An eye test with an optometrist usually includes a discussion about your vision and health, tests to measure how clearly you see, checks for refractive error, and an examination of the eyes. Not every person needs every test. The exact examination depends on your age, symptoms, medical history, family history and risk factors.
You do not need a GP referral to book a routine eye test with an optometrist in Australia. If the optometrist finds something that needs specialist medical care, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist or another health professional.
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Find an OptometristKey Takeaways
- An eye test checks both vision and eye health; it is more than reading letters from a chart.
- The optometrist may ask about symptoms, general health, medicines and family history before testing your vision.
- Common tests can include visual acuity, refraction, eye-movement checks, examination of the front and back of the eye, and eye-pressure measurement.
- Retinal imaging, OCT, visual-field testing or dilation may be used when clinically appropriate, but not everyone needs them.
- Medicare may cover eligible optometry services, but bulk billing and any extra fees vary by practice.
- Sudden vision loss, flashes and floaters, a curtain or shadow in the vision, severe eye pain or eye injury need prompt or urgent assessment.
What Happens During an Eye Test?
Healthdirect explains that an optometrist will ask about your general health and family medical history, then use different tests to assess your eyes and vision. If glasses or contact lenses may help, the optometrist can provide a prescription.
Health and vision history
The appointment usually begins with questions about why you booked, any changes in vision, current glasses or contact lenses, previous eye problems, general health, medicines and relevant family history. This helps the optometrist decide which tests are appropriate.
Measuring how clearly you see
Visual acuity testing checks how well you can see detail at different distances. This is the familiar part of an eye test where you read letters, numbers or symbols from a chart.
Checking your prescription
If your vision suggests you may need correction, the optometrist may perform refraction or retinoscopy. Different lenses are used to determine the prescription that gives the clearest and most comfortable vision.
Checking eye movements and coordination
The optometrist may assess pupil responses, eye movements and how the eyes work together. These tests can help identify problems with alignment, tracking or coordination when relevant.
Examining the front of the eye
A slit lamp may be used to examine structures at the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris and natural lens. The findings can help identify issues such as dry eye, inflammation or cataract.
Examining the back of the eye
The optometrist may examine the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels at the back of the eye using ophthalmoscopy or other imaging methods. This part of the examination helps assess eye health and look for signs that may need monitoring or referral.
Measuring eye pressure
Tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye. Some practices use an air-puff device, while others use different instruments. Eye pressure is one part of glaucoma assessment and cannot diagnose glaucoma on its own.
What Extra Tests Might an Optometrist Use?
Not everyone needs the same tests. Healthdirect notes that the choice of tests depends on your health and your risk for particular eye conditions.
Retinal photography
Digital retinal photography creates an image of the retina and optic nerve. It can be useful for documenting appearance and comparing changes over time, but whether it is needed depends on the individual and the practice.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
OCT uses light to create cross-sectional images of retinal and optic-nerve structures. It can be useful when an optometrist needs more detailed information about conditions affecting these areas. It is not automatically part of every routine eye test.
Visual-field testing
Visual-field testing checks peripheral or side vision. It may be used when glaucoma, neurological problems or other conditions affecting the visual field are suspected or being monitored.
Will My Eyes Need to Be Dilated?
Not always. An optometrist may use dilating eye drops when a wider view of the retina is needed. Healthdirect notes that these drops can make the eyes more sensitive to light and may blur vision for a few hours afterwards.
If dilation is planned, ask the practice what to expect and whether it may affect driving or work after the appointment.
How Long Does an Eye Test Take?
There is no single appointment length that defines a comprehensive eye test. Time varies with the reason for the visit, the tests needed, whether dilation or imaging is required, and the practice’s workflow. If you are booking for new symptoms, contact lenses, a child, or a known eye condition, tell the practice when you make the appointment so they can advise how much time to allow.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Test?
Healthdirect advises regular eye tests and notes that most people should have an eye test every 2 to 3 years, with more frequent checks when risk factors or symptoms are present. People with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, high blood pressure, changes in vision or older age may need reviews more often.
The best interval depends on your individual eye health and risk factors. Follow the review schedule recommended by your optometrist rather than relying on one rule for everyone.
Find Eye Care That Suits Your Needs
Search for an independent optometrist near you and find a local practice that suits your specific eye care needs.
