12 Types of Eye Tests

Published on July 19th, 2024

Updated on March 21st, 2025

There is a range of eye tests that an optometrist or ophthalmologist may carry out to assess the health of the eye and test vision. The different types of eye exams an optometrist may carry out include a visual acuity test, visual refraction assessment, visual field test, a slit lamp exam, tonometry test, colour vision test, corneal topography, pupil dilation exam, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography and an ultrasound. It is important to note that not all of these tests may be included, and every optometrist can have different testing procedures. They will use the necessary tests according to your visual requirements. The different types of eye exams are listed below.

Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test measures how sharp a person’s vision is.
Visual refraction assessment: A visual refraction assessment measures how well the eye refracts light.
Visual field test: A visual field test is used to measure peripheral vision.
Slit-lamp exam: A slit-lamp exam is used to help an optometrist get an in-depth assessment of the eye.
Tonometry Test: A tonometry test is used to measure pressure in the eye.
Colour vision test: A colour vision test is used to determine whether someone has colour vision deficiency.
Corneal topography: Corneal topography is an imaging technique that maps the surface of the cornea.
Pupil dilation exam: A pupil dilation test helps to determine how well the pupils are functioning.
Fluorescein angiography: Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses dye and a camera to assess blood vessels in the retina.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Optical coherence tomography (OCT)is a type of non-invasive imaging that captures pictures of the retina.
Fundus photography: Fundus photography refers to a process of taking images of the structures at the back of the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve.
Ultrasound (A-scan, B-Scan): Ultrasounds, including A-scan and B-scan, are used to create images of the eye.

Retinal imaging and formalized visual field testing may not be provincially covered. It is always best to double-check what eye care you may be covered for, before your appointment.

1. Visual Acuity Test

A visual acuity test is a test that measures how sharp your central vision is. A visual acuity test involves a Snellen chart or a LogMAR chart and helps to measure how clear your vision is, by getting you to read letters from a chart at a certain distance. The letters decrease in size as you read down each row, which helps the optometrist evaluate how well you can read differing sizes of letters from a certain distance.

2. Visual Refraction Test

A visual refraction assessment is used to measure how well the eye refracts light and informs an optometrist if you need prescription glasses. Refraction refers to how your eye bends light as it passes through the lens and lands in relation to your retina. If the light is not hitting the retina properly this can lead to refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. During a refraction assessment, the optometrist may have you look through a device while looking at a chart or image. While this is taking place, the optometrist will change the lenses, which will help them decide on the type of prescription you require. A retinoscopy may be used to help measure refractive errors.

3. Visual Field Test

A visual field test is used to evaluate peripheral vision and how well you can see through each eye individually. A visual field test will involve being positioned in front of a machine that shows flashing lights of differing intensities which you record your responses to by clicking a button. A visual field test can help detect certain vision issues and eye diseases such as glaucoma.

4. Slit-lamp Exam

A slit-lamp examination involves an optometrist using a microscope to examine all parts of the eye. An optometrist may use eye drops to dilate the pupils beforehand, so they can look at the deeper structures of the eye.

5. Tonometry Test

A tonometry test is used to measure the pressure of the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. A tonometry test is carried out using a machine that blows small puffs of air into your eyes. Tonometry tests can help an optometrist determine whether a person is at risk of developing glaucoma. There are different types of tonometry tests including applanation tonometry which involves slightly flattening the eye with a tool to test eye pressure.

6. Colour Blind Test

A colour vision test refers to a test someone can take to determine if they have colour deficiency, which affects how a person sees certain colours. Types of colour vision tests include an Ishihara test (colour plate test) and a colour hue test ( colour arrangement test).

7. Corneal Topography

Corneal topography refers to a non-invasive imaging technique that gives an overview of the surface of the cornea. Corneal topography maps the cornea, meaning it gives an overview of the cornea’s shape and curvature. According to the Optometrists Network, corneal topography is used to help detect corneal diseases and conditions.

8. Pupil Dilation Exam

A pupil dilation exam, also known as a pupil function test, is used to assess the physical condition of your pupils which may involve shining a light on each of your pupils to test if they constrict in response to light. An optometrist will record the size and shape while this takes place.

9. Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography is an eye test that uses a dye and a camera to give a picture of the blood vessels, and other structures, in the retina. During a fluorescein angiography, an eye care professional will take images of the retina. After these initial images, a special dye called fluorescein is injected into a vein in the arm, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It then travels around the body, to the blood vessels in the retina, and photos are taken of how the dye moves through the blood vessels. An eye care professional may also dialate the pupil to see the retina clearer. A fluorescein angiography can help diagnose eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.

10. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a type of non-invasive imaging that uses light waves to take an image of the retina. An eye care professional will OCT to take images of the tissues in the back of the eye, including the retina, macula and optic nerve. An OCT machine can help to detect eye conditions including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

11. Fundus Photography

Fundus photography refers to the process of using a fundus camera to take images of the structures in the back of the eye such as the retina, optic nerve and macula. According to Mishra and Tripathy in the paper Fundus Camera, fundus photography uses multiple lenses, a camera and the principle of indirect ophthalmoscopy to take these images.

12. Ultrasound (A-scan, B-scan)

In optometry, ultrasounds, including A-scans and B-scans, are used to help create images of the eye. According to the National Library of Medicine, an A-scan ultrasound is used to measure the length of the eye, usually before cataract surgery to determine the power of a lens implant. B-Scan ultrasounds are used to capture images and information about the back of the eye, particularly when certain eye conditions are obstructing the view of the back of the eye.

What is the Purpose of Eye Tests?

The purpose of eye tests such as visual acuity tests and slit-lamp exams, is to assess the overall health and function of the eyes. Generally, eye tests will be conducted by an optometrist, who will use optometry equipment such as a phoropter, slit lamp microscope and tonometry machine to detect eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, as well as diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, and cataracts. Certain eye tests may also help to detect medical conditions or health concerns such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which may show signs of damage in the eye.

A person getting an eye test from an optometrist.

How Does an Eye Test Work?

The way an eye test works depends on the type of test being done. Most eye tests such as a tonometry test or visual acuity test, are done as part of a full eye examination. A person will come to an optometrist's office, receive pre-testing,and then have an eye exam with an optometrist. During the eye exam, an optometrist may use certain tests to assess your eye health. If a person is getting a tonometry test as part of this eye exam, the test will work by directing a small puff of air from a machine to the surface of the eye until the cornea flattens, to test intraocular pressure.

How Important are Eye Tests?

Eye tests such as visual acuity tests and tonometry tests, are hugely important they allow an optometrist to assess your eye health and vision. These eye tests may allow optometrists to detect any eye diseases early and begin treatment promptly so that the effects of the disease can be minimised. Eye tests can also help to diagnose health conditions that show symptoms in the eye such as diabetes, thyroid disease, neurological disease and cardiovascular disease.

How Often Should you Get your Eyes Checked?

It is recommended that you get your eyes checked with an optometrist every 1-2 years. If you have any vision problems, an optometrist may recommend more frequent eye exams. If you are considered high risk due to a health condition, such as diabetes, you will also likely need eye exams more frequently. You may also need an eye exam if you have noticed any vision changes. These can include blurry vision, eye strain, seeing spots, headache or migraines and sore or red eyes. If you are due for an eye exam, you can use our store locator page to find an independent optometrist located adjacent to our Oscar Wylee stores. Come in and see us for dedicated and comprehensive eye care.

How to Know What Vision You Have?

The best way to know what vision you have, usually referring to your visual acuity, is to get an eye examination with an optometrist. Visual acuity refers to the measurement of your central visual field and is measured in a fraction, such as 20/20. If a person wants to get their visual acuity measured, they should get an eye exam.

When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

It is recommended that you have a routine eye exam every 1-2 years. If you have any vision problems, an optometrist may recommend more frequent eye exams. If you are considered high risk due to a health condition, such as diabetes, you will also likely need eye exams more frequently. You may also need an eye exam if you have noticed any vision changes. These can include blurry vision, eye strain, seeing spots, headache or migraines and sore or red eyes. If you are due for an eye exam, you can use our store locator page to find an independent optometrist located adjacent to our Oscar Wylee stores. Come in and see us for dedicated and comprehensive eye care.

Can you Get an Eye Test Online?

Yes, you may be able to get certain eye tests online to measure visual acuity, but this should never replace an actual eye test with an optometrist. At home Snellen Charts, which are used to measure visual acuity, may be found online. Other eye tests that may be found online include colour vision tests. Whilst these eye tests may indicate that you have colour blindness or your visual acuity is not what it should be, these should not replace an eye test with an optometrist. Eye tests are important as they allow an optometrist to assess not just how sharp your vision is, but also your eye health, diagnosing and treating diseases that may harm your health.

Can Optometrists Conduct Eye Tests at Home?

Optometrists do not generally conduct eye tests such as visual acuity or tonometry tests at home. For a person to get an eye test, they are generally required to go to an optometrist's office as there are many devices, such as Optical coherence tomography (OCT) machines, that will be needed to allow an optometrist to assess vision and eye health.

What are the Advantages of Eye Tests?

The advantages of eye tests include the detection of eye conditions, the optimization of clear vision and the detection of generalized health conditions. The advantages of eye tests are listed below.

Vision optimization: Vision optimization is one of the major advantages of eye exams. During an eye exam, an optometrist will assess your vision which can help in the diagnosing of refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism. By optimizing your prescription at all distances, your optometrist will ensure that you see not only clearly but comfortably.
Detect eye conditions: Detecting eye conditions is a major advantage of eye tests. During an eye exam, an optometrist will check the structures of the eye for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, even if a person does not have symptoms. This means that the diagnosis of eye conditions can be made early and in turn, treatment may be able to reduce the impact of these conditions.
Detect health conditions: An eye test may help to detect certain health issues that display symptoms in the eye such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease and thyroid disease. Not only are eye exams crucial in maintaining your eye health, but they can also provide important insight into your wider, general health. Your optometrist may be able to detect these during a regular eye exam and give recommendations for further treatment by a healthcare provider.

What Common Eye Conditions Can an Eye Test Diagnose?

There are a range of common eye conditions that an optometrist will be able to diagnose through eye tests such as tonometry tests or refraction tests, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, dry eyes and age-related macular degeneration. The common eye conditions that eye tests may help to diagnose are listed below.

Myopia: Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, refers to a refractive error in which distance vision is blurry, but near vision is clear. Myopia may be diagnosed during an eye exam through a visual acuity or refraction test.
Hyperopia: Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, refers to a refractive error that causes near vision to be blurry and far vision to be clear. Hyperopia may be diagnosed during an eye exam by a refraction test or a visual acuity test.
Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a refraction error in which a misshapen lens or cornea leads light to focus incorrectly on the retina, causing visual issues such as blurry vision. Astigmatism may be diagnosed during an eye exam by a visual acuity test or a refraction test.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged, leading to vision loss. Glaucoma can be diagnosed during an eye exam in multiple ways, including using a dilated eye exam.
Cataracts: Cataracts refer to a clouding of the eye's lens which can start to obscure your vision. Cataracts are often related to changes in the eye as a person ages, or can be expedited by exposure to ultraviolet light, poorly managed diabetes or as a results of certain medications, according to Health Direct.
Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the white part of the eye. There are three main types of conjunctivitis; viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes refer to an eye condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the quality of tears is not adequate. Symptoms of dry eyes can include a burning sensation, itching eyes or watery eyes.
Age-related macular degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects central vision. Age-related macular degeneration is caused by damage to the cells of the macula, according to Health Direct.

$An illustration of three eyes, one with glaucoma, one with a refractive error and one with cataracts, demonstrating some of the eye conditions and eye exam can diagnose.$

How to Book an Eye Test?

The way to book an eye test such as a tonometry test or visual acuity test at Oscar Wylee, you must first go to the Oscar Wylee Canada website, click on book an eye exam, pick a location from those displayed or search for your location, selecting a date and time, providing your details and visiting us in-store for the eye exam. A person can also phone their local Oscar Wylee store or visit us in-store to book an eye exam. The way to book an eye exam at Oscar Wylee is listed below.

Go to the Oscar Wylee Canada website: Go to the Oscar Wylee Canada website and make sure that you are on the home page.
Click on book an eye exam: Click on book an eye exam to take you to the booking page on the website. There are several buttons throughout the home page that will take you to the booking page, including at the top of the page.
Pick a location: Pick a location from the list of Oscar Wylee stores that will come up when you first come to the booking page. You can also search for a location in the search bar at the top of the page.
Select a date and time: Select a date for your appointment, then pick a time and confirm.
Provide your details: Provide your details so our team knows a bit more about you and how to get in contact with you, then confirm.
Visit us in-store for an eye exam: Visit us in-store on the confirmed date and time for your eye exam.
Phone your local Oscar Wylee store or visit us in-store: Alternatively, a person may phone their local Oscar Wylee store or visit us in-store to book an appointment directly with our staff.

Are Eye Tests and Eye Exams the Same?

An eye exam and an eye test generally refer to the same thing, which is a procedure in which an optometrist, or other health care professional, will assess the eyes. This procedure may be referred to as an eye exam or eye test, depending on the country a person is in. A vision test, or an eyesight test may refer to the individual test that assesses how sharp and clear the vision is, known as visual acuity. A vision test or eyesight test is usually conducted as part of an overall eye exam with an optometrist.

Where to Get Eyes Tested?

Oscar Wylee has a range of locations throughout Canada where a person can get an eye exam nearby. Oscar Wylee has stores in Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia.

Does Oscar Wylee Conduct a Driving Licence Eye Test?

Yes, independent optometrists located at Oscar Wylee can perform eye tests to assess if your vision is good enough to hold a motor vehicle driving licence. They can also fill out the appropriate paperwork.

Are Prescription Glasses Needed After an Eye Test?

Whether a person will need prescription glasses after an eye test is dependent upon the individual's eye health and the results of an eye exam. If a person’s eyes are healthy and vision clear, they may not need a prescription for glasses. If a person is having difficulty seeing and an optometrist has discovered a visual issue such as a refractive error, then a prescription for glasses may be recommended.

A person selecting prescription glasses after getting an eye exam with an optometrist.

Read 12 Types of Eye Tests in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.