Visual Field Testing


Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

This sequence explains the way in which the brain processes vision. Images are processed at the back of the brain, on both sides. When looking straight ahead both sides of the brain are active but images to the left are managed by the right hand side of the brain from BOTH eyes! and vision from the right by the left hand side of the brain.

When you look at an object, your visual field is the area you see (without moving your head) all the way around the object.  This may cover the range:

  • 95o Sideways
  • 60o Upwards
  • 75o Downwards
  • 60o Towards the nose

In a routine eye exam, optometrists will check your visual field to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that you are not suffering from certain eyes diseases or conditions such as glaucoma.  A visual field screener is used to assess visual acuity.  During assessment, you will be asked to stare at a spot to stop you moving your eyes and you will be asked to look at a target, which will randomly appear on a screen.  Depending on the equipment used, the target may or may not move.  You may be asked to respond to a flash of light.  This flash of light will appear somewhere in your field of vision.  You must not search for the light by moving your eyes and you should rely on your visual field to respond.  There may be more than one flash of light at a time.  The lights will gradually become brighter to assess the sensitivity of your visual field. 

Another test, which may be completed, is called the Kinetic test.  Here, a light will move out of your visual field and you will be asked to let the optometrist know when you see the light.  The test can be quite tiring for your eyes and you will be retested until the technique has been refined.

 <<<previous page
next page>>>


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.