# What Happens at an Eye Exam

A comprehensive exam runs through pre-testing, a detailed history, refraction, binocular vision assessment, eye pressure measurement and retinal examination, finishing with a discussion of findings and recommendations.

**In short:** About an hour. Pre-testing, history, refraction, eye health, then a proper conversation.

Knowing what is coming makes an eye exam considerably less tedious, particularly for anyone who has spent visits wondering why they are being asked which is better, one or two, for the eighth time.

The sequence below is the standard path. Everything in it has a diagnostic purpose, and most of the tests are checking for something quite different from what the patient assumes.

## Our process

1. **Pre-testing** (10 to 15 minutes): Lensometry to read your current glasses, refractometry to get a starting point for your prescription, glaucoma screening, corneal topography and Optomap retinal imaging.
2. **Comprehensive history** (5 to 10 minutes): Symptoms, general health, medications, family eye history and how you actually use your eyes day to day. This shapes everything that follows.
3. **Refraction** (10 minutes): The one or two comparison. It refines the automated starting point into a prescription your brain agrees with, because measured optics and perceived clarity are not identical.
4. **Binocular vision assessment** (5 minutes): How well the eyes work together, coordinate and focus at near. A frequent and very treatable cause of headaches and reading difficulty.
5. **Eye health assessment** (10 to 15 minutes): Slit lamp examination of the front of the eye, eye pressure, and examination of the retina and optic nerve.
6. **Doctor recommendation** (5 to 10 minutes): What was found, what it means, what to do about it, and when to come back. Not a receipt handed over at a counter.

## What is included

- Lensometry and refractometry
- Glaucoma screening
- Corneal topography
- Optomap retinal imaging
- Comprehensive history
- Refraction and binocular vision assessment
- Eye health assessment and doctor recommendation


## Questions and answers
**Why do I get asked one or two so many times?**

Because the answer converges. Each comparison narrows the range, and the repetition towards the end is confirming that the endpoint is stable rather than a guess. If two options genuinely look identical, saying so is useful information rather than a failure.

**Do I need to bring anything?**

Your current glasses, your medical and vision insurance cards, a list of medications, and your sunglasses so their UV protection can be checked. If you wear contact lenses, bring the boxes or packaging.

**Can I drive afterwards?**

Yes if Optomap imaging is used instead of dilation. If you are dilated, vision is blurred and light sensitive for several hours, so bring sunglasses and ideally arrange a lift.

**How long does it take?**

Allow about an hour. Appointments are scheduled two per hour so there is time to do the eye health portion properly and answer questions.

## Related

- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/comprehensive-eye-exams/eye-exam-technology
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/about/technology/optomap-retinal-imaging
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/patient-resources/what-to-bring
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/book-an-appointment/comprehensive-eye-exam

---## About this practice
Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, 15215 S 48th St Ste 180, Phoenix, AZ 85044.
Phone (480) 706-3937. Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Independent optometry practice, founded 1994. One location. Does not perform refractive or cataract surgery.
This site publishes no star rating and no review count, because the figures across the practice's own properties contradict one another and cannot be verified.
This page is general information, not medical advice.