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Eye and Vision Exams
Your Comprehensive Eye Exam

Vision can change from one year to the next. We encourage you to book your annual eye exam in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads.

eye exam patient
Changes in Your Medical Health Can Affect Your Eyes
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Eye Exams in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads, QLD

Routine eye tests play a significant role in ensuring that your eyes stay healthy. They not only tell your optometrist whether you need to start wearing glasses or change prescriptions, but they are also necessary for detecting common eye-related medical conditions.

For most adults, our Gold Coast optometrists recommend an eye examination every two years. Adults over the age of 61 require annual eye tests, as do those with risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure. 

Our goal at Envision Optical is for your vision test to be a pleasant, informative and comfortable experience.

What You Should Know About Your Next Eye Examination

When you plan for your routine eye test at one of our modern optometry clinics, you can expect it to last for about 30-45 minutes. Several tests need to be conducted during this appointment that will help our optometrists thoroughly and accurately assess your eye health and vision.

  1. There are no wrong answers, so don’t worry about making a mistake. 
  2. At times it may seem that your answers contradict each other, but don’t be concerned; this is all part of the process of gathering information to accurately assess your vision and eye health. 
  3. It is important to provide as much information as you can. If you can’t answer some questions, however, please don’t hesitate to say so.
  4. You may find that for a few minutes during your exam, your vision may seem to be getting worse instead of better. This is nothing to be alarmed about and is part of the evaluation process.

What to Expect During Your Eye Exam and Vision Assessment

To perform a thorough assessment of your eye health and vision, our optometrists will work with you to evaluate the following during your examination:

  • Eye healthwoman at optometrist in tweed heads
  • Medical history
  • Overall physical health
  • Lazy eye (amblyopia)
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Macula health
  • Keratoconus (thinning of the cornea)
  • Red, dry or swollen eyes
  • Itchy or burning eyes, allergies
  • Headaches, eye pain 

Vision assessments are integral in allowing Andrew Bowden, Nicole Arnold or Cassie Baan to monitor for vision-threatening diseases or conditions.

When it comes to your precious sight, it's best to detect and treat as early as possible to keep your eyesight fully operational. During the vision assessment, Andrew will check for signs of abnormal vision or symptoms. 

  • Vision clarity (myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia)
  • Colour vision
  • Ability to focus (presbyopia)
  • Eye muscle control
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light, halos or floating spots in vision

We also offer driving and pilot assessments to ensure safe travels.

After Your Eye Examination Is Complete

Couple after visiting optometrist in burleigh watersAfter we have performed a thorough assessment of your vision and eye health, our optometrists will carefully explain their findings. If they determine that you require preventive or remedial care—including glasses, contact lenses, or orthokeratology—they will explain the next steps and get you on the road to clearer vision.

If you have questions, rest-assured our optometrists are here to answer them for you.

Is It Time to Arrange an Eye Exam?

If you have not had your vision and eye health checked recently, the optometrists at Envision Optical would be happy to book an appointment for you. We have two locations on the Gold Coast in Tweed Heads and Burleigh Waters

Frequently Asked Questions

Your optometrist in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads recommends a comprehensive eye exam every two years for patients of all. However, if you have an eye condition or family history of specific eye problems, we may recommend a more customised schedule to keep your eyes healthy.

Of course, if you notice vision changes between eye exams, we urge you to reach out to a team member to schedule an appointment. Eye changes can indicate an underlying issue, or mean you need a prescription lens change.

If you find yourself squinting or holding objects closer for reading, we want to hear from you. Likewise, if objects in the distance appear blurry or your night vision feels off, please reach out to a team member to schedule an appointment.

It is our goal to keep your family’s eyes healthy and focused for life; this includes keeping up on prescription lens changes for everyone.

For an Eye Examination in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads, We Welcome Your Call

An eye exam is a non-invasive and comprehensive appointment that looks at eye health and vision. If it is time for your next eye exam, or if you have any questions or concerns, we are always thrilled to chat!  

Do you have extras cover as part of your private health insurance? Most health funds – including Bupa, Medibank and NIB – reset optical extras on January 1. Any unused extras are lost after this date. 

This year, get maximum return for your health fund investment with the perfect set of eyewear. The Envision Optical team can help you claim optical benefits from ANY health fund – here are just a few great ways to claim. 

