Vision screenings do not tell the whole story. They only check vision. These tests usually use automated equipment and the accuracy and effectiveness of the eyeglass prescription generated is limited.

During an eye exam, your optometrist evaluates both the internal and external health of your eyes. As many common eye diseases have no early symptoms, your health depends on knowing the difference.

Your optometrist examines the tissues and structures inside the eye, looking for eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, as well as tears in the retina, bleeding and tumours. They also look for early signs of serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Even when accessing sophisticated vision screening tools, highly trained screeners can miss up to one-third of children with eye or vision disorders. Plus, it’s not uncommon for parents to believe they would know if their child has a vision problem, because these issues can be hard to spot particularly if there is a problem in only one of the eyes. And, children often don’t know they have a vision problem as they believe what they are seeing is normal.

Your optometrist will help you with an appropriate treatment plan, if necessary. This can include glasses, contact lenses, eye exercises, medical treatment for an eye disease, or possibly a referral for surgery to correct muscle problems. Eye health is complex and deserves the attention of an expert. Doctors of optometry complete a Bachelor of Science degree or higher, followed by a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited university. Their education is dedicated to the eye and eye health.

Seeing is a gift that deserves protecting. See your optometrist for an annual eye exam.