Treatments and Procedures
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Eye examinations Regular eye examinations are important for early detection of eye disease. During the examination your eye coordination, muscle balance and focusing ability will be reviewed. The health of your eyes will be thoroughly examined to check for cataracts, glaucoma, or any other eye diseases.
You do not need a referral from a medical practitioner to receive Medicare benefits for eye examinations given by optometrists. You simply make an appointment. Eye examinations given by optometrists are covered by Medicare for all permanent residents of Australia.
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During a complete examination your optometrist will perform all of the following;
- Clearness of vision
- Focusing ability
- Colour vision
- Eye muscle control
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- Glaucoma testing
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Cataract assessment
- Macular degeneration
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Sometimes, further tests may be required:
Digital retinal photography A more detailed inspection of the central area of the retina. This allows for a fast and more reliable diagnosis than has previously been possible. Retinal imaging helps us to diagnose, monitor and record many eye and health disorders. High resolution digital images of the retina are stored on a computer so that we can monitor any changes from one visit to the next.
Dilated Fundus Examination (DFE) This is a diagnostic procedure that employs the use of eye drops to dilate or enlarge the pupil in order to obtain a better view of the internal surface of the eye (i.e. fundus). DFE has been found to be a more effective method for evaluation of internal ocular health than non-dilated examination.
Visual Field Analysis Visual field analysis is a simple screening service which tests your peripheral vision. It is a test using an instrument with Frequency Doubling Technology. A series of light and dark bars will be displayed in the testing instrument in a manner which will stimulate certain eye cells and then measure the change of these cells and your response or ability to detect the light and dark bars in your visual field. In patients with glaucoma or diseases affecting the eye, the ability to detect the presence of stimuli in the periphery is diminished. Early screening of your visual field can detect a problem before you are consciously aware of it.