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Choosing an optometrist or understanding your eye care can sometimes raise questions. We’ve answered some of the questions we hear most often about eye examinations, children’s vision, myopia management, dry eye, contact lenses and eyewear.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, our team is always happy to help, contact us here.
Eye Examinations
How often should I have an eye examination?
The recommended frequency of eye examinations depends on your age, eye health, prescription and individual risk factors. Regular eye examinations are important even if your vision seems clear, as some eye conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms.
Your optometrist will recommend when you should return based on your individual circumstances.
What happens during an eye examination?
A comprehensive eye examination assesses both your vision and the health of your eyes. Depending on your needs, your optometrist may assess your vision, eye movements and focusing, examine the front and back of your eyes, and perform additional tests to assess eye health.
At Canterbury Eyecare, we also have access to advanced diagnostic technology including 3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Optos ultra-widefield retinal imaging, visual field testing and corneal topography when appropriate.
Can an eye examination detect eye disease?
Yes. An eye examination isn’t just about checking whether you need glasses. Your optometrist also assesses the health of your eyes and can identify signs of conditions affecting the eyes and vision.
Some eye conditions may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, which is why regular eye examinations are an important part of looking after your eye health.
Do I need a referral to see an optometrist?
No. You can book an appointment directly with an optometrist at Canterbury Eyecare. If a health professional, such as your GP or Ophthalmologist has recommended you see us, we would appreciate if you could bring any relevant reports.
If your optometrist identifies a condition that requires further investigation or treatment by an ophthalmologist or another healthcare professional, they can arrange an appropriate referral.
Children’s Vision
When should my child have their eyes tested?
Children can have their eyes tested at any age. An eye examination may be recommended earlier if you have concerns about your child’s vision, eye health or visual development.
Children don’t always realise that the way they see isn’t typical, so an eye examination can be valuable even when they haven’t complained about their vision.
We recommend all children have an eye exam between 3 and 5 years of age.
How do I know if my child may have a vision problem?
Signs can include squinting, sitting close to the television or holding books very close, difficulty seeing the board at school, headaches, avoiding reading, reduced concentration or difficulty with activities that require good visual skills.
However, some children with vision problems may show few obvious signs. A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to assess your child’s vision and eye health.
Can children have myopia management?
Yes. We provide myopia management for children and teenagers who are short-sighted or at risk of developing or progressing myopia.
Your optometrist will assess your child’s eyes and discuss appropriate management options based on their age, prescription, eye growth, lifestyle and individual circumstances.
Learn more about myopia management
How do I choose glasses for my child?
The right glasses should provide clear vision while being comfortable, secure and suitable for your child’s everyday activities.
We can help you choose frames that suit your child’s prescription, face shape, lifestyle and personal preferences, as well as appropriate spectacle lenses.
Myopia Management & Ortho K
What is myopia management?
Myopia management refers to strategies used to help slow the progression of short-sightedness or myopia, particularly in children and teenagers.
Management options may include specialised spectacle lenses, contact lenses and orthokeratology (Ortho K). Your optometrist will discuss the options that may be appropriate for your child.
What is Ortho K?
Orthokeratology, commonly called Ortho K, uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. The lenses are removed in the morning, allowing many patients to see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho K can also be used as one option within a myopia management plan for suitable patients. It can also be suitable for adults with myopic prescriptions.
Is Ortho K suitable for everyone?
No. Ortho K isn’t suitable for everyone, which is why a detailed assessment is important before treatment.
Your optometrist will assess your eyes, prescription, corneal shape, lifestyle and other factors before discussing whether Ortho K may be appropriate for you.
Dry Eye
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, typically, it is when the eyes have an unstable or poor quality tear film which impacts the comfort and function of the surface of the eye. Symptoms can include dryness, burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, watery eyes or a gritty sensation.
There can be a number of different causes of dry eye, so understanding the underlying factors is an important part of treatment.
How is dry eye assessed?
A dry eye assessment looks at your symptoms as well as the health and function of your eyes and tear film. Depending on your presentation, this may include assessment of the tear film, eyelids and meibomian glands, as well as additional tests such as corneal topography.
At Canterbury Eyecare, our optometrists can develop a personalised management plan based on the findings of your assessment.
Does Canterbury Eyecare offer IPL for dry eye?
Yes. Canterbury Eyecare provides IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment for appropriate patients with dry eye and conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction and ocular surface inflammation.
IPL is one part of our broader approach to dry eye management, and your suitability for treatment will be assessed during your consultation.
Learn more about IPL dry eye treatment
Contact Lenses
Are contact lenses suitable for me?
Contact lenses can be suitable for many people, including those who have never worn them before. They can provide an alternative to glasses for everyday wear, sport, work and other activities.
Our optometrists will consider your prescription, eye health, lifestyle and visual requirements when recommending contact lenses.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes. There are contact lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism, including toric lenses.
Your optometrist will assess your prescription and eyes to determine which lens options may be suitable.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?
Some people with dry eye can successfully wear contact lenses, although the type of lens, wearing schedule and management of the underlying dry eye can all make a difference.
If you have dry eyes and are interested in contact lenses, we can assess your eyes and discuss options that may be appropriate for you.
Can I try contact lenses before committing to a full supply?
Yes. At Canterbury Eyecare, we can arrange a trial of suitable contact lenses before you commit to purchasing a full supply.
This gives you the opportunity to experience the vision, comfort and practicality of your lenses, and allows for any further adjustment to the fit or prescription before ordering a full supply.
How do I look after my contact lenses?
Your contact lens care routine depends on the type of lenses you wear. Your optometrist will provide instructions specific to your lenses, including how to handle, clean and store them and when they should be replaced.
Always follow the wearing and replacement schedule recommended for your lenses.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Most contact lenses should be removed before sleeping. Sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of eye complications, including serious eye infections.
If you have been specifically prescribed lenses for overnight wear, follow the wearing schedule and care instructions provided by your optometrist.
Glasses & Eyewear
How do I know if I need glasses?
An eye examination can determine whether you need glasses or another form of vision correction.
Some people notice blurred vision, headaches, eyestrain or difficulty seeing at particular distances, while others may not notice any symptoms at all.
Your optometrist will assess your vision and discuss whether glasses, contact lenses or another option may be appropriate.
Can I wear glasses if I have a strong prescription?
Yes. Modern spectacle lenses can be designed to provide clear, comfortable vision across a wide range of prescriptions.
The most suitable lens design and material will depend on your prescription, visual requirements, frame choice and lifestyle.
Can you help me choose my glasses?
Yes. Our dispensing team would love to help you select frames and lenses based on your prescription, lifestyle, visual requirements and personal style.
As an independent practice, we offer a considered selection of designer eyewear and premium lens options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Still have a question?
Every patient’s eyes and visual needs are different. If you have a question about your vision, eye health, glasses, contact lenses or a specific eye condition, our team is happy to discuss it with you.
