Good eye care

Regular: people should have an eye examination at least once every two years; more often if recommended by your optician.

Thorough: means more than a 15 minute appointment. A thorough eye examination includes:

• details about your ocular history, including relevant family details
• checking your current glasses prescription
• reading a letter chart or matching or recognising pictures
• checking the health of the eyes
• checking if glasses are needed
• other tests may be carried out for specific conditions, such as glaucoma

Insist that all parts of the examination are completed.

Did you know?

‘20/20 vision' expresses normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. With 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. If you have 20/40 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet. 20/20 vision is an American phrase. In the UK and Europe optometrists use a metric system of measurement so our equivalent is 6/6 Vision.

Reliable optometrist: find an optometrist you like, who gives you plenty of time for a thorough examination, and who listens to any problems regarding your vision.

The name of the practice is immaterial as there are excellent optometrists in established opticians and in the newer, more commercial, High Street businesses too. By visiting regularly you will build a rapport with your optometrist.

Emergencies: in the event of an eye emergency a person should go immediately to a casualty department of a hospital (preferably an ophthalmic hospital or eye department). Urgent treatment is required in the event of injury or trauma to the eye, severe eye pain or sudden loss of vision.

Read more about signs and symptoms of vision problems

Kent Association for the Blind: referral to KAB can be made by telephone, in writing, or in person, at any stage of sight loss, by the person themselves, or another on their behalf.

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