People with risk factors including diabetes or a history of eye injury, and African Americans over 40, might need to have exams more often than the recommended eye exam schedule. Generally, children will be screened during pediatric physical exams and will be referred to an ophthalmologist as needed. Adults should go to an ophthalmologist if they experience visual changes, eye pain or other symptoms — flashes of light, seeing spots of ghost-like images, lines appear distorted or wavy, dry eyes with itching and burning. Everyone is advised to have a baseline exam with an ophthalmologist at age 40.

When you go to "get your eyes checked," there are a variety of eye care providers you might see. Ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians all play an important role in providing eye care services. However, each group has different levels of training and expertise. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and the only group of eye care specialists who can provide the full spectrum of eye care—from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery such as LASIK, to diagnosing and treating eye diseases.  Find out more about the different kinds of eye care providers, and the difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Who should give you a vision exam? There are a variety of eye care providers you could see, including ophthalmologists and optometrists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and the only group of eye care specialists who can provide the full spectrum of eye care—from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery such as LASIK, to diagnosing and treating eye diseases.  Find out more about the different kinds of eye care providers, and the difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Your visit to an ophthalmologist will start with a series of questions about your medical and eye health history. This will be followed by a series of tests to check your visual acuity and to examine your eye for disease. Your ophthalmologist will use eye drops to dilate, or enlarge, your pupils, so he or she can examine the inside of your eye. You may be more sensitive to light and have difficulty driving while these drops are in effect. Ask your doctor whether you need to make arrangements for a ride home after your eye exam, and bring a pair of sunglasses. After your exam, your ophthalmologist will discuss any findings and make recommendations for corrective lenses, surgery, medications or treatment of any diseases.