Vision testers

What is vision screening?

Vision screening is a series of tests conducted by a medical expert in eye health. The tests are used to help determine a problem a patient may have with their eyes, the lens or other functions like the optic nerve. The test measures the eyes ability to function and potentially detects other underlying illnesses like glaucoma, or even illnesses in other areas of the body the patient may not know about.

What is the Ishihara test?

The Ishihara test is a colour perception test for red and green colour deficiencies. The eye test is the first in a class of successful colour vision tests called pseudo-isochromatic plates ("PIP"). It was named after its designer Shinobu Ishihara, a professor at the University of Tokyo, who first published his tests in 1917.

What are the types of medical professionals for eye care?

There are several types of medical professionals specialising in all types of eye health conditions including; optometrists, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic medical practitioners, occupational health practitioners, orthoptists and dispensing opticians. They are highly trained to carry out different roles and diagnose problems within eye health.

What is binocular vision testing?

Binocular field testing measures a person's ability to focus on an object with both eyes. A person should be able to see one image clearly, however when binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) is a concern, the person will see two images which the brain cannot merge as one.

What is a paediatric eye exam?

Eye exams for children are essential in order to insure their eyes are healthy and that there are no vision problems that could interfere with school performance and potentially affect their safety. A paediatric eye exam is an assessment of a child's overall eye health, performed by an optometrist (OD) or ophthalmologist (eye MD). Children would ideally have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age.

What is visual field testing?

The visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision as you focus your eyes on a central point. The visual field can be tested in a few different ways, including the confrontational visual field test, tangent screen test, and automated perimetry test.

A visual field test consists of a spot of light, flashed in various areas repeatedly in the peripheral vision by a medical professional. The visual field test shows how well the central and peripheral vision performs. If a colleague or employee has been diagnosed with glaucoma or a medical professional detects early signs, it is advised to conduct a visual field test.

Why would an employee need an eye test?

An employee who has regular use of display screen equipment (DSE), drives a company vehicle such as a forklift truck or performs tasks with close detail work will require regular eye testing. Symptoms they may experience from DSE use include tired eyes, general discomfort, temporary short sightedness and headaches.

DSE work can be demanding on the eyes, so it’s important for employers to support employees eye health with some simple steps. Employers should check screens are adjusted correctly, lighting is suitable, and employees take regular breaks away from their desks.

Within the UK, an employee must pay for a vision test if an employee requests one. The test should be a full examination of the eye performed by a medical professional, like an optometrist.