Our Diagnostics

Looking after your eyes is more than just having clear vision. Regular, ongoing checks of your eye health are important for the early detection of potential eye diseases, many of which have few symptoms in the early stages. Early detection, in most cases, enables a wider range of treatment options and better long-term outcomes. Some of the primary diagnostic tools we use are briefly described below.

Auto-refractor

An auto-refractor is a computer-controlled instrument used during an eye examination to provide an objective measurement of your refractive error; measuring how the light is changed as it enters your eye. This helps to determine the correction required with lenses or contact lenses, without you having to give a response.

Corneal pachymetry

A pachymetry test is a very quick and painless test used to measure the thickness of your cornea. The thickness of your cornea is an important factor in accurately diagnosing ocular hypertension and glaucoma, evaluating suitability for refractive surgery, as well as managing certain corneal conditions.

Corneal topography

Corneal topography is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures the shape, curvature, power and thickness of your cornea, as well as providing very fine details regarding the condition of the surface. This detail is used to diagnose, monitor and treat various anterior eye conditions, in the fitting of contact lenses and when planning for surgery, including laser vision correction.

Melbourne Edge Test

Melbourne Edge Test is used to measure contrast sensitivity function (ability to detect a target of low luminance). Typically, most optometric procedures look at high contrast targets but our everyday experiences involve the recognition of low colour or luminance against busy backgrounds, such as being able to detect a kerb on the side of the road or the edges of steps. A person can have reasonable vision when reading the letter chart but then struggle with everyday living activities due to poor contrast sensitivity.

Optical coherence topography (OCT)

Optical coherence topography is an advanced, non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section images of your eye (anterior and posterior). Each distinctive delicate layer of your retina can be mapped and measured to help with early detection, monitoring and treatment guidance for eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. It is also used to evaluate the ocular surface, cornea and anterior chamber structures.

Retinal photography

Retinal photography gives us a good baseline of your eye health for future comparisons. The digital images show the back of the eye, including the retina, the optic disc, macula and blood vessels of the eye.

Slit lamp

A slit lamp is a microscope with a bright light that is used to closely examine the front structures of the eye, especially the cornea, tear film, lens and anterior chamber.

Visual field testing (computerised perimetry)

Your visual field is the area your eye can see when you are focusing on a central point. Moderate and severe cases of peripheral vision loss create the sensation of seeing through a narrow tube, a condition commonly referred to as tunnel vision. A visual field test is an eye examination that determines the full horizontal and vertical range and sensitivity of your vision. A visual field test is used to detect blind spots in your vision, as well as for monitoring the progression of field loss in certain conditions, such as glaucoma.