You hear it all the time. “My vision was checked at school,” or “I read the letters on the chart at my doctor’s office, so my eyes are fine.”
What most people do not realize is that there is a big difference between a quick vision screening and a proper vision test that measures your prescription. They sound similar, but they do very different jobs.
At The Eye Wearhouse in Olds and Airdrie, our vision testing services are designed to give you an accurate prescription and a clear picture of how well you see, which goes much further than a basic screening
What Is a Vision Screening
A vision screening is a brief check to see if there might be a problem with your sight. It is often done in schools, at family doctor appointments, at health fairs, or at work. Screenings are usually carried out by nurses, volunteers, or general health staff, not always by an eye doctor, and they tend to focus on how clearly you can see at a distance.
Most screenings are very simple. You might be asked to read letters on a chart across the room or follow a quick test for eye alignment or depth perception. They are fast, convenient, and good at catching obvious issues in large groups of people, which is why schools and workplaces use them.
The important thing to remember is that a screening is only meant to flag possible concerns. It does not give you a prescription, it does not fully check how your eyes work together, and it does not examine the health of the inside of your eyes. Its job is to say, “You might have a problem, please see an optometrist.”
What Is a Vision Test
A vision test at The Eye Wearhouse is a focused, detailed check of how clearly you see and what prescription you actually need. It is performed by trained opticians using precise digital equipment, with your results reviewed by an ophthalmologist.
During a vision test, we look at:
- How well each eye sees at distance and near
- Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
- The exact prescription that will give you the sharpest, most comfortable vision.
- Instead of relying only on a single wall chart, the equipment measures how light passes through your eyes and how your vision responds at different settings.
The process is designed to be more accurate and more consistent than a quick “can you read this line” check. The result is a precise prescription that can be used to make glasses or contact lenses that truly match your visual needs. For a more comprehensive eye test, we also provide eye health screenings and advanced retinal imaging, so we can look at everything from your day to day vision to the overall health of your eyes and catch potential problems as early as possible.
Why Vision Screenings Are Not Enough For Your Prescription
Screenings are useful for spotting obvious problems, especially in large groups of people who have never had their vision checked. The limitation is that they cannot measure the exact correction you need.
- You might pass a vision screening and still have a mild prescription that causes eye strain over time.
- You might have one eye doing more work than the other, making reading or close work tiring.
- You might feel like your eyes are always working too hard, even though you were told everything looks fine.
Only a proper vision test can fine-tune your prescription so you can see as clearly and comfortably as possible. Many people notice a big difference once they experience lenses that are matched to their actual needs rather than just “good enough.”
Vision Testing at The Eye Wearhouse in Olds and Airdrie
At The Eye Wearhouse, our vision testing services are designed to be thorough, accurate, and comfortable. Our opticians use advanced digital equipment to measure your prescription, and an ophthalmologist reviews your results. You are not just reading a chart once and hoping it is correct. You are getting a measured, professional assessment of your vision.
After your vision test, our team can help you choose frames and lenses that suit your lifestyle, whether you spend most of your time driving, reading, working on screens, or outdoors. The goal is simple, to help you see clearly and comfortably in the real world, not just on a chart.
Schedule your Comprehensive Vision Test With The Eye Wearhouse Today!
If your only “eye check” has been a school screening, a quick chart at the doctor’s office, or a basic workplace test, you may not be seeing as clearly as you could.
Booking a proper vision test at The Eye Wearhouse in Olds or Airdrie is the next step. You will walk away with an accurate prescription, a better understanding of your vision, and the confidence that your glasses or contacts are truly tailored to you. Clear vision is about more than just passing a screening. It is about seeing your best every day.