Eye Examinations
EYE EXAMINATIONS
OUR EYE EXAMINATIONS
Using the latest in examination technology we will detect, diagnose and treat, making sure your eyes are cared for.
We can offer all of our patients a wide range of services including;
- Clinical Optometry
- Specialised Examination Technology
- Colorimetry
- Behavioural Optometry
- Visual Perceptual Assessment (VIP)
- Visual Therapy
- Contact Lens Fitting
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
- Ocular Therapeutics
- Low Vision Expertise
HEALTH FUND MEMBERS
WHO’S COVERED?
We welcome all health funds in store and can offer all our patients a number of discounts and deals on a wide range of frames, lenses and contact lenses.
Q Optical Health Fund Network PROVIDER
We are proud to announce that we’ve teamed up with Q Optical Health Fund Network which means we are your preferred provider for
ALL HEALTH FUNDS - major and small.
OFFERS
- No Gap glasses* or
- 50% off a full second pair of glasses, that’s right both frame and lenses* or
- Buy one pair and get a free single vision Buddy Pair* or
- $50 Extra Above your Health Fund Rebate Entitlement* or
- FREE Cancer Council Sunglasses when you buy a full pair of glasses.
- Receive 15% off disposable contact lenses or 30% off if ordering a 12-month supply
Conditions apply.
CLINICAL OPTOMETRY
Our eye care professionals provide an eye examination that is not routine for all optometrists.
OUR CLINICAL OPTOMETRY EXPERIENCE
All routine examinations at Hansen Optometrists provide the best professional eye-care. We will detect, diagnose and treat eye health and conditions that affect vision. This includes eye health conditions from the front of the eye to very back and even including those that can affect the visual pathways in the brain. If these conditions cannot be treated here, then an appropriate, timely referral is provided.
Other eye conditions that affect visual function will be diagnosed and treated such as Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Eye turns, Amblyopia (lazy-eye). Spectacles may be the simple solution or there may be more involved treatments such as Contact lenses, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) or Vision Therapy.
Our eye care professionals provide an eye examination that is not routine for all Optometric outlets. We have a strong grounding in Behavioural Optometry and providing the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies. We look at the whole person and their visual system creating solutions for the best visual function for visually related learning difficulties or appropriated specialised lenses for a sports shooter.
10 REASONS FOR AN EYE EXAMINATION:
- Most eye diseases have no symptoms.
- Family History – Many eye conditions are genetically linked.
- Systemic Disease affects the eye – Hypertension, diabetes and chronic diseases often damage the circulation of the eye.
- Prevention is better than cure – Eye disease damage can be permanent. Fortunately many conditions can be prevented if detected an early stage.
- Environmental Concerns – Environmental conditions such as computer use, UV exposure and smoking can all play a role in affecting the human eye and vision system.
- Vision is our most important learning sense – A child’s learning is 80% visual. Therefore it is highly recommended that all children be seen before 4 years of age to rule out any ocular development problems at an early stage.
- Prescription drugs can affect your eyes – Many drugs can cause side effects or discomfort to the eyes thereby necessitating regular ocular monitoring.
- Contact Lens Wearers – Contact Lenses can cause subtle changes to the cornea. Contact lenses should be inspected on a regular basis to determine their integrity and wearing safety.
- Previous Surgical Patients – Patients who have had Cataract, Retinal or Laser Correction surgery require close monitoring for future changes to the eye tissue.
- Maintain clear, comfortable and efficient vision – The human eye is a finely tuned instrument, a ‘wonder of nature’ that requires expert attention on a regular basis
EXAMINATION TECHNOLOGY
At Hansen Optometrists we use the latest in examination technology. We want to make sure our patients have the best vision care possible and with that we are proud to say we are one of the most clinically and technologically advanced practices in Australia.
We provide the following technologies for your examination;
Digital Retinal Scan
Visual Field Testing
Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Laser Auto Refraction
Corneal Topography
Colorimetry
OPTOMAP IMAGING
WHAT IS OPTOMAP IMAGING?
