What extra tests do Behavioural Optometry do?
Behavioural optometrists conduct in-depth examinations of visual abilities, which include everything that standard optometrists do, and more. Behavioural optometrists look at visual skills, efficiency, and visual processing as well as the effects of visual stress. A behavioural optometrist uses visual training, lenses and prisms to improve visual skills so that the eyes can work efficiently and without stress, and where necessary, improve visual information processing skills.
What are the benefits of it?
With the additional testing BO ensures to pick up on, track and reduce the effects vision related issues can cause in a persons life.
Does BO have any foundation in science?
The concept of Behavioural Optometry is supported by a substantial body of research spanning many decades and continents. Clinical evidence is substantial and rigorous, and growing as a result of the output of new generations of clinicians, academics and researchers.
Is Behavioural Optometry for everyone?
Behavioural Optometry is for everyone young or old who wants to look after all aspects of their vision. All patients will benefit from this holistic approach but it is especially suited to those with eye motor control problems, lazy eyes, developmental delays, neurological damage or learning delays. Although the majority of Behavioural Optometrists’ patients are children, Behavioural Optometry may be suitable for patients of any age if their condition is likely to respond to this treatment.
How are Behavioural Optometrists different?
Behavioural Optometrists spend years in post-graduate and continuing education to master the complex visual programs that are prescribed to prevent or eliminate visual problems and enhance visual performance. Not all optometrists practice Behavioural Optometry, which includes neurodevelopmental and functional optometry. A Behavioural Optometrist has a holistic approach in the treatment of vision, eyesight and visual information processing difficulties.
Are all the behavioural optometrists the same?
A Behavioural Optometrist may often have a special area that they focus on. This could be children’s vision, sports vision, education and learning difficulties, stroke and head injury, Parkinson’s or even preventing short sightedness.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is not required but is helpful.
How long does the eye test take?
Due to the thoroughness of our initial exam, 45 minutes is allocated for an adult and children’s eye exam at Eye@Narangba. This includes time for filling out paperwork and pretesting as well. If glasses or additional services are required allow an additional 15 minutes.
My prescription keeps changing, can anything be done?
Glasses help to stabilise your script and can slow the script change. Each case is different and each persons visual problems develop at different pace.
How often should I get my eyes tested?
Due to Medicare changes as of 2015 the Initial Health and Vision checkups are now every 3 years. Although this is the case we recommend that kids come in every 12 months (unless requested by the optometrist to come in sooner) as their eyes are still developing and growing. For adults we say every 18 months it’s good to get a checkup unless over the age of 65. Over 65 yrs checkups are recommended every 12 months.
Does Medicare cover the eye test or does Health funds?
Medicare covers from 40 – 80% of all consultations. It all depends on different factors of how much you get back as a rebate, for example if you have been seen elsewhere in the past three years for your health and vision checkup you don’t receive as much back from medicare.
What does Private Health Insurance cover?
Health funds cover scripted sunglasses and glasses. There are even no or low gap options for those with Optical Cover.