Your eyes deserve time, expertise and careful attention
An eye examination is not simply about reading smaller letters on a chart. At Specs Direct Opticians in Barnet, we allow approximately 40 minutes so that we can understand how you use your vision, listen to any concerns and examine both your eyesight and the health of your eyes.
We consider your work, driving, screen use, hobbies and everyday visual demands before giving advice that is personal to you.
The pupil is a window to your health
Through the pupil, an optometrist can examine the retina, the arteries and veins at the back of the eye, and the optic disc where the optic nerve enters the eye.
Changes seen inside the eye can sometimes provide important clues about eye disease and, in some cases, wider health conditions. That is why a thorough eye examination should never be trivialised—even when your vision appears unchanged.
Your eyesight is precious. A careful examination may protect your sight and could reveal something that deserves further investigation.
What your eye examination may include
- Discussion of your vision, symptoms, general health and family history
- Assessment of how clearly and comfortably you see, and whether your prescription has changed
- Binocular vision checks to assess how well your eyes work together
- Intraocular pressure measurement when clinically appropriate
- Examination of the front and back of your eyes
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) retinal imaging when recommended
- Visual-field assessment when appropriate
- A clear explanation of our findings and personalised advice
Advanced technology, interpreted with care
Our Nidek OCT Duo and Humphrey Field Analyser add valuable detail to our clinical assessment. The equipment helps us gather information; our role is to interpret it alongside your symptoms, history and examination, and explain what it means for you.
Nidek OCT Duo: looking beneath the surface
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) uses light to create detailed cross-sectional images of the retina at the back of the eye. These scans help us assess retinal layers and the area around the optic nerve, giving us information beyond a surface photograph.
We use the findings to support our assessment and, where suitable previous scans are available, to compare changes over time.
Humphrey Field Analyser: assessing your field of vision
A visual-field test measures sensitivity at different points across your field of vision. During the test, you look at a central target and press a button when you notice a light.
The resulting map helps us assess visual function and can support the investigation and monitoring of conditions such as glaucoma.
Your results, explained personally
We bring the findings together, explain any changes and discuss whether monitoring, further tests or referral are appropriate. Technology is most useful when it is combined with clinical judgement and advice you understand.
The tests recommended depend on your individual needs and clinical findings. Please ask our team which tests are included in your appointment and whether any additional charges apply.
Never trivialise an eye examination
Many changes develop gradually and may not be obvious in everyday life. Regular examinations give us the opportunity to compare findings over time and advise you promptly if anything requires monitoring, further investigation or referral.
Do not delay looking after your sight and eye health.
Specs Direct Opticians, 129 High Street, Barnet EN5 5UZ.