The Optos Daytona uses two lasers to scan the retina and the underlying choroid right out to an unbelievable 200°. This enables our optometrists to document and monitor ocular pathology outside the view of a standard digital retinal camera.
Optos imaging usually does not require any drops and is suitable for both children and adults.
WHY IS IT BETTER?
For many years Hansen Eyecare Plus has taken standard digital retinal imaging of our patients to monitor for diabetes, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other retinal disorders. One problem with this technology is that standard digital retinal imaging can only capture the central 40° of the retina.
It is vital to detect and monitor peripheral eye conditions such as retinal tears and detachments, haemorrhages due to diabetic retinopathy and genetic disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa. The Optos Daytona enables the early detection and intervention of these eye conditions, which is essential in preventing vision loss.
OCULAR COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
WHAT IS IT OCULAR COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY?
Ocular Coherence Tomography or OCT for short, is a non-invasive imaging test which uses light waves to take a cross section picture of back of the eye.
This equipment provides the very latest retinal imaging technology by producing a 3D image of the layers of the retina, (kind of like an ultrasound or CT scan).
This innovative technology can scan the deeper unseen layers of the retina it can detect, record and monitor the earliest signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, ocular tumors, diabetic and vascular retinal changes.
Due to this technology being so advanced, it is currently not covered under Medicare or your health fund. You will be advised by your optometrist if you require an OCT.
CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHY
WHAT IS CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHY?
Corneal topography, also known as photokeratoscopy or video-keratography, is a non-invasive medical imaging technique for corneal-topography mapping the surface curvature of the cornea, the outer structure of the eye.
This type of medical imaging is crucial in the early detection of eye diseases such as keratoconus and other corneal dystrophies. It is also essentially in fitting specialty contact lenses and orthokeratology.
This specialised imaging maintains Hansen Optometrists mission of providing the best optometric care using the latest technology for both the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease.
DID YOU KNOW
We at Hansen Optometrist have been providing the most professional eye-care examinations for years and are devoted to identifying problems and illnesses and in turn providing the solutions, on our mission to improve patient’s eye sight.
The cornea is responsible for some 70% of the eyes refractive power, its topography is crucial in determining the quality of corneal health and quality of vision.
COLORIMETRY
WHAT IS COLORIMETRY?
Many children and adults suffer from visual discomfort when reading. This can affect reading fluency, concentration and comprehension.
A condition which is also known as “Meares-Irlen” syndrome, refers to specific reading difficulties due to light sensitivity (Pattern Glare Sensitivity) when exposed to disturbing visual patterns. It can be responsible for print distortion and rapid fatigue when reading and the severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person.
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms associated with Pattern Glare Sensitivity include:
- Movement of the printed text
- Blurring of print Letters changing size or shape
- Patterns in the print (sometimes described as rivers or worms)
- Haloes of colour surrounding words
- Tiring easily whilst reading
- Headaches or visual discomfort
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- Continual fidgeting
- Using finger as a marker on the page
- Skipping words or lines
- Frequently re-reading the same line
- Rubbing eyes or blinking frequently while reading
- Poor comprehension of reading content
- Frustration and low self-esteem
These symptoms can occur despite normal vision with approximately 5% of the population severely affected by Pattern Glare Sensitivity and 20% to a lesser degree.
Visual Stress is found to exist in many conditions including:
- Dyslexia
- Photosensitive Migraine
- Photosensitivity Epilepsy
- ADHD
- Head Injuries
- Dyspraxia
- Multiple Sclerosis
Colour has been found to be very beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of Pattern Glare Sensitivity. It is now generally accepted that some people experience an improvement in reading fluency, and a reduction in distortion of text with the use of an appropriate coloured filter.
ABOUT THE INTUITIVE COLORIMETER
The Intuitive Colorimeter enables us to independently change the hue, saturation and brightness of colour to sequentially explore an individual’s “colour space” rather than just using a subjective experience of coloured overlays. A final colour is only prescribed when it clearly demonstrates a reduction in visual stress or improvement in visual processing.
