Home Eye Examination

Who is the home examination for?

This service is aimed mainly at elderly patients, those with significant mobility problems, patients in transitional recovery after surgery or hospitalisation, and anyone for whom travel is difficult or risky due to other medical conditions.

It does not replace a full examination at the eye check-up when that is feasible; it extends access to care when the practice is practically out of reach.

Families caring for people with dementia or limited communication benefit from having a companion present who can explain everyday visual difficulties; the doctor adapts the test to the patient's tolerance and fatigue.

In chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension), a home visit can be part of an overall plan alongside the treating physician, without replacing ophthalmological monitoring for diabetic retinopathy where this requires imaging at the practice.

What does the visit include?

Portable equipment is brought to carry out tests that typically include:

• Measurement of visual acuity with and without correction
• Refraction and eyeglasses prescription — see refraction and eyeglasses prescription for details when repetition or confirmation at the practice is needed
• Tonometry (pressure check) as part of glaucoma monitoring or a general check-up
• Fundus examination where technically feasible (lighting, patient position, cooperation)

The exact list is adapted to the situation and the stated goal (new glasses, cataract check, dryness assessment, etc.).

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy with portable equipment often allows assessment of the eyelids, eye surface and lens; a detailed view of the retina or macula usually requires a visit to the practice with fixed instruments.

Acuity is measured with charts suited to age and condition; when there is known amblyopia or vision in only one eye, interpretation is done carefully and in the context of the history.

For elderly patients with dryness or meibomian gland dysfunction, practical advice is given and referral for dry eye / IPL treatment is discussed if mobility allows.

When might a visit to the practice be needed?

Certain tests require stationary equipment or larger instruments (OCT, visual fields, laser, surgical preparation). If a need is identified during the home visit, a referral plan to the practice or a hospital facility is discussed.

Visual field testing for glaucoma, optic nerve or macular OCT, and any invasive procedure are carried out at the practice or in the operating room; the home visit facilitates the initial assessment and connection to these services.

Dilation for a full fundus view may be scheduled or limited depending on tolerance and environment; in many cases, re-examination in a controlled clinic setting is preferred.

Preparing the space and a companion

It helps to have adequate lighting near the bed or chair, and clear space for a small table and equipment bag.

A companion who knows the medical history and visual habits (glasses, drops) is recommended. Bring the current prescription, a list of medications and any recent hospital report.

If the patient uses oxygen or has a narrow bed, let us know in advance so the position for fundus examination can be adapted, or an alternative approach chosen.

Driving licence and administrative needs

Where possible, part of the examination for the electronic driving licence certificate can be discussed at home; final issuance of documents is individualised and may require additional steps under current requirements.

Other administrative documents relating to disability or certification of visual function do not always follow the same routine — ask when booking exactly what you need so the visit can be prepared accordingly.

Appointments and continuity of care

After the visit you receive guidance on drops, new glasses or the next check; for an overview of all care options see services.

The frequency of repeat home visits is individualised — some patients need a single visit for an urgent glasses correction, others require regular monitoring until transfer to the practice becomes possible for full imaging.