Visual Acuity

Please note: the following eye exam resources are not a substitute for an ophthalmologic exam performed by a trained ophthalmic technician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. These tests are intended to assist us in monitoring progression of your eye condition remotely.

These tests for visual acuity measure how well your eyes can see detail.

Below you will find two tests for your vision:

one for testing your vision at distance
one for testing your close-range vision

Your near and far vision can be very different. If possible, please perform both tests. Take note of both results separately.

Depending on your eye condition, you may receive special instruction to focus on one of the tests in particular.

Below you will also find some vision testing apps for use on your smartphone.

Distance test (Adult)

1) Click on the image to enlarge this test. You may either print off this page, or view it on your computer screen.

2) Check that the circle on the right hand side is the size of a $1 coin (a "loonie"). On your computer screen, you may need to adjust the zoom of the page. You can adjust this by going to the VIEW menu of your web browser, and selecting "zoom in" or "zoom out" Printing the document as "actual size" in landscape orientation should make this happen automatically.

3) Position yourself 5 feet away from the chart. If you use eyeglasses for seeing far away, keep them on.

4) Test each eye separately by covering the other eye.

5) Record the numbers on the left side (eg "20/80") for the smallest line for which you can see at least three (3) of the letters reliably/confidently. Please note that this is your "distant" visual acuity.

Near test (Adult)

1) Click on the image to enlarge this test. You may either print off this page, or view it on your computer screen.

2) Check that the circle on the bottom is the size of a $1 coin (a "loonie"). On your computer screen, you may need to adjust the zoom of the page. You can adjust this by going to the VIEW menu of your web browser, and selecting "zoom in" or "zoom out" Printing the document as "actual size" in landscape orientation should make this happen automatically.

3) Position yourself so that a 30cm ruler (~1 foot) fits between the tip of your nose and the chart. If you use eyeglasses for reading, please use them for testing your near vision.

4) Test each eye separately by covering the other eye.

5) Record the numbers on the left side (eg "20/80") for the smallest line for which you can see at least two (2) of the words reliably/confidently. Please note that this is your "near" visual acuity.

Smartphone Near Vision Test

Please select which type of smartphone you are using:

Apple (iPhone)

eyeCuity App: Visit Apple AppStore (from your phone)

You may alternately do a search in the App Store for "eyeCuity." You should see the above icon for the correct app.

Hold your phone at a distance of 40cm (16"). If you normally wear reading glasses at this distance, wear them for this test
Check one eye at a time. Use the button in the bottom right hand corner to refresh with new letters for repeat measurements.
Use the button in the middle at the bottom to display your vision score. Pick the score for which you are usually able to correctly identify the letter.

You may also "swipe left" to switch to seeing numbers.

Android (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, etc)

Snellen Chart App: Visit Google Play store

You may alternately do a search in the GooglePlay Store for "Snellen Chart." You should see the above icon for the correct app.

Hold your phone at a distance of 40cm (16"). If you normally wear reading glasses at this distance, wear them for this test
Check one eye at a time. Use the button in the bottom right hand corner to refresh with new letters for repeat measurements.
Use the button in the middle at the bottom to display your vision score. Pick the score for which you are usually able to correctly identify the letter.

You may also "swipe left" to switch to seeing numbers.

Other Tests

Distance test (Adult)

1) Click on the image to enlarge this test. You may either print off this page, or view it on your computer screen.

3) Position yourself 5 feet away from the chart. If you use eyeglasses for seeing far away, keep them on.

4) Test each eye separately by covering the other eye.

5) Record the numbers on the left side (eg "20/80") for the smallest line for which you can see at least three (3) of the letters reliably/confidently. Please note that this is your "distant" visual acuity.

Near test (Adult)

1) Click on the image to enlarge this test. You may either print off this page, or view it on your computer screen.

3) Position yourself so that a 30cm ruler (~1 foot) fits between the tip of your nose and the chart. If you use eyeglasses for reading, please use them for testing your near vision.

4) Test each eye separately by covering the other eye.

5) Record the numbers on the left side (eg "20/80") for the smallest line for which you can see at least two (2) of the words reliably/confidently. Please note that this is your "near" visual acuity.

Smartphone Near Vision Test

Apple (iPhone)

Android (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, etc)

Other Tests

Visual Distortion

Colour

Pediatric Testing