# What happens during an eye test? A step-by-step guide > An eye test takes about 20 to 40 minutes and does not hurt. The optometrist asks about your sight and health, measures how well each eye sees, finds your prescription by comparing lenses, checks how your eyes work together and examines the health of your eyes. You get your results straight away. Source: https://seebetter.co.za/blog/what-happens-during-an-eye-test/ Publisher: See Better (https://seebetter.co.za/) Section: Eye tests Published: 2026-10-11 Last updated: 2026-10-11 ## Key points - A routine eye test takes 20 to 40 minutes and is painless. - It checks both your prescription and the health of your eyes. - Bring your current glasses, a list of your medication and your medical aid details. - There are no wrong answers. If two lenses look the same, say so. ## Step 1: A few questions about you The test starts with a conversation. Your optometrist will ask why you have come, whether you have noticed any changes in your sight, and what you use your eyes for most: driving, screen work, reading, sport. They will also ask about your general health, any medication you take, and whether eye conditions such as glaucoma run in your family. These answers shape the rest of the test, so mention anything that has been bothering you, even if it seems small. ## Step 2: Reading the chart Next comes the part everyone knows. You cover one eye at a time and read letters that get smaller line by line. This measures your visual acuity, which is how sharp your sight is at distance. Children and people who cannot read letters are shown shapes, pictures or letter E's pointing in different directions instead. Your near vision is checked with a small card held at reading distance. [What 6/6 vision means](https://seebetter.co.za/blog/what-does-6-6-vision-mean/) explains how the result is written down. ## Step 3: Finding your prescription This step is called a refraction. The optometrist places different lenses in front of each eye and asks which looks clearer: "one, or two?" Each answer narrows down the lens power that gives you the sharpest and most comfortable vision. People often worry about getting this part wrong. You cannot. If two options look the same, say that they look the same. It tells the optometrist they are close to the right answer. Before asking you anything, many optometrists also take an objective measurement by shining a light into the eye and watching how it reflects, which gives a good starting point and is especially useful for young children. ## Step 4: Checking how your eyes work together Clear sight in each eye is not the whole story. Your optometrist also checks: - how your eyes move and whether they stay lined up - how well they focus on near objects and change focus between distances - your side (peripheral) vision - how your pupils react to light Problems here can cause headaches, tired eyes and double vision, even when the letters on the chart look sharp. ## Step 5: Examining the health of your eyes Using a bright light and magnifying lenses, the optometrist looks at the front of your eye (the lids, cornea and lens) and at the back (the retina, the blood vessels and the optic nerve). This is where early signs of [cataracts](https://seebetter.co.za/blog/cataract-symptoms/), [glaucoma](https://seebetter.co.za/blog/glaucoma-symptoms-and-testing/) and [diabetic eye disease](https://seebetter.co.za/blog/diabetes-and-your-eyes/) are picked up, often before you notice anything yourself. Depending on your age and risk, further tests may be done or recommended, such as measuring the pressure inside your eyes or mapping your field of vision. Occasionally drops are used to widen the pupils for a better view. If so, your near vision will be blurry and lights will seem bright for a few hours, so you should not drive until it wears off. ## Step 6: Your results At the end the optometrist explains what they found. You will hear whether you need glasses, whether your prescription has changed, and whether anything about the health of your eyes needs watching or a referral to a specialist. If you need glasses, you get a written prescription. [How to read your glasses prescription](https://seebetter.co.za/blog/how-to-read-your-glasses-prescription/) explains the numbers on it. ## What to bring to an eye test - your current glasses or contact lenses, and your last prescription if you have it - a list of any medication you take - your medical aid card and your ID - sunglasses, in case drops are used - your questions, written down if that helps ## How a home eye test differs The steps are the same. The difference is that the optometrist brings the testing equipment to you and sets up in your lounge, office or classroom. All you need is a reasonably quiet room and somewhere to sit. At See Better the visit is done by an HPCSA-registered optometrist, and an eye test at home costs R450. Read more in [how an eye test at home works](https://seebetter.co.za/blog/eye-test-at-home-mobile-optometrist-gauteng/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Does an eye test hurt? No. Nothing in a routine eye test is painful. The lights are bright and some tests feel a little odd, such as a soft puff of air or a brief touch used to measure eye pressure, but none of them hurt. ### How long does an eye test take? A routine eye test takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Allow longer if it is your first test, if you are being fitted for contact lenses, or if extra tests are needed. ### Should I wear my glasses to the eye test? Yes. Bring every pair you use, including reading glasses and sunglasses with a prescription. The optometrist measures them and compares them with your new result. If you wear contact lenses, ask when you book whether to wear them or bring them along. ### Can I drive after an eye test? Yes, after a routine test. The exception is when drops are used to widen your pupils. They blur your near vision and make you sensitive to light for a few hours, so arrange a lift or wait until your sight is back to normal. ## About See Better See Better is a mobile optometry practice in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualified, HPCSA-registered optometrist travels to the client's home, workplace, school or event, so there is no practice to visit. - Areas served: Johannesburg, Pretoria (Tshwane), Ekurhuleni (East Rand), the West Rand and the Vaal. - Eye test at home: R450 (cash price). - Eye test + frame + single vision lenses + tint: R1199 (cash price). - Eye test + frame + bifocal lenses + tint: R1699 (cash price). - Eye test + frame + multifocal lenses + tint: R2099 (cash price). - All glasses carry a 1-year warranty. - We are registered with most medical aids and charge at medical aid tariffs. - Book on WhatsApp: +27 66 181 8667 (https://wa.me/27661818667) - Email: info@seebetter.co.za - Website: https://seebetter.co.za/