Many people assume an eye screening (like those at schools or wellness clinics) is equivalent to a full eye exam. But in truth, they serve very different roles—and your vision health may depend on understanding that difference.
At Judson Family Vision Care, located in Terre Haute, we regularly help patients who searched “optometrist near me” or “best eye doctor in Terre Haute” understand why a comprehensive exam is indispensable. Below, we break down what each test covers, why it matters, and when you need a full eye health assessment.
What Is a Vision Screening?
A vision screening is a quick, basic test that usually includes:
- Reading letters on a chart (distance vision)
- Checking whether you need a basic corrective lens
Screenings are common in:
- Schools
- Pediatric offices
- Workplace health fairs
- Routine physical checkups
While they’re useful for catching obvious refractive errors, screenings are not designed to detect:
- Eye diseases (e.g. glaucoma, macular degeneration)
- Eye pressure issues
- Retinal or optic nerve problems
- Binocular vision or eye coordination issues
Because of these limitations, a screening can miss early or subtle conditions.
What Happens in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam is a detailed evaluation of your vision and ocular health. At Judson Family Vision Care, our full exams typically include:
- Visual acuity (near and distance)
- Refraction to determine prescription
- Eye alignment and muscle function checks
- Pupil responses and peripheral vision
- Slit-lamp exam for the cornea, lens, and anterior structures
- Intraocular pressure (glaucoma screen)
- Retinal exam / dilation or imaging
- Assessment of eye health (e.g., cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic changes)
Such an exam can reveal conditions that have no symptoms in early stages.
Why This Distinction Matters
Many eye diseases develop silently. If you wait until symptoms appear, you may lose precious time for early intervention. A vision screening alone is often insufficient.
When patients search for vision care services in Terre Haute or “best eye doctor near me,” we want them to understand that what matters is which kind of evaluation they receive.
Who Needs a Full Exam? (and How Often)
Here’s a general guideline, though every patient’s needs differ:
| Age / Situation | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Children (before school age) | At least once before starting school |
| School-age children | Every 1–2 years |
| Adults under 60 (healthy, no risk factors) | Every 1–2 years |
| Adults over 60 | Annually |
| Anyone with risk factors (e.g. diabetes, family history of eye disease) | More frequent as advised |
At Judson Family Vision Care, we tailor the exam interval to each patient’s health profile and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a vision screening find eye disease?
A: No. Screenings only test visual sharpness. They don’t check internal eye health or pressure. Only a comprehensive exam can detect early disease.
Q: How long does a full eye exam take?
A: Most exams here take about 30–60 minutes, including tests, consultation, and review of findings.
Q: Is a school screening enough for my child?
A: No. Screenings may catch major refractive errors, but they miss many vision or learning-related problems. A full exam is essential.
Q: If I see well, do I still need an exam?
A: Yes. Many eye diseases have no early symptoms. Regular full exams are the only way to reliably detect them early.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam in Terre Haute
Don’t settle for a screening when your vision deserves a full check. At Judson Family Vision Care, we’re proud to be among the top optometrists in Terre Haute, offering advanced diagnostic technology, expert care, and personalized treatment plans.
To book your full eye exam, visit our Schedule an Appointment page. You can also explore our full range of services, including vision therapy and disease management, on our Eye Care Services page.
Take the proactive step today—protect your vision with expert care from Judson Family Vision Care.