Eye tests

If you have problems with your eyes or vision, you may visit your local optometrist for an eye test. Your GP may refer you to an optometrist to review your symptoms.

Most people should have their eyes examined every two years (or every year for children under the age of 16). You may be advised to have an exam more often depending on your age and eye health. Some people are entitled to a free NHS eye test.

If you experience problems with your eyes or notice changes, you should book an appointment with your optometrist.

Problems related to brain tumours may include:

• abnormal eye movements (including a newly acquired turn in the eye)
• persistent/recurrent headache
• suspected loss of vision
• abnormal head position such as wry neck, head tilt or stiff neck
• blurred or double vision and loss of vision.

Preparing for your appointment

The appointment will probably be fairly short, and it can help to be aware of this so that you can provide the optometrist with the relevant information. Below are some tips that may be helpful:

• you may like to write a list of any medication you or your child takes
• you may want to bring any previous prescriptions for you or your child
• you may want to bring any written documents for any eye health problems you or your child have had in the past
• try to think back to when you or your child first noticed changes or symptoms and if they have changed or worsened.

During your appointment

The optometrist will want to examine you or your child. The optometrist will usually:

• check your vision
• assess the movements of your eye muscles
• examine the internal and external eye
• provide you with a prescription.

They may perform extra tests if they feel it is necessary.

The outcome of the appointment can vary depending on the optometrist’s findings:

1. Reassurance that you or your child do not have any signs that require an urgent referral, either where there is a different condition causing symptoms or where there is judged to be little cause for concern. The optometrist should explain his or her reasons for this reassurance. They may refer you or your child to a specialist or a GP if they think there may be a different condition that needs investigating.
2. You may be referred to a hospital eye department or A&E for other urgent tests. This may be due to a suspicion of a brain tumour or other possible causes.
3. For non-urgent further investigation by a specialist, you might be sent to the GP for a referral or to a specialist eye department.
4. If the optometrist believes there is an issue which is not related to the eye, he or she may ask you to see your GP.

At the end of the appointment, make sure you know what’s next. For example:

• if you are expecting to be contacted – when and by who?
• if you need to make another appointment, when should this be?

Get your free Information Pack

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and you don’t know which way to turn, start with our free Information Pack.

Get your free pack today

After your appointment

Follow the next steps discussed with the optometrist. If you don’t hear from your optometrist or specialist within the timeframe you expected to, contact them to follow this up.

Continue to keep a watchful eye on your symptoms. If there are any major changes, phone the optometrist or, if they are closed, visit A&E.