Network's Comprehensive Eye Examination

Network doctors assess each patient's individual eye care needs and may conduct more or fewer tests, as they deem necessary, to ensure the patient's visual welfare. For example, pupil dilation may be conducted as part of the comprehensive eye examination, if necessary in the doctor's professional judgment. It is important to note that 100 percent of the Network's doctors are Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agent (DPA) certified and 98 percent are Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent (TPA) certified, which is the highest level of license available to optometrists. Described below are the components of the Network's comprehensive exam.

Exam component

What the doctor does

Why it is important

Case history

Determines patient's reason for visit, past visual/health history, medications and ocular symptoms.

To determine the visual areas in which the patient needs assistance and to help determine the final diagnosis.

Visual system evaluation:

Views the retina, optic nerve head, and blood vessels using an ophthalmoscope.

To assess internal eye health and to potentially determine the presence of a systemic disease (such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.)

External and internal examination, including direct and/or indirect ophthalmoscopy

Completes extraocular muscle assessment.

Analyzes pupillary reflexes.

Observes the cornea, lens, iris, conjunctiva, lids and lashes, using a microscope for magnified examination of the front of the eye.

Performs a visual fields screening test.

Conducts tonometry test

To assess neurologic integrity.

To assess neurologic integrity.

To assess the external tissues of the eye to help determine the presence of any ocular or systemic diseases.

To evaluate the ability of the patient to see peripherally.

To aid in diagnosis of or detection of glaucoma (it measures eye pressure.)

Exam component

What the doctor does

Why it is important

Refractive evaluation

Checks visual acuity to determine the clearness of eyesight at 20 feet and at 40 centimeters.

Subjective Refraction

Tests accommodation.

Conducts either keratometry or an objective refraction by retinoscopy or autorefractor.

Aids in determining if a vision problem exists.

Determine the prescription providing the best perceived "clear" vision.

To determine eyes' ability to adjust focus.

Aids in determining the prescription for eye wear.

Other tests include

Binocular function.

To determine the ability of the eyes to work together at near and far distances.

Diagnosis and treatment plan

Makes a final diagnosis and determines the treatment plan for the patient. The diagnosis includes the visual and eye health status. If the doctor suspects a systemic health condition, he or she will use the patient's health plan referral guidelines for further evaluation and treatment.

To identify necessary visual treatments (i.e., corrective eyewear and/or vision therapy) and to ensure the earliest possible intervention for ocular and systemic disease.