Find an OptometristWhen Should You Book Sooner?
- You notice a new or persistent change in vision.
- Your current glasses or contact lenses no longer feel clear or comfortable.
- You develop recurring eye discomfort, headaches or double vision.
- You have diabetes or another condition that can affect the eyes.
- You have a family history of glaucoma or other significant eye disease.
- Your optometrist has asked you to return sooner to monitor a finding.
When Eye Symptoms Need Urgent Care
Some symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment. Healthdirect recommends prompt medical assessment for sudden vision changes and serious eye symptoms.
- Sudden loss of vision or a sudden marked change in vision.
- New flashing lights or a sudden increase in floaters.
- A new shadow or curtain across part of your vision.
- Severe eye pain.
- Marked light sensitivity with pain or redness.
- An eye injury, chemical splash or high-velocity foreign body.
- Vision or eye symptoms with slurred speech, weakness, numbness, severe headache or loss of balance — call triple zero (000).
What Happens After the Eye Test?
At the end of the appointment, the optometrist should explain the main findings and what happens next. You may be told that no change is needed, that glasses or contact lenses could help, that a review is recommended, or that further assessment or referral is appropriate.
If a prescription is provided, you can discuss eyewear options separately. This page should remain focused on the eye-test process rather than promoting particular lens origins or products.
How Much Does an Eye Test Cost in Australia?
Costs vary between practices and services. Medicare can help cover eligible eye tests by optometrists, and some optometrists choose to bulk bill. Services Australia states that people under 65 can generally access a bulk billed eye test every 3 years and people 65 or older can generally access one yearly, subject to eligibility and the provider choosing to bulk bill.
Not all optometrists bulk bill, and extra services may have separate fees. Ask the practice what is included and what you may need to pay before the appointment.
For detailed Medicare and bulk-billing information, read AMV’s Bulk Billed Eye Test guide.
How Do You Choose an Optometrist?
This page is primarily about what happens during an eye test. Choosing a practice is a separate decision. Useful factors include whether the practice offers the services you need, whether fees are clear, whether access and appointment times suit you, and whether the optometrist explains findings and next steps in a way you understand.
For a dedicated practice-selection checklist, read Choosing the Right Optometrist in Australia.
What About Children’s Eye Tests?
Children may need different testing methods because age, communication and visual development affect how vision is assessed. The child-specific process should remain on AMV’s dedicated children’s eye-test page rather than being duplicated here.
For child-specific guidance, see Children’s Eye Tests in Australia.
Find Eye Care That Suits Your Needs
If you are due for an eye test or have noticed a change in your vision, use the Australian Made Vision optometrist directory to compare participating independent practices. Confirm services, fees, bulk-billing arrangements, equipment and availability directly with the individual practice.
Find Eye Care That Suits Your Needs
Search for an independent optometrist near you and find a local practice that suits your specific eye care needs.
Find an OptometristFrequently Asked Questions
What happens during a routine eye test?
The optometrist will usually ask about your health and vision, measure visual acuity, check whether you need a prescription and examine the eyes. Other tests are added when clinically appropriate.
Do I need a referral from a GP to see an optometrist?
No. Services Australia and Healthdirect state that you can book an eye test directly with an optometrist without a GP referral.
Will every eye test include OCT or retinal photography?
No. These tests can be useful in particular situations, but not everyone needs them. The choice depends on your symptoms, risk factors, previous findings and the practice.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Not necessarily. Dilating drops may be used when the optometrist needs a wider view of the retina. They can cause light sensitivity and blurred vision for a few hours.
Can I have an eye test if I do not wear glasses?
Yes. Eye tests assess eye health as well as whether glasses or contact lenses would improve vision.
Does Medicare cover eye tests?
Medicare helps cover eligible optometry services. Whether you have an out-of-pocket cost depends on eligibility, the service provided and whether the optometrist bulk bills.
How often should I have an eye test?
Healthdirect says most people should have an eye test every 2 to 3 years, but people with symptoms, certain health conditions or higher eye-disease risk may need checks more often.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist examines vision and eye health, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye-care needs within their scope. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specialising in eye disease and surgery. An optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist when specialist medical or surgical care is needed.