Not all optometrists are trained to assess functional vision through binocular vision or neuro-optomtric assessments. At a typical eye health examination, your optometrist will examine your eyes, looking for any early warning signs of diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and others. In most cases, the eyes are found to be healthy. Your optometrist will also measure your visual acuity to determine if you need glasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly.
At a binocular vision or neuro-optometric assessment, your functional optometrist will provide in-depth testing to look at developmental or functional vision problems. You may have 20/20 acuity, but not be able to use your vision effectively or efficiently. When your functional vision is reduced you may experience a variety of symptoms such as headaches, difficulty reading, eye pain, difficulty with comprehension, or concentration. Your functional optometrist will look at the whole picture of how you use your vision in your every day life.