First, we carry out what is referred to as an ‘initial screening’ with one of our optometrists. We use the Oculus Pentacam Corneal Imaging System to map out your cornea (the front part of the eye) in fine detail. Your initial prescription is worked out electronically by the advanced Topcon ‘Autorefractor’. This device is a highly advanced computer-controlled machine that enables us to provide an extremely accurate measure of your prescription.
An imporant part of the procedure then involves an in-depth health check of your eyes. We measure your intraocular pressures using the Goldmann applanation tonometer. Whilst this might sound a bit of a mouthful it’s best to simply think of it as a way of measuring the natural pressure in the eye, like a glaucoma test.
We will then assess your vision in detail using the Thomson computerised chart. The Thomson Test Chart is one of the most powerful and versatile software solutions for optometrists today – it offers a comprehensive suite of tools and tests for distance and near vision testing including the familiar ‘Snellen chart’, LogMAR charts, Refraction targets, Fan and Block test, Duochrome tests and many more. We will need to use some drops which will dilate your pupils so we can look at the full health of your eyes to determine if you are a suitable candidate for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange surgery.
Once we have the results from the various tests, we then consider your career, lifestyle and motivation to decide which sort of intraocular lens would best suit your needs. We will also decide which eye will be treated first, as routinely one eye is treated at a time.
There will be ample opportunity to ask David Gartry any questions, and have the procedure explained to you in full. Lasting approximately 1.5 – 2 hours, the consultation is your opportunity to see for yourself the level of care and attention provided by David Gartry and his team.