Visual acuity test
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A visual acuity test measures how clearly you can see details at a distance. It is the most common part of an eye exam and uses an eye chart with letters, numbers, or symbols.
Key facts
- It checks the sharpness of your distance vision, often expressed as a fraction like 20/20.
- The test is painless and takes only a few minutes.
- You will be asked to read letters from a chart placed a set distance away, usually 20 feet (6 metres).
Yes, visual acuity testing is a routine part of almost every eye exam, done for people of all ages.
It affects everyone who has an eye exam, from children to older adults. It helps detect vision problems early.