Eye Examinations at Altona Optical — We Take the Time to Care
At Altona Optical, we believe a great eye examination is about more than just reading a chart. It’s about understanding your eyes, your lifestyle and your vision goals — and taking the time to get it right. Just thorough, professional eye care from experienced optometrists who genuinely care about your outcome.
ABOUT US
Altona Optical has been caring for the eyes of the local community for more than 40 years. Over that time we have built lasting relationships with patients of all ages — from young children having their first eye test, to adults managing complex prescriptions, to older patients monitoring their long-term eye health.
We are an independent, boutique practice. Every recommendation we make is based on what is genuinely right for you.
Our optometrists and dispensing staff are experienced, qualified and committed to ongoing professional development. When you sit in our examination chair, you are in expert hands.
THE EXAMINATION
A comprehensive eye examination at Altona Optical is not a quick, tick-the-box experience. We allocate sufficient time to conduct a thorough assessment of both your vision and your eye health — because the two are not the same thing.
Your examination will typically include:
- A full assessment of your vision at distance and near, including your current prescription
- Binocular vision testing — how your eyes work together as a pair
- Eye pressure measurement — an important indicator of glaucoma risk
- Assessment of the health of the front and back of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve, macula and blood vessels
- A review of any symptoms you have noticed — dryness, headaches, eyestrain, blurred vision or changes in your sight
- Discussion of your lifestyle, work, hobbies and visual demands so your prescription and eyewear recommendations are genuinely suited to how you live
If we identify anything that requires follow-up or referral, we will explain it clearly and guide you through the next steps. You will never leave our practice without understanding exactly what we found and what it means for you.
OUR TEAM
Our optometrists bring decades of combined clinical experience to every consultation. They are supported by a highly skilled optical dispensing team who are equally committed to ensuring that the eyewear or contact lenses you leave with are perfectly matched to your prescription, your face and your lifestyle.
We welcome patients of all ages — including young children, who we are experienced in examining and putting at ease. A child’s first eye test should be a positive experience, and we make sure it is.
We also see patients who have been told their prescription is complex, or who have had unsatisfactory experiences elsewhere. Complex cases are something our team genuinely enjoys working through.
SPECIAL INTEREST AREAS
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lens Prescribing
We are one of a small number of practices in western Melbourne qualified to prescribe Orthokeratology lenses — specialist contact lenses worn overnight that reshape the cornea to provide clear natural vision throughout the day. Ortho-K is particularly effective for managing myopia progression in children and teenagers, and is a popular choice for active adults who want freedom from daytime glasses and contact lenses. Ask us about Ortho-K at your next appointment or book a dedicated Ortho-K assessment.
Dry Eye Treatment — Including IPL
Dry eye is one of the most common and most undertreated eye conditions we see. Many patients live with chronic dryness, irritation, redness and fluctuating vision — often without realising there are effective treatments available beyond basic eye drops. At Altona Optical we offer advanced dry eye assessment and treatment, including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy — a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that addresses the underlying cause of most dry eye conditions rather than just managing the symptoms. If you have been struggling with dry eyes, even if you have tried treatments before without success, we encourage you to book a dedicated dry eye consultation.
WHO WE SEE
We are happy to see patients of all ages and at all stages of life:
- Children from school age (and younger where indicated)
- Teenagers and young adults, including contact lens fitting and myopia management
- Working adults managing screen fatigue, reading difficulty or changing prescriptions
- Patients with complex prescriptions or previous unsatisfactory results elsewhere
- Older adults monitoring age-related changes including macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma risk
- Patients interested in specialty services including Ortho-K and dry eye treatment
If you are overdue for an eye test, experiencing any changes in your vision, or simply want a thorough examination from a practice that will take the time to do it properly — we would love to see you.