Simple field of vision test
Reduced field of vision can be a sign of eye health problems, which should be assessed by an eye health professional.
Prepare the person
Explain to the person that this test is to see how much to the side and up and down they can see.
Test method
Sit down in front of the person, approximately 1 metre away.
Test one eye at a time. Ask the person to cover one eye with their palm and stare at your nose. Hold two fingers up in front of the person and ask them to count the number of fingers.
Test each side
- Hold your arm out to one side, with 1,2 or 5 fingers up. Slowly bring your arm to the centre. Ask the person to tell you as soon as they can count your fingers
- Repeat on the other side
Test up and down
- Hold your arm above your head, with 1,2 or 5 fingers up. Slowly bring your arm to the centre. Ask the person to tell you as soon as they can count your fingers
- Hold your arm down in front of you, with 1,2 or 5 fingers up. Slowly bring your arm to the centre. Ask the person to tell you as soon as they can count your fingers
Repeat for the other eye
What is ‘normal’? A person who has ‘normal’ field of vision should be able to count the number of fingers at an angle of 40 degrees. For this test, as long as you are also looking directly at the client, and your field of vision is normal, the person should be able to count your fingers at the same time as you can.
Click on the video to see how to perform the simple field vision test
Record results on the vision screen form
If there is any loss of vision field noted, check this on the vision screen form.
Question
If you have identified that a person has some loss of vision field, what action should you take?
Correct – loss of vision field is a possible sign of a problem that needs to be further investigated by a qualified eye health professional
Incorrect – It is possible the person may benefit from a white cane, however they should first be seen by a qualified eye health professional. This is because loss of vision field is a sign of problem that needs to be further investigated.
Incorrect – loss of vision field is a sign of a problem that should be further investigated by a qualified eye health professional