Basic eye Exam
Laser eye surgery
Your Gateway to Clear Vision and Lifelong Eye Health



At Osman’s Optical, our Basic Eye Exam is more than just a vision check—it’s a comprehensive assessment of your eye health, tailored to catch issues early and keep your sight sharp. Performed by HPCSA-registered optometrists using cutting-edge technology, this exam is your first line of defense against preventable vision loss.
What's included in a basic eye exam?
1. Case History & Lifestyle Assessment
Purpose: Identify risk factors (e.g., family history of glaucoma, diabetes, screen time habits).
What We Ask:
Current symptoms (headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes).
Occupation (e.g., prolonged computer use for office workers).
Hobbies (e.g., sports requiring protective eyewear).
3. Refraction Assessment
Process: Use a phoropter to determine precise prescription for glasses/contacts.
Technology: Automated refractors for accuracy + manual fine-tuning by your optometrist.
5. Binocular Vision Test
Focus: Eye teaming, tracking, and depth perception (critical for drivers and children).
Who Should Get a Basic Eye Exam?
Adults (18–60): Every 2 years. Special Focus: Screen fatigue, early presbyopia
Children (5–17): Annually. Special Focus: Lazy eye, school performance
Seniors (60+): Yearly. Special Focus: Glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration
Diabetics: Every 6–12 months. Special Focus: Diabetic retinopathy
2. Visual Acuity Test
Tests:
Snellen Chart: Measures clarity at distances (20/20 vision benchmark).
Near Vision Test: Checks reading clarity (critical for presbyopia screening in adults over 40).
4. Ocular Health Evaluation
Slit Lamp Exam: Magnified view of cornea, iris, and lens to detect cataracts/scratches.
Tonometry: Non-contact “puff test” to screen for glaucoma (high intraocular pressure).
Retinal Imaging: Optional digital scan (extra fee) to check for diabetes-related damage or macular degeneration.
Are there any risks?
Regular eye exams do more than update your prescription – they safeguard your overall health. Many systemic conditions (like diabetes and hypertension) first show signs in the eyes, making our Basic Eye Exam a critical preventative health check.
Did You Know?
- 1 in 4 school-going children has an undiagnosed vision problem affecting learning.
- Digital eye strain affects 65% of adults – proper lens coatings can reduce fatigue.
- Glaucoma often has no symptoms until irreversible damage occurs (annual tests are key for over-40s).
Pro Tips for Healthy Eyes Between Visits:
✅ Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds (reduces screen strain).
✅ Wear UV-protective sunglasses year-round – even on cloudy days.
✅ Eat omega-3 rich foods (salmon, chia seeds) to combat dry eyes.
South African Optometric Association (SAOA)
Healthcare Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Make an appointment
Whether you have questions about an eye exam, need help choosing frames, or want to schedule an appointment, our friendly team is ready to assist you at any of our five convenient branches.
- Monday - Thursday
- 9AM-5PM
- Friday
- 9AM-12:30PM
- 2PM-5PM
- Saturday
- 9AM-3PM
- Sunday
- 9AM-2PM