WHO SHOULD HAVE AN INTUITIVE COLORIMETRY ASSESSMENT?
A number of children (and adults) still struggle with reading despite all their visual skills being normal. In these cases an assessment with the Intuitive Colorimeter may provide an additional aid to developing comfortable reading and vision skills.
Tinted lenses on their own are not going to provide an instant improvement in reading skills which are learned over time, but they will enable the individual to develop these skills more readily.
The optimal colour for each individual may change over time so routine re-assessment is recommended.
Anyone who suffers from regular migraines which are triggered by light may find an assessment worthwhile. Brain injury and individuals with neurological challenges might also benefit from an assessment.
DYSLEXIA
Dyslexia is a term used to describe various specific learning difficulties that affect the ability to read and spell. Pattern Glare Sensitivity is not dyslexia but is commonly found in dyslexic individuals. Once Pattern Glare Sensitivity is alleviated with a precision tint then the symptoms associated with other learning difficulties such as dyslexia are easier to cope with.
WHY COLOUR WORKS
It is thought that the symptoms associated with Pattern Glare Sensitivity are due to hyper-excitability of neurons in the Visual Cortex. This means that some of the cells in the part of the brain that deals with processing of visual information work too fast and do not respond in the way they should.
Certain cells in the Visual Cortex are colour sensitive and their pattern of excitation can be changed by placing a colour in front of the eye. It follows that colour can slow and calm these cells reducing the symptoms of Pattern Glare Sensitivity when looking at a visually stressful pattern.
The colour needed to reduce the hyper-excitability is very precise and individual to each person.
FEES FOR INTUITIVE COLORIMETRY ASSESSMENT:
Full Colorimetry Assessment – $ 80
This Fee is not claimable through Medicare or your Health Fund.
DIGITAL RETINAL SCAN
WHAT IS A DIGITAL RETINAL SCAN?
A digital retinal scan is an essential tool in monitoring eye health in people of all ages as it provides a record of the retinal surface, arteries, veins, optic nerve and macular for future comparison.
We have offered this technology for many years and have just installed the latest instrument.
It is painless and of course comes with our many years of experience in interpretation and management of any visual conditions detected.
ANTERIOR EYE IMAGING
The highest level of detail of your cornea, iris, eyelids and sclera can be digitally recorded and archived for monitoring of conditions like pterygium, freckles or tumours, dry eyes and ocular surface disorders.
LASER AUTO REFRACTION
WHAT IS LASER AUTO REFRACTION?
Laser Auto Refraction uses a painless infrared laser to scan and measure the front surface of your eye and the depth of your eye and then calculates exactly the power of a spectacle lens to focus the light perfectly on the back of your eye. It tells us the best possible prescription to give you the clearest vision.
This instrument is extremely accurate and takes the guesswork out of examine those that have difficulty telling us what lens gives them the best eyesight – perfect for children, the elderly or disabled.
VISUAL FIELD TESTING
WHAT IS VISUAL FIELD TESTING?
The visual field test is a measure of your central and peripheral vision (side vision) , and is used by Optometrists to diagnose and monitor different eye conditions.
It can also be used to detect any brain abnormality that may impact on your optic nerve pathway: tumours, bleeds, aneurysms etc. Symptoms including loss of detail, poor side vision, headaches, dizziness and poor night vision may be occurring and require Visual Field testing. However at times there is visual field loss occurring without symptoms as with Glaucoma.
These tests are used to detect reduced sensitivity and blind spots called scotomas in your visual field, which could be a sign of eye disease. Factors including the size, shape and degree of a scotoma offer important clues about the presence and severity of diseases within the eye, optic nerve and visual structures in the brain. Many eye and brain disorders can cause peripheral vision loss and other visual field abnormalities.
The Professionals at Hansen Optometrist provide an eye examination that is not routine for all Optometric outlets. If you are experiencing any difficulties with your vision weather it is a recent change or a slow deterioration, don’t wait, seek professional help and allow one of our Optometrists to offer their professional expertise combined with the latest diagnostic technology to fully assess and treat your visual needs.
