Where’s The Best Place To Get An Eye Test In Queensland?
Looking for the best place for an eye test or to have problems with your eyes checked in Queensland? Whether you are in Brisbane, Cairns, Mt Isa or somewhere in between there are various types of businesses across Queensland that offer basic eye testing, including walk-in pharmacies. It can be confusing to know what these tests offer and how they differ from eye tests offered by eye care specialists. If you’re unsure where you should go if you’re worried about your eye health, have wondered if you need glasses, or have noticed changes to your eyesight and want to determine if it’s normal or a potential cause for concern, here’s what you should know.
Simply put, standard pharmacy testing may tell you if you could benefit from basic, off-the-shelf reading glasses. The test is typically performed by retail employees with limited training and experience. An eye exam with a qualified eye care professional like those at the Optical Warehouse, however, is a much more comprehensive test that will give you significantly more precision on what is best for your eyes and vision, while also assessing your general eye health. It is performed by qualified eye care specialists. As the early signs of eye problems (like glaucoma or retinopathy) are often very subtle, having a qualified eye care professional and their knowledge with you through your testing can significantly alter the outcome of your test - and your quality of life for the long-term.
Here’s a closer look into how you and your eyes can benefit from a professional eye test, including why the Optical Warehouse is the preferred eye testing provider.
There Is No Substitute For A Professional Eye Test
The simplest analogy that we can use to explain the difference between a basic and a comprehensive eye test is merely looking at the symptoms versus looking at the cause (and all the implications from this cause). While basic eye tests may give you an overview of “what” the outcome of your vision currently is, it doesn’t give you insight into the “why” that considers your own personal factors and history. It also doesn’t tell you about your risks, it doesn’t tell you what you should be doing to help prevent your eyes from further deteriorating, and it doesn’t give you a customised solution - other than telling you to go see an eye care professional in many cases.
When we talk about basic eyesight tests, we mean those that are similar to what you may have seen in your doctor’s office or pharmacy. This test often involves standing a few metres away from a poster and reading out different sizes of letters while closing one eye at a time. Basic tests such as these can give a broad indication of some vision loss, however, they can tell little about:
• Why this vision loss is happening
• How to prevent it from worsening
• Your manageable risk factors
• How to best manage it with targeted treatment
More so, without the support and follow-up of a qualified eye care professionals, there are:
• No further investigations to explore what other conditions may be co-occurring within your eyes, unless a referral to an eye clinic is made which leads you into a comprehensive eye exam
• No resources or experience to provide effective treatments
• No continuity of care over time throughout your eye health journey, leaving many people with more questions than answers
In contrast, comprehensive eye exams such as those provided at the Optical Warehouse, go far beyond what this initial test can measure. In a comprehensive eye exam, a registered optometrist or eye care professional uses a gentle approach combined with innovative medical technology to detect:
• Refractive errors that make objects appear blurry such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (blurry vision for both near and far), presbyopia (mature vision), and amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Colour blindness
• Diseases and conditions such as Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration
• Complications from diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol
• Early warning signs or risk factors for future concerns
Our Optical Warehouse clinics use a wide range of examination techniques, including Digital Retinal Photography and Optical Coherence Tomography scans, to go beyond simply assessing eyesight and help to identify diseases and conditions as early as possible.
How Often Should Australians Get Their Eyes Tested?
All Australians should have an eye test every two years with a registered eye care practitioner as per our national guidelines.[1] This holds true even if you have no eye problems or risk factors. If you’re over the age of 65 years then your eye tests should be performed annually. If you’re already experiencing any disturbances or changes in your vision, then this test should be conducted promptly.
Many eyesight changes and symptoms of disease occur very slowly over time. This means that many people won’t notice the subtle changes until they become significant, and notable damage may have occurred. This is why regular comprehensive eye exams are important to best support your long-term vision and pick up on issues as soon as they arise, allowing the right, timely steps taken to help you get the best outcomes for your eye health.
The Optical Warehouse For Eye Tests In Queensland
Our team combines years of expertise with the latest technology and treatments, to give you the best care for your eyes with our eye care professionals. Our clients love:
• Our focus on prevention
With up to 90% of all vision loss being preventable, we strongly believe in taking a preventative and proactive approach to each person’s eye care, as well as utilising early detection techniques and technology to help protect and promote vision and overall eye health. We know how important your eyesight and eye health are for your overall well-being, and your ability to stay independent and enjoy doing the things you love.
There are many eye diseases that have few or no early symptoms, and they can develop at any age. This is why we recommend having regular eye health checks with our team of experienced optometrists, who use their comprehensive knowledge paired with digital tools to help track subtle changes in your eyes over time, and pick up on any concerns as soon as they arise, so you can start your treatment and management plan as soon as possible.
• Our innovative equipment and advanced specialist services
We offer specialised vision testing, alongside advanced treatment options and preventative strategies. Our optometrists can fit you with uniquely tailored prescription lenses, frames and contact lenses to best correct your eyesight and suit your vision needs, your lifestyle, and your preferred aesthetics, including designer eyewear with many leading international and independent brands.
Our optometrists have expertise in treating refractive errors effectively to reduce vision-related headaches and eye strain, and help give you the freedom to do the things you love. In children, treatment for amblyopia may also include eye patches, eye drops, or visual therapy, and consultations for contact lenses or for people with specific health requirements can also be easily arranged.
As well as our comprehensive eye exams, we offer a variety of specialist services using modern equipment for maximum comfort, including Retinal Photography and Optical Coherence Tomography, which can help identify a range of eye diseases in their early stages, including:
• Diabetic changes or retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Retinal vascular changes
• Retinal detachment
We also offer targeted care for a wide range of eye conditions, whether you suffer from dry eyes, colour impairment, eye strain, or a medical condition such as diabetes, high-blood pressure or glaucoma, and more. Every treatment plan is designed uniquely for your needs, preferences, and to help optimise your quality of life.
• Our friendly, experienced and highly-qualified staff
Beyond our innovative equipment and evidence-based optometry care, we have a world-class team of passionate and dedicated eye health professionals that understand that everyone has different preferences and priorities for their glasses and optical care, and so work closely with you to help you stay comfortable and confident at every step of the journey.
We understand how unnerving it can feel to experience a disturbance or problem with your eyes and vision, so we ensure we take the time and care to explain our findings carefully, answer all of your questions, and leave you feeling confident about the best approach to treatment and the outcomes you can expect.
• Our flexible payment options
We offer bulk-billed comprehensive eye exams for all eligible Australians with a valid Medicare card, and we also work extensively alongside the DVA, NDIS and health funds. If any additional costs may be incurred due to your individual eye conditions that require additional testing, we will advise you of this at your appointment.
• Our range of stores across Queensland
We have a range of stores across Queensland, including in the Brisbane CBD on George Street, Browns Plains, Capalaba, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Stafford and Strathpine.
Don’t delay treatment, get your eyes checked today. To book your comprehensive eye exam, contact one of your local clinics here.
[1] https://www.visionaustralia.org/information/eye-health/eye-care
