Tests in an Eye Exam: What Each One Checks and How It Feels

Medically reviewed by FYidoctors Editorial Team · Reviewed Nov 6, 2026

Last updated

When families ask FYidoctors optometrists what happens in the exam chair, we explain that tests in an eye exam fall into three groups. Vision tests find your prescription, and teamwork checks cover your pupils, eye movement, side vision and sometimes colour. Health tests check eye pressure and the front and back of your eye; most are quick, and many find them easy.

What to Remember

  • For most tests, you just look and answer.
  • Vision tests find your prescription; health tests look for problems like glaucoma.
  • Dilation drops blur near vision for a few hours, so bring sunglasses
  • Kids who can't read can still be fully tested.

What Tests Are Included in a Standard Eye Exam?

Per the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), a comprehensive eye exam may include:

  • How clearly you see (acuity, focusing)
  • How your eyes work together (movement, coordination, side vision, sometimes colour)
  • How healthy your eyes are (inside and outside)

Content varies slightly by province, and some tests happen only when clinically indicated (CAO position statement). Here's what's included in a comprehensive eye exam.

Tests That Check How Clearly You See

Visual Acuity Test: Reading the Eye Chart

You cover one eye and read a Snellen chart. Reaching 20/20 (6/6 in metric) means normal, not perfect, vision, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The test adapts for kids who can't read, but an eye chart alone isn't a full eye exam.

Refraction: "Which Is Better, One or Two?"

Your optometrist flips lenses in a phoropter while you compare them. There are no wrong answers; close calls are normal. For anyone who can't answer, retinoscopy uses light and lenses instead.

Tests That Check How Your Eyes Work Together

Pupil, Eye Movement and Alignment Checks

A small light shows how your pupils react. Following a moving target shows how your eyes move and team up.

Colour Blindness Test

You name the number or shape hidden in coloured dots. The National Eye Institute (NEI) says about 1 in 12 men have a colour vision deficiency. Optometrists use it when clinically indicated.

Visual Field Test: Checking Your Side Vision

You may look ahead as your optometrist checks side vision, or press a button when a light flashes. Missing some dim lights is part of how a visual field test works. It helps reveal glaucoma-related side-vision loss.

Tests That Check the Health of Your Eyes

Eye Pressure Test: The Air Puff or a Gentle Touch

Your optometrist uses a quick air puff or a gentle pressure-sensitive tip; numbing drops may be used, and the NEI says it doesn't hurt. Because glaucoma often has no early symptoms, pressure matters, but it's one clue, not a diagnosis; learn what an eye exam can detect.

Slit Lamp Exam

Your optometrist uses a slit-lamp microscope to light up your lids, cornea, iris and lens.

Dilated Eye Exam: What the Drops Feel Like

Dilating drops take about 20–30 minutes to work. Near vision blurs and you're light-sensitive for a few to several hours, longer in children and young adults, per the AAO's dilation guide. Arrange a ride, and add sunglasses to your eye exam checklist.

OCT Eye Scan and Retinal Imaging

OCT uses light waves to picture your retina's layers without touching your eye. The AAO's OCT overview says it takes about 5–10 minutes and helps monitor glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

Many FYidoctors clinics offer OCT - check availability at your nearest FYidoctors location; cost varies by clinic and province (eye exam coverage by province).

How Do Eye Exam Tests Change for Kids and Older Adults?

Eye exam tests are tailored to each patient's age, visual needs and overall health.

For older adults, your optometrist may recommend extra tests, like visual fields or imaging, based on age and health. Book family visits back to back; plan a driver for anyone dilated.

When Should You See an Optometrist Right Away?

Seek care immediately at an emergency eye exam, not a routine visit, for:

Otherwise, see an optometrist if you or your child notice changes in vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Air Puff Test Hurt?

No. The NEI says eye pressure testing doesn't hurt. Some clinics use a quick, gentle puff of air, while others use a pressure-sensitive tip, and numbing drops may be used first. Either way, you just keep your eyes open.

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

A comprehensive eye exam at FYidoctors usually varies, depending on the tests you need. Dilation adds about 20–30 minutes while the drops work, and an OCT scan takes about 5–10 minutes. Your clinic can confirm this.

Can I Drive After a Dilated Eye Exam?

It may not be safe. Dilating drops blur near vision and cause light sensitivity for a few to several hours, sometimes longer in children and young adults. Arrange for someone to drive you home, and bring sunglasses for the trip.

Is a Colour Blindness Test Part of Every Eye Exam?

Not always. Optometrists check colour vision when it's clinically indicated. You simply name the shape hidden in coloured dots. If you or your child has trouble telling colours apart, mention it when you book, so your optometrist can include the test.

Can Young Children Do the Tests in an Eye Exam?

Yes, and FYidoctors optometrists adapt each test for kids who can't read or answer. Retinoscopy finds the prescription with light and lenses, no answers needed. Drops are usually used first [VERIFY], so plan for blur and light sensitivity afterward.