LOW VISION EXPERTISE
WHAT IS LOW VISION?
Low vision is when you have lost a significant amount of your eyesight. With low vision it is hard or near impossible to do normal everyday tasks.
HOW WE CAN HELP?
Don’t allow your vision to deteriorate any further, our services provide the attention you need to retrain a strong eye-sight.
SPORTS VISION
WHAT IS SPORTS VISION?
Sports vision, an integral component of human performance.
Many sports we partake in rely on the reception and processing of accurate visual information. You can improve on your athletic abilities in sport by training your visual skills, using sports eyewear or even using contact lenses.
With an assessment in conjunction with visual therapy by our experts, we can improve eye tracking, concentration, focusing and 3D vision, which are just a few of the vision-related skills required for good sports performance
SPORTS SOLUTIONS
Depending on your sport, your visual requirements will determine which eyewear you will need for maximum performance. Whether it be; sunglasses, protective eyewear, contact lenses, etc.
CONTACT LENSES VS GLASSES
Contact lenses have become a necessity and practical visual solution for most sports.
Some of the benefits include:
Greater field of vision
Safer in contact sports
They don’t fog up, get dirty or fall off
Sunglasses can be worn over the top of them
ALLERGIES
WHAT ARE OCULAR ALLERGIES?
Allergy reactions in the eye are mainly associated with hayfever and are usually due to airborne allergens, contact allergens, and reactions to allergens associated with various microbial agents (bacteria, viruses etc).
Sometimes eye allergies can be due to systemic hypersensitivity. In other words, something that is causing an allergic response in the whole body. Hence the only true way to cure an allergy is either to:
- Remove the cause of the allergy. This may not always be practical or it may be difficult to isolate a single allergen as the cause.
- Become desensitised to the particular allergen. Course of immunotherapy provided by an allergist may help desensitise the patient to specific allergens, however, may only be considered in severe cases due to the expense and time involved in testing and the treatment.
ALLERGEN
Most common agents are pollens, animal hairs or dandruff, feathers, mould spores, house dust, insects and scents.
SYMPTOMS
- Patients complain of moderate itching, tearing, burning, and a feeling of pressure behind the eye.
- A stringy discharge maybe present. The eyes may be red with slight swelling in the lids and small papillae (little bumps) under the top and bottom eyelids.
TREATMENT
- Irrigation at least twice daily with lubricating eye drops. Single dose units are very good because they are unpreserved, simple and inexpensive to use. You cannot over use lubricating eye drops and although they do not cure the allergy they will significantly help alleviate the symptoms.
- You can also apply cold compresses (cold face washer) on the closed eyes to help relieve the itchy discomfort.
- Severe symptoms may need a decongestant / antihistamine eye drop.
DRY EYE CLINIC
WHAT IS OUR DRY EYE CLINIC?
Hansen Optometrists offer a dry clinic for people suffering from red, irritated, tired, watery eyes.
Once the underlying cause of the dry eye can be determined, treatment can be better targeted and applied.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE DRY EYE CLINIC?
- Tear production measurement (phenol red thread test and Schirmer test)
- Meibomian gland assessment (including using blephasteam)
- Examination for blepharitis
- Tear duct assessment (including flushing the drainage system)
- Examination for demodex
SOME OF THE TREATMENTS INSTIGATED IN THE DRY EYE CLINIC INCLUDE:
- Meibomian gland expression
- BlephEx for blepharitis
- Topical anti-inflammatories
- Oral Medication
- Tear film supplements and dietary advice
- Demodex Treatments
For more information on dry eye, book into our dry eye clinic or click here.
HANSEN OPTOMETRISTS APP
HOW DOES THE HANSEN OPTOMETRISTS APP WORK?
The Hansen Optometrists App is full of helpful resources and information.
You can, set reminders for when your next lot of contact lenses are due to be ordered, play games to help relieve eye fatigue, watch videos on how to do lid scrubs/massages and plenty more!
Click here to download from the
App Store and
Google Play!