An eye examination or "sight test" as it is known colloquially, can be a health check - for diabetes and so on - as much as a review of your need for spectacles. How often this should be repeated is a function of a number of factors including general health, age and family background - as well as current prescription. Some people may simply just need spectacles or contact lenses to perform a task in comfort - reading, watching television and so on - while for others they may be needed to meet a legal requirement - for example, driving a car safely. But a sight test can often also detect the onset of illness or eye disease which if detected early after its onset could be successfully treated and managed. An example of this is glaucoma.

When you see an optometrist they will use their professional experience to advise you on when you should next have a sight test. This may vary from anything from a few months to a few years. Although, as with everything, professional opinions will differ, there is in fact a reasonable degree of consensus. Back in 1987 Chris French¹ surveyed professional opinions and found the most frequently suggested interval between tests for the "average person" was two years, with 6 months being typical for spectacle-wearing children and one year for senior citizens. Of course, not everyone is "average" and a person's individual circumstances will often dictate intervals shorter and longer than these modes.

Sally is also carrying out "Diabetes Eye Screening" in conjunction with Stockport Health Commission. The aim is that every diabetic should be thoroughly screened for early onset of diabetic changes to the eyes at least once a year. This will result in early treatment of any problems and reduce the risk of sight threatening conditions developing.