Eye tests
Thirty minutes with an optometrist. Nothing touches your eye, and you leave with your prescription in writing.
What happens, step by step
A few questions
How your eyes feel, your health and medicines, your work and screens, and what you wear now. Bring your current glasses.
Pressure and the back of the eye
A quick pressure check and a photograph of the retina, so we can compare it at your next test.
Reading the chart
Each eye on its own, then both together, at distance and for reading.
Finding your prescription
The optometrist changes lenses in the phoropter and asks which looks sharper, one or two.
What we found
We explain the results in plain words and give you your prescription in writing. You are free to buy glasses anywhere.
What the numbers on the chart mean
The first number is the distance to the chart, 20 feet. The second is the distance at which a typical eye reads the same line. Each number below is set at its line’s size.
The top line of most charts. Someone at this line reads at 20 feet what a typical eye reads at 120 feet.
Large print and road signs close up are fine; faces across a room are soft.
A common standard for driving without glasses in many US states. Check the rule where you live.
Typical sharp sight: at 20 feet you read what most people read at 20 feet.
Sharper than typical. Plenty of people read a line below 20/20.
The chart measures sharpness only. An eye test also checks focus, how the eyes work together and the health of the eye.
How often to have a test
General guidance (sample). Your optometrist may suggest a different interval for you.
Adults
Every two years
Over 60
Every year
Children
Every year, from about age three
Contact lens wearers
Every year, plus an aftercare check
Prices
Adult eye test
Includes the retinal photograph
$35
Over 65
$25
Children under 16
$20
Contact lens fitting
Includes a trial pair and a check after two weeks
$45
Example prices. Many vision plans cover the test; bring your card.
Bring with you
- Your current glasses and contact lenses
- Your vision plan card
- A list of medicines you take
- Your questions, written down
Book a 30-minute eye test
Choose a day online or call us. Walk-ins are welcome Tuesday to Saturday when a test room is free (sample).