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Original poster

Specsavers Visual Field Test

18 replies

TheSplash · 30/03/2018 13:55

I have my eyesight test at Specsavers tomorrow. Last year when I had my test they told me I would have to do a visual field test. Is this test now part of the eyesight test so I will have to do the visual field test again tomorrow?

Also, is it only Specsavers that make you do this test or does every optician have it as part of the eye test now?

Thanks.

OP posts:
WatchoutDSisdriving · 30/03/2018 13:57

Other opticians do it too but it is not required for everybody, so is not usually a standard part of the test.

JonSnowsCloak · 30/03/2018 13:57

Do you have a history of glaucoma in the family? I think that's why I had to have mine last time, so I imagine they will want to do it again if that's the case to check for any changes.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 30/03/2018 13:57

Its standard and very important as it helps test for gradual sight loss you otherwise would miss untill it gets really bad.

Hillarious · 30/03/2018 13:59

Tests carried out by the optician are so important. It was the optician who picked up my friend's brain tumour.

SisyphusDad · 30/03/2018 14:04

Have had it done for years (not Specsavers).

SimonBridges · 30/03/2018 14:05

Most places will do it but only if you are over a certain age of having certain problems.

It’s no big deal to do really.

Dungeondragon15 · 30/03/2018 14:10

They all test over a certain age and some test for any age. You can refuse but why would you want to- are you worried that they will pick up a problem you know you have but don't want them to know about it?

Dungeondragon15 · 30/03/2018 14:11

Do you have a history of glaucoma in the family? I think that's why I had to have mine last time, so I imagine they will want to do it again if that's the case to check for any changes.

Yes, that is why they test me every year. I also get free eye tests.

Notevilstepmother · 30/03/2018 14:17

Why wouldn’t you want to? It’s not complicated or painful, just watch for the lights and click the button.

Yogagirl123 · 30/03/2018 14:22

All the tests performed are essential to ensure your eyes are healthy, why would you chose not to have them? If they are included within the eye test.

Original poster
TheSplash · 30/03/2018 14:27

I was seen by a hospital specialist back in 2011 as my eye pressure was a bit high. My eye pressure since then has been in the normal range but the specialist advised I have yearly eye tests which I get free.

The problem I found with the visual field test was that the room I had to do the test in was obviously pitch black and I had to sit with my back to the door whilst doing the test. I have always had a problem with this as I keep thinking someone is coming though the door behind me and will creep up behind me and I cannot concentrate on what I am doing. I know I sound weird but I've always had this problem. In my last job I had a similar set-up where my back was facing the door and I couldn't bear it and had to get my employer to move all my work equipment round so that I could look in the direction of the door! I need to be able to see what is going on otherwise the slightest noise behind me makes me really jump.

If I remember correctly I had to do that visual field test more than once last year cos I did so badly on it the first time. I eventually managed to scrape through it but didn't find it a great experience because of the above reason.

OP posts:
Dungeondragon15 · 30/03/2018 14:36

I would try to find somewhere where the set up is different then. I have been to at least one optician where the test was just done in an area off the side. Also, would it help if someone you trust is in the room with you?

Original poster
TheSplash · 30/03/2018 15:04

I just asked my teenage daughter if she fancied coming with me but she suddenly remembered something really urgent she has to do in the morning. So I think that's a 'no' then.
Maybe I'll take some Bach Rescue Remedy before I go, that might help. Worth a try, I suppose.

OP posts:
underneaththeash · 30/03/2018 15:05

Visual field analysis is one of the tests done to detect glaucoma, so although you can of course refuse to give consent to any medical test, its really vital in someone with a history of high eye pressure that they have it done.

Would you feel more comfortable for the person conducting the test to stay with you? If so, I'd speak to the Optometrist tomorrow and let them know your worries and see if they can arrange it. Many visual screeners are on wheels, so it may be possible to swing it round so that your back is against the wall.

As a PP has said, some practices have a different position for their field screener and that could be an option.

Footle · 30/03/2018 15:24

Do tell the optician so he or she has a chance to help you!

Original poster
TheSplash · 30/03/2018 15:32

You're right, I think I will say something to the optician when I arrive for my appointment. I was so stressed out last year that all I wanted to do was get the appointment over and done with and get the hell out of there but I didn't tell them anything about my little 'problem'.

OP posts:
MasonJar · 30/03/2018 15:47

I need this test every year as had a torn retina repaired.
Would get very stressed as hated having one eye covered, and it seemed to take ages. Usually ended up having to repeat it.
Last time I practiced with an online test before I went - of course not exactly the same but gets you used to seeing the lights with one eye. It really helped and got a good result first time at the opticians.

PutTheBunnyBackInTheBox · 30/03/2018 15:48

Would it help if the door was locked or a chair in front of it? I'm sure if you mention this to the optician they'd help in some way.

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