At West Coast optical, we offer free sight testing with any eyewear purchase for clients between the ages of 19 and 64.

Sight testing or “auto refraction” uses equipment and a sophisticated computer program to test and measure your vision.  It calculates whether you could see more clearly with the help of corrective lenses and it determines the strength of the lenses you may need.  This test is conducted by a licensed refracting optician who is specially trained to conduct automated sight testing.  Refracting opticians are not trained nor licensed to give the eye exams to determine eye health.


This automated vision test can help determine the right prescription for your eyes to help you see more clearly.  However, it cannot tell you if your eyes are healthy or if you have other underlying illnesses that may be changing your vision.

WHO SHOULD HAVE AN AUTOMATED SIGHT TEST?

If you are between the ages of 19 and 65, are in good health, have not experienced any sudden change in vision or unusual visual symptoms, then auto-refraction is a safe and effective way to test your vision.  In between regular eye health exams, it can also be used to update your prescription to ensure your lenses are helping you see most clearly.  Those individuals under 19 or 65 and over, are covered by B.C. Medical.  Check with a local optometrist to see if any additional charges apply.

WHO IS NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE AN AUTOMATED VISION TEST?

Research and experience have shown the equipment is safe for all individuals; however, some people are not eligible for automated sight testing.  Those who fall within the eligible age group may be excluded from sight testing if they have certain illnesses or injuries.  Such as: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, recent unusual visual symptoms, or if they have undergone recent eye surgery.  Individuals in these categories should have more frequent eye-health examinations to monitor their eyes for potential eye-health changes.

WHO CONDUCTS COMPLETE EYE-HEALTH EXAMS?

A complete eye health exam is conducted by either:

-an OPHTHALMOLOGIST –a medical doctor specially trained in eye disorders, eye examinations, eye surgery, and eye treatment.

-an OPTOMETRIST –a health professional licensed to examine the eyes to detect the presence of vision problems and eye disorders and dispense corrective lenses.