first visit
Test your 3-D stereo vision on the first visit
Estimate what your prescription should be
Determine an accurate prescription for you
Visually examine the external parts of your eyes with a microscope to look for diseases like cataracts
Measure the fluid pressure in your eye with a Goldmann Tonometer to assist in ruling out glaucoma
Dilate your pupils and perform a thorough examination of the nerves and blood vessels in your eyes to look for diseases, infection, injury, tumors etc.
Take the time to explain my findings and recommendations
Take the time to answer all of your very important questions