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About the test

Your appointment will usually take about 40 minutes but we ask you to allow up to an hour.

Attend your appointment on time. If you arrive early you may have to wait. If you are late, we may not be able to screen you.

We will check your details and ask if you agree to have the test.  We will ask you to read letters or numbers from a chart. You will be asked questions about your eyesight.

Eye drops (called tropicamide) will be put in your eyes. The drops will widen your pupils to allow a better view of the back of your eye.  These may cause a little discomfort, but it will not last for too long.  

You will have to wait for at least 20 minutes to allow the drops to work. Your sight will become blurred and it may be difficult to focus on objects near you.  You may also be sensitive to light.

We will check your eyes to make sure the drops have worked.  You will need to sit in front of a specialised camera.  This will take photographs of the back of each eye. There will be a bright flash when the photos are taken.

 

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