Contact Lenses 

Enjoy greater freedom for sport and outdoor activities. The latest technologies in contact lenses means we can prescribe a contact lens solution for almost any prescription. 

Prescription Sunglasses 

Prescription sunglasses open a world of possibilities for glasses wearers, and can be claimed with optical extras. Enjoy the outdoors this summer with superior clarity and essential protection from damaging UV and glare. With so many prescriptible frame options and polarised lenses available, there’s no reason to compromise any longer. 

Digital Eyewear 

Australians are spending more time in front of digital screens than ever before. Internet users aged 16+64 are estimated to spend more than 6 hours each day online, and nearly 4 hours watching television.1 Ask us about digital eyewear to help alleviate eye strain for yourself and your family. 

New Fashion Look 

We love helping people select a new look from our hand-picked range of frames. Pop in to browse our latest frames and make the most of your extras cover! 

Reading Glasses 

If you wear progressive glasses (also known as multifocals), we recommend a dedicated pair of glasses for reading and other up-close activities. Your eyes and neck will appreciate the wider zone of near-vision. 

Driving Glasses 

Your vision is responsible for around 90% of the information we use for driving. Many people experience changes to their vision as they get older, and this can impact things like night driving or the ability to judge distances. Our friendly team can assess your vision to ensure maximum road safety with appropriate eyewear. 

Spare Everyday Pair 

Planning a holiday this Spring or Summer? Losing or breaking your glasses can be stressful if you don’t have a back-up. Drop in to claim a spare pair with your optical extras! 

Envision Optical has been proudly servicing the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads community for 27 years. Book an appointment with our team before December 31 by calling Burleigh 55937844 or Tweed Heads 55249659 or clicking here. We’ll help you explore your eyewear options and access your full extras entitlement. 

 

Meet Our Optometrists:

Andrew Bowden | Gold Coast Optometrist

Andrew Bowden
Owner, Managing Director, Optometrist

Since graduating from QUT with honours in 1995, Andrew has worked in private practice on the Gold Coast and New Farm in Brisbane. In 2001, he returned to Visions and ...

Nicole Arnold | Tweed Heads & Burleigh Waters Optometrist

Nicole Arnold
Optometrist

After growing up on the Gold Coast, Nicole attended QUT in the same student intake as Andrew. Following graduation in 1995, Nicole moved back to the coast with her husband ...

Lyndon Ferguson | Gold Coast Optometrist

Lyndon Ferguson
Optometrist

Lyndon grew up in the Gold Coast hinterland and gained his optometry degree at QUT. A desire to travel took him to London, where he joined one of the most ...

Christina Bormann
Optometrist

Christina grew up on the Gold Coast and gained her optometry degrees at QUT in Brisbane, a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry, both with distinction. As a ...

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Eye and Vision Exams Technology

Fully Digital Vision Testing

Digital testing enhances the diagnosis and treatment options available in both our Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads optometry clinics. Digital eye testing can provide more accurate results for more precise prescriptions and also allow us to easily store your digital results year after year in our digital records system for easy comparison over time. 

With digital vision testing, we can often perfect prescription options, helping to improve night vision and decrease halos around lights at night.

Optomap Ultra-widefield Retinal Scans

Envision Optical offers the optomap® as an important part of our eye exams. The optomap produces an image that is unique and provides us with a high-resolution 200° image in order to ascertain the health of your retina. This is much wider than a traditional 45° image. Many eye problems can develop without you knowing, in fact, you may not even notice any change in your sight – fortunately, diseases or damage such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal tears or detachments, and other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be seen with a thorough exam of the retina.

The inclusion of optomap as part of a comprehensive eye exam provides:

  • A scan to show a healthy eye or detect disease.

  • A view of the retina, giving your optometrist a more comprehensive view than they can get by other means.

  • The opportunity for you to view and discuss the optomap image of your eye with your optometrist at the time of your exam.

  • A permanent record for your file, which allows us to view your images each year to look for changes.

The optomap is fast, easy, and comfortable for anyone. The entire image process consists of you looking into the device one eye at a time. The optomap images are shown immediately on a computer screen so we can review it with you.

Comprehensive Eye Exams for All Ages
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