What is an Eye Test at Adelaide City Optometrist?
If you’re thinking about booking an eye test, you might have a few questions running through your mind:
How long will it take? What does it cost? What will actually happen during the appointment?
At Adelaide City Optometrist, we know that clear information makes the process easier and more reassuring. This page is designed to answer the most common questions about eye tests in Adelaide—so you know exactly what to expect, what Medicare covers, and how to prepare.
We’re a locally owned, professional optometry clinic dedicated to comprehensive, personalised eye care. Whether you’re here for your very first eye exam, noticing changes in your vision, or simply overdue for a check-up, we’ll make sure your appointment feels simple, comfortable, and thorough.
More Than Just a Vision Check
An eye test today goes far beyond simply checking whether you need new glasses or an updated prescription. At Adelaide City Optometrist, your appointment is a comprehensive health check for your eyes.
Our optometrists use the latest digital imaging and diagnostic technology to look at both your vision and the overall health of your eyes. This allows us to detect early signs of eye conditions that may not cause noticeable symptoms at first, including:
Glaucoma
Often called the “silent thief of sight,” which can cause irreversible vision loss if left undetected.
Macular Degeneration
A leading cause of vision impairment in Australians over 50.
Diabetic Eye Disease
A complication of diabetes that can damage the retina.
Cataract
Clouding of the eye’s lens that can affect clarity of vision.
By identifying these issues early, we can take steps to protect your vision and overall health. That’s why we recommend regular eye examinations even if your sight seems fine—because your eyes can tell us a lot more than you think.
Preparing For Your Appointment
Preparing for an eye test at Adelaide City Optometrist is simple, and knowing what to expect can make your visit more comfortable and efficient. Whether you’ve already booked your appointment or are still considering it, these tips will help you feel ready.
Practical Tips
Arrive a little early
So you can complete any paperwork and relax before your exam.
Consider your contact lenses
Some tests require you to remove lenses temporarily, so it’s helpful to bring your glasses as a backup.
Prepare questions
Write down any concerns about your vision, digital eye strain, or other eye health issues.
How Long Does an Eye Test Take?
A typical eye test at Adelaide City Optometrist takes around 40 minutes, though some appointments may take a little longer depending on your individual needs.
We don’t rush through your examination—our priority is a thorough, personalised assessment of both your vision and overall eye health. During this time, we check not only your prescription but also screen for conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. By taking the time to carefully review your eyes, we can provide accurate results and practical advice to help protect your vision for years to come.
What to Bring With You
1. Identification
2. Medicare card
If you’d like to claim any eligible rebates.
3. Private Health card
If you have optical extras, you can claim on prescription contact lenses or prescription glasses.
4.Eyewear
Bring your current glasses or contact lenses, including cases and cleaning solutions.
5.Medical history
What to Expect During Your Eye Test
Many people ask, “What do you do in an eye test?” At Adelaide City Optometrist, we break it down into simple, reassuring steps so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Initial Discussion & Pre-testing
Your eye test begins with a conversation with your optometrist. We’ll discuss your vision history, any current concerns, lifestyle factors, medications, and family history of eye conditions. This ensures we understand your eyes in the context of your overall health.
After this discussion, we perform preliminary tests to measure basic vision functions, eye pressure, and eye coordination. These tests are quick, painless, and help guide the rest of your examination.
2. Assessing Your Vision & Prescription
3. Checking Your Eye Health
A crucial part of your eye test is a comprehensive ocular health assessment. We examine the front and back of your eyes, looking for early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
To provide the most accurate evaluation, we use advanced digital imaging and diagnostic technology, including retinal photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. These tools allow us to detect potential issues before they affect your vision, giving you peace of mind and enabling proactive care.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about eye tests. We aim to be transparent so you can feel confident booking your appointment.
How Much is an Eye Test?
The cost of an eye test at Adelaide City Optometrist depends on the type of examination you need. Standard adult and children’s eye tests are $90.00 and Medicare will cover a portion of the test. If you have a concession or pension card, the test may be discounted or bulk billed depending on the case.
Some appointments may include additional tests or specialised assessments—such as advanced retinal imaging ($60) binocular vision testing, or myopia management. These extra services may incur a small out-of-pocket fee, which will always be discussed with you before testing begins.
Does Medicare Cover Eye Tests?
Medicare contributes to standard eye examinations.
For services not covered by Medicare—such as enhanced imaging or specialised assessments—you may incur an out-of-pocket cost. We are happy to explain these fees clearly before your appointment so there are no surprises.
How often can I get an eye test with Medicare?
For eligible patients, Medicare generally covers one standard eye examination every 12 months. Some exceptions may apply for children, older adults, or patients with certain medical conditions, so it’s always worth checking with our clinic if you’re unsure.
- Individuals over 40
- Those with a family history
- People with high eye pressure (intra-ocular pressure)
- Diabetics and those with high blood pressure
- People of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
How often should you get your eyes tested?
Regular eye exams are important for maintaining clear vision and detecting health issues early. Recommended testing frequency varies by age:
Children (up to 16 years)
every 1–2 years, or sooner if vision problems are noticed.
Adults under 40
Every 2 years if healthy, more often if you have vision changes or risk factors.
Adults 40–64
Every 1–2 years, as risk for eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration increases.
Seniors 65+
At least once a year, or as advised by your optometrist, to monitor for age-related eye conditions.
Following these guidelines helps protect your vision and overall eye health before problems arise.
Ready for a clearer, healthier view?
Booking your eye test at Adelaide City Optometrist is simple, thorough, and reassuring. Our personalised approach ensures you leave confident in your vision and eye health.
Take the next step today: Book your comprehensive eye exam and experience Adelaide’s trusted eye care service.