FAQs

Many visual problems will occur with symptoms. Symptoms include:

• Blur when looking into the distance (at signs and the television) or when reading
• Blur when looking at the computer
• Headaches or eye strain
• Difficulty concentrating on the computer or near tasks
• Avoidance of near work or reading
• Double vision, or crossed or turned eyes
• Distortions of words or images
• Loss of part of your visual field
• Burning, stinging or itchy eyes
• Dry or watering eyes
• Red or sore eyes
• Difficulty coping with glare
• Haloes around lights
• Black spots or flashes in your vision

Some conditions however, do not present with symptoms, so it is essential that you have your eyes checked every 2 years to ensure that your eyes are healthy.

For patients with normal eye health and no symptoms, an examination every 2 years is suitable.

For patients with a visual or ocular health condition, an examination every 12 months is recommended.

For contact lens wearers, especially patients wearing extended wear contact lenses, an examination every 6-12 months is recommended.

When the optometrist sees you, they will inform you of the recommended time for your next consult. A week prior to your appointment, we will send you a letter informing you that it is time to book in.

Our optometrists are equipped to test infants, including newborns. Generally, if your child shows no symptoms, they are best to be tested at a preschooler age, however, if you see anything unusual, you should have their eyes tested as early as possible.

Signs include :

• Squinting when looking at the whiteboard/Smart board
• A close working distance i.e holding reading material too close
• Complaints of headaches, sore eyes, or blurred vision
• One eye appearing to turn
• Moving head or losing place when reading

One quarter of Australian children have some form of vision problem. This equates to 900,000 children aged between 3 and 12. Only one third of these children experiencing difficulties have had their problems detected.