Visual Field Tests and Dilated Fundus Examinations play valuable roles in assessing and monitoring eye health. Your optometrist may recommend one or both of these additional services. These tests enable the detection and monitoring of various eye conditions, and are usually bulk billed to Medicare.
Visual Field Test
A Visual Field Test (VFT) measures the horizontal and vertical range of your sight when focusing on a central point. You will be asked to press a button when you see a small flash of light appear in different positions of your peripheral vision, creating a map of your range of vision. This process is able to identify abnormal blind spots in your vision.
When our eyes work together to create a picture of the world around us, we may not notice these blind spots in our vision. By performing this test one eye at a time, the health of each eye is assessed independently.
Dilated Fundus Examination
A Dilated Fundus Examination (DFE) involves eye drops inserted by the optometrist to dilate your pupil and allow them a better view of the back of your eye. This ensures a thorough examination of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
A DFE is often required for conditions such as:
. Diabetic Retinopathy
. Age-related Macular Degeneration
. Optic nerve health e.g. “cupping”, often caused by high ocular pressure
. Retinal Detachment
Each of these conditions can directly impact vision.
YOUR NEXT EYE TEST
Feel free to ask your optometrist about DFE and VFT assessments during your next visit to The Optical Superstore.
These tests may be bulk billed to Medicare.
FIND A STORE NEAR YOU
Schedule an appointment with an optometrist. Most eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare.
