We welcome you to browse our range of glasses online ahead of time, and even see how they look on your face using our virtual try on tool. A team member can then assist you with those frames and any others you’d like to look at when you’re in-store.
If you have an existing prescription and have brought your glasses along with you, they’ll use a focimeter to measure your existing prescription.
You will then be taken through to the waiting area for some preliminary diagnostic tests before you see the optometrist.
Our team takes pride in delivering quality experiences for all our customers. If you require additional mobility or translation support, we welcome a support person or carer to be present with you in our consulting rooms.
Before you see the optometrist, one of our trained clinical assistants will conduct some diagnostic tests. These tests are performed on all patients and provide your optometrist with vital information to help them assess the health of your eyes.
The first set of tests uses a piece of equipment called a Tonoref, which measures the internal pressure of your eyes, generates an approximate measure of your vision, and measures the curvature and thickness of the front surface of your eye.
These tests allow your optometrist to identify any potential abnormalities, assess your risk of developing glaucoma and help to determine how long or short-sighted you might be.
The second test uses a piece of equipment called an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and takes a series of advanced 3D scans of the back of your eye. This test allows your optometrist to see the granular structures of your eye and identify early signs of potential eye diseases long before they become visible to the naked eye, or you notice anything wrong.
These scans are saved and are useful in monitoring any changes in your eye health on future visits.
As part of our diagnostic testing, and our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible care, you’ll also be offered a short 5 minute hearing screening if you’re over the age of 40 and visiting a store that offers Audiology services.
This test can indicate if you’re potentially experiencing any hearing loss and if so, you’ll be encouraged to book an appointment with one of our qualified audiology professionals for further testing.
Find out more about our audiology services.
Once your diagnostic tests are completed, you’re ready to see the optometrist.
For the optometrist to do their job properly, at times during the consultation they will need to be quite close to you. This is normal, and they will comply with any regulatory guidelines for health care professionals.
Your optometrist will talk to you about your eye health history, your family history and any issues you may be experiencing. They will also review your diagnostic tests and discuss the results with you.
During your consultation, your optometrist will further check the health of your eyes, look for signs of other medical conditions and check your vision.
To check your vision, your optometrist will perform a refraction test which will help determine whether your vision needs any correcting.
To check the health of the front and back of your eyes, your optometrist will use a slit-lamp and lens. A slit lamp is a powerful microscope used to examine the front surface of the eyes and allows the optometrist to check for abnormalities or scratches on your cornea, iris, and lens. With the lens, your optometrist will then examine the structures of the eye and the back of the eye.
This is important as it provides additional clinical information and confirmation of what is visible in the OCT scan and allows your optometrist to look further into the peripheral areas of your eyes.
Depending on the results of your eye test, you may require additional assessments to help your optometrist accurately determine what’s going on with your eye health and make a recommendation for you.
One of these additional assessments is a visual field check which tests the sensitivity of your peripheral (side) vision. This helps to detect blind spots and other visual field defects, which can be the sign of a problem. Visual fields are usually recommended for patients at risk of having glaucoma, but can also be recommended for various other reasons. The test takes about 20 minutes and is a bit like a hearing test but instead of detecting sounds, it involves detecting flashes of light in your peripheral vision.
If your optometrist has trouble gaining a clear view of the structures of your eye during your eye test, or would like to take a closer look at the back of your eyes, they may recommend a dilated fundus examination. This involves some painless eye drops that enlarge your pupils to allow the optometrist to get a better view of the structures in the back of the eye with a lens to thoroughly assess the health of your eyes, and obtain clear images with an OCT. Eye dilation can make your vision blurry and your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours, which can affect your ability to drive or work, so your optometrist will normally recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you home if you require this test.
If your optometrist determines that your vision needs correcting, or that your prescription has changed, you’ll be given a copy of your prescription and an optical dispenser will help you choose frames and lenses, or contact lenses, to suit your prescription and lifestyle needs.
They will start with the wish list that you brought in with you, but can assist you with any other frames that you’d like to look at on the day.
The optical dispenser will take careful measurements to ensure your new glasses fit correctly. This is done using Digital Precision Eyecare technology, which assists the optical dispenser to obtain the important measurements needed to fit your lenses.
Using state-of-the-art software, the optical dispenser can show you how different lens options could enhance your glasses in line with your lifestyle needs using a ‘real time’ demonstration. Once they have taken your measurements, the optical dispenser will send your chosen frames, your measurements and lens selections, to the lab where your glasses will be custom-made for you. They will also arrange an appointment for you collect your new glasses.
A collection and fitting appointment requires a booking and normally takes around 10 minutes. It includes fitting and adjustments to ensure your glasses fit perfectly. A team member will discuss collection options for your convenience, once your order is completed.
