Why a Vision Test Is More Than Just Reading an Eye Chart
When most people hear the words vision test, they picture the standard eye chart: standing at a distance, covering one eye, and reading out rows of shrinking letters.
And yes, that's part of it. But at Helio Optometry, we want you to understand what an actual vision test involves—and why it's one of the most essential health checks you can book.
Because the ability to see clearly is just the beginning.
What Is a Vision Test?
A vision test is a group of assessments used to measure how well your eyes work.
It's not just about how far down the eye chart you can read—though that's part of it. We also assess how your eyes focus, how well they work together, and whether your current prescription (if you wear glasses or contacts) still works for you.
Here's what's typically included:
Visual acuity testing — How clearly you see at different distances
Refraction testing — Helps us fine-tune your prescription for glasses or contact lenses
Eye coordination and focusing ability — Measures how well your eyes team up and shift focus
Depth perception and peripheral vision — Important for driving, sports, and daily safety
In short, a vision test is about function. But it doesn't tell us everything about your eye health.
For that, you need a comprehensive eye exam.
Vision Test vs. Eye Exam: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse a vision test with a complete eye exam—but they're not the same.
A vision test checks how well you can see. A comprehensive eye exam looks at why you can—or can't—see clearly.
At Helio Optometry, our exams go deeper. Beyond vision clarity, we evaluate the health of your eyes from front to back. This includes:
Checking for signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy
Measuring eye pressure and tracking changes over time
Using specialized imaging to detect damage long before symptoms appear
Skipping this step is like relying on a fuel gauge when your engine light is on. You might feel fine, but you could miss something serious without a detailed evaluation.
That's why every eye exam at our Edmonton clinic includes both a vision test and a complete ocular health exam.
How Technology Improves the Accuracy of Your Vision Test
Modern optometry isn't just about trial lenses and charts on the wall.
At Helio Optometry, we use advanced diagnostic tools to deliver faster, more precise results. That means fewer guesswork questions like "Which is better—1 or 2?" However, we will still ask you which is better, 1 or 2, because getting subjective input is essential because machines are not always correct.
Our technology includes:
Optomap® ultra-widefield imaging: Captures up to 200° of your retina without dilation so we can see early signs of disease in areas traditional exams miss.
3D Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Think of it like an MRI for your eyes. We can scan the layers of your retina and optic nerve to detect early signs of glaucoma, macular changes, or swelling—sometimes years before symptoms appear.
Autorefraction and digital lensmeters: For fast, accurate measurements of your vision prescription.
Bottom line: Our tech saves you time, reduces errors, and protects your long-term vision.
Who Should Get a Vision Test—and How Often?
Here's a simple guideline:
Children: Start at age 3, before kindergarten, and every 1–2 years after that.
Adults (19–64): At least every two years. If you wear glasses and contacts or work on screens all day, come in annually.
Seniors (65+): Once a year, minimum. Alberta Health covers this exam because the risk of eye disease increases with age.
If you have diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or take medications that affect vision, you may need more frequent testing. We'll let you know what schedule is proper for you.
Regular vision tests in Edmonton are a proactive way to protect your eyesight—not just correct it.
Warning Signs You Might Need a Vision Test
Most people don't book an exam until something feels off, or their already experiencing a vision problem.
Here are a few early warning signs that it's time to schedule a test:
You've noticed blurry vision—either close up or far away
You get headaches after screen time or reading
You squint often, especially in bright light or while driving
Your eyes feel tired, strained, or dry by the end of the day
You're struggling to read menus, phone text, or price tags
Even subtle symptoms can signal that your prescription has changed—or that an underlying issue needs attention.
Getting a vision test is a low-effort way to get clear answers.
What Happens After Your Vision Test?
Once we've tested your vision and eye health, we'll walk you through the results.
If your prescription has changed, we'll help you explore the best options for:
Eyeglasses — With premium lenses tailored for everyday use, computer work, or progressive designs
Contact lenses — Including soft disposables, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal options
Digital eye strain relief — Like Hoya Sync III lenses for screen-heavy lifestyles
Myopia control options for kids if their vision is getting worse year after year
We're not a one-size-fits-all clinic. Everything we recommend is customized for your visual needs, lifestyle, and long-term health.
Ready to Book a Vision Test in Edmonton?
At Helio Optometry, we make it easy to take care of your eyes.
We're open 6 days a week including evenings and weekends. Our clinic is conveniently located in Edmonton between the neighbourhoods of Crestwood, Parkview, Sherwood, and Jasper Gates, and free parking and direct billing are available.
You can book your vision test online or give us a call if you'd rather speak to a